Shingle-like photovoltaic modules
AssigneeNuvosun, Inc.
InventorsDavid B. Pearce, Dennis R. Hollars, Robert J. Cleereman
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A photovoltaic system comprises one or more shingle-like photovoltaic (PV) modules, each having a layer of optically transparent material adjacent to a layer of photoactive material configured to generate electricity upon exposure to light from the layer of optically transparent material. In some cases the layer of optically transparent material of each of the one or more shingle-like PV modules has a pattern of depressions in a shingle-like configuration.
Claims23
A photovoltaic module, comprising:
- a first layer of an optically transparent material that is transparent to at least a portion of incident light;
- a second layer of a water vapor barrier material adjacent to said first layer, wherein said second layer is transparent to at least a portion of light from said first layer;
- a third layer having one or more interconnected photovoltaic (PV) cells adjacent to said second layer, wherein said one or more interconnected PV cells generate power upon exposure to light directed from said first layer through said second layer to said third layer;
- and
- a fourth layer of an electrically insulating material adjacent to said third layer,
- wherein said first layer includes one or more outer surfaces that are oriented at an angle greater than zero degrees in relation to a surface of the second layer adjacent to said first layer.
(canceled)
A photovoltaic module, comprising:
- a first layer of an optically transparent material that is transparent to at least a portion of incident light, said first layer having a pattern of depressions;
- a second layer of a first moisture barrier material adjacent to said first layer, wherein said second layer is transparent to at least a portion of light from said first layer;
- a third layer having one or more interconnected photovoltaic (PV) cells adjacent to said second layer, wherein said one or more interconnected PV cells generate power upon exposure to light from said second layer;
- and
- a fourth layer of an electrically insulating material adjacent to said third layer.
(canceled)
A photovoltaic system, comprising one or more shingle-like photovoltaic modules, each shingle-like photovoltaic module of said one or more shingle-like photovoltaic modules having an embossed layer of optically transparent polymeric material adjacent to a layer of photoactive material configured to generate electricity upon exposure to light from said embossed layer.
A method for forming a shingle-like photovoltaic module, comprising providing a layer of photoactive material adjacent to an optically transparent polymeric sheet having a pattern of depressions formed therein in a shingle-like configuration, wherein said photoactive material generates electricity upon exposure to light from said optically transparent polymeric sheet.
23-24. (canceled)
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.