Systems for solar power generation and methods of constructing the same

A panel for use with a solar power generation system, the panel comprising:

• a substrate layer;
• an insulating layer adjacent and at least partially beneath the substrate layer;
• and
• an interior layer adjacent and at least partially beneath the insulating layer;
• a plurality of solar cell modules positioned on the panel substantially adjacent the substrate layer, wherein each of the modules comprises a plurality of wafer cells, wherein the wafer cells are interconnected by a plurality of ribbons, and wherein the wherein the wafer cells and ribbons are substantially encapsulated by a layer of protective material.

A method of constructing a panel for use with a solar power system, the method comprising the steps of:

• (i) stringing together and operationally connecting a plurality of solar cells;
• (ii) positioning the cells for encapsulation in a protective layer;
• (iii) encapsulating the cells in a protective layer;
• (iv) adhering a substrate layer to an intermediate layer;
• and
• (v) adhering the protective layer to the substrate layer.