Wireless monolithic photovoltaic module
A photovoltaic cell module having decreased shading, the module is described comprising: a bottom electrode bounded by four outside edges to define a rectangle; a strip of electrically insulating material disposed on the bottom electrode proximate one of the outside edges thereof, a photovoltaic body disposed on the bottom electrode adjacent the insulating strip; a top electrode disposed on the photovoltaic body and the insulating strip in a spaced apart relationship with the bottom electrode and coextensive therewith so that the photovoltaic body and insulating strip are sandwiched there between; a plurality of electrically conductive, current-collecting, parallel, spaced grid lines associated in electrical communication with the top electrode and overlying the photovoltaic body; an electrically conductive, current-collecting bus bar overlying the insulating strip and in electrical communication with the plurality of grid lines; and an encapsulating layer of transparent, electrically insulating synthetic organic polymeric material disposed directly upon the top electrode, the plurality of grid lines, and the bus bar, the encapsulating layer having a groove formed integrally therein generally coextensive with each of the plurality of grid lines along the length thereof, the grooves being operative to diffract incident light away from the underlying grid lines so that the light illuminates adjacent portions of the photovoltaic cell module, thereby minimizing shading effects caused by the grid lines.
- Assignee:
- United Solar Systems Corp., Troy, MI (United States)
- Patent Number(s):
- US 5232519; A
- Application Number:
- PPN: US 7-828002
- OSTI ID:
- 6410682
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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