Photovoltaic module
OwnerJosef Joachim Gmeinerinventor
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Abstract
A photovoltaic module includes a frame with profile struts and a composite fastened to the frame. The composite has a plurality of layers such as photovoltaic cells and a transparent layer located on the photovoltaic cells. A spacing device is fastened to the frame and mounted at a first distance from an upper side of the composite and at a second distance from an end face of the composite, so as to define, between the spacing device on the one hand and the upper side and end face on the other hand, a continuous path (28) through which water can drain. A related method of modifying an existing photovoltaic module is also enclosed.
Claims19
A photovoltaic module comprising:
- a frame including profile struts;
- a composite fastened to the frame, the composite having a plurality of layers, one of the layers of the composite including a plurality of photovoltaic cells and at least one of the lavers being a transparent layer located on the photovoltaic cells, the composite having an upper side and an end face;
- a spacing device fastened to the frame at a first distance from the upper side and at a second distance from the end face, so as to define between the spacing device on the one hand, and the upper side and end face on the other hand, a continuous path through which water can drain.
A photovoltaic module according to claim 7, further including at least one spacer between the spacing device and the frame for locating the spacing device the second distance from the end face.
A method for processing a photovoltaic module having a frame including profile struts bordering a composite having a plurality of layers, one of the layers of the composite including a plurality of photovoltaic cells and at least one of the layers being a transparent layer located on the photovoltaic cells, wherein the method comprises the following steps:
- milling off at least a portion of one of the profile struts to expose an end face of the composite and an adjacent portion of an upper side of the composite;
- and
- fastening a spacing device at a first distance from the exposed adjacent portion of the upper side of the composite and at a second distance from the exposed end face of the composite, so as to create between the spacing device on the one hand, and the upper side and the end face on the other hand, a continuous path through which water can drain.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.