Photovoltaic window assembly
AssigneeUnited Solar Systems Corporation
InventorsPrem Nath, Avtar Singh
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A photovoltaic window assembly suitable for use in building and vehicular applications. The window assembly includes an optically-transmissive substrate having one or more photovoltaic devices disposed thereon. A decorative template having cut-outs coextensive with each of the photovoltaic devices is disposed on the substrate such that the photovoltaic devices extend through the cut-outs. A window opening is also formed in the decorative template for transmission of light. An encapsulating layer is formed on the substrate, solar cells and decorative template to protect the solar cells and assembly from environmental damage and deterioration.
Claims17
A modular photovoltaic window assembly comprising:
- a rigid or semi-rigid, optically-transmissive substrate;
- at least one large area photovoltaic device disposed on and overlying a portion of said substrate and including at least one electrical connector in electrical communication with said photovoltaic device and disposed proximate an edge thereof;
- a decorative template disposed on said substrate and having a first aperture coextensive with said photovoltaic device such that said first aperture exposes all but said electrical connector thereof, and a second aperture defining a window opening;
- and
- a layer of optically-transmissive, environmentally-impervious material encapsulating said photovoltaic device and said substrate.
A photovoltaic sunroof module for use with a motor vehicle, said module comprising:
- a rigid, optically-transmissive substrate;
- at least one large area photovoltaic device disposed on and overlying a portion of said substrate;
- a decorative template disposed adjacent said photovoltaic device and having means forming a first aperture coextensive with said photovoltaic device and a second aperture defining a window opening;
- an encapsulating layer of optically transmissive material disposed on said substrate, photovoltaic device and template;
- an optically-transmissive polymeric coating disposed on said impervious layer;
- and
- an electrical connector in electrical communication with said photovoltaic device for electrical communication with the electrical system of said motor vehicle,
- wherein said first aperture exposes all of said device except for said connector thereof.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.