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Solar cell modules with improved backskin and methods for forming same

Patent ·
OSTI ID:879358
 [1]
  1. Brookline, MA
+ Show Author Affiliations

A laminated solar cell module with a backskin layer that reduces the materials and labor required during the manufacturing process. The solar cell module includes a rigid front support layer formed of light transmitting material having first and second surfaces. A transparent encapsulant layer has a first surface disposed adjacent the second surface of the front support layer. A plurality of interconnected solar cells have a first surface disposed adjacent a second surface of the transparent encapsulant layer. The backskin layer is formed of a thermoplastic olefin, which includes first ionomer, a second ionomer, glass fiber, and carbon black. A first surface of the backskin layer is disposed adjacent a second surface of the interconnected solar cells. The transparent encapsulant layer and the backskin layer, in combination, encapsulate the interconnected solar cells. An end portion of the backskin layer can be wrapped around the edge of the module for contacting the first surface of the front support layer to form an edge seal. A laminated solar cell module with a backskin layer that reduces the materials and labor required during the manufacturing process. The solar cell module includes a rigid front support layer formed of light transmitting material having first and second surfaces. A transparent encapsulant layer has a first surface disposed adjacent the second surface of the front support layer. A plurality of interconnected solar cells have a first surface disposed adjacent a second surface of the transparent encapsulant layer. The backskin layer is formed of a thermoplastic olefin, which includes first ionomer, a second ionomer, glass fiber, and carbon black. A first surface of the backskin layer is disposed adjacent a second surface of the interconnected solar cells. The transparent encapsulant layer and the backskin layer, in combination, encapsulate the interconnected solar cells. An end portion of the backskin layer can be wrapped around the edge of the module for contacting the first surface of the front support layer to form an edge seal.

Research Organization:
Photovoltaic Manufacturing Technology
Assignee:
Evergreen Solar, Inc. (Waltham, MA)
Patent Number(s):
US 5741370
Application Number:
08/671415
OSTI ID:
879358
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

References (7)

Viscoelastic and Morphological Study of Ionic Aggregates in Ionomers and Ionomer Blends journal July 1994
Solution properties of ionomers. 2. Simple salt effect journal March 1989
Structure and properties of ethylene ionomers neutralized with binary metal cations journal March 1994
Development of 2.7 mil BSF and BSFR silicon wrapthrough solar cells conference January 1990
Emitter Wrap-Through solar cell report December 1992
Poly(methyl methacrylate) Based Ionomers. 1. Dynamic Mechanical Properties and Morphology journal May 1995
Fatigue behavior of ionomers. 3. Effect of excess neutralizing agent on sulfonated polystyrene ionomers journal November 1990

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