초록

A photovoltaic panel is supported, sealed and isolated from the environment by being encased in a reaction injection molded elastomer which encapsulates the back, sides and a portion of the front side of the photovoltaic panel.

대표청구항 ▼

A method for forming an elastomeric casing on a predetermined portion of a thin film photovoltaic panel having front and back sides and edges forming a perimeter, and at least one thin film photovoltaic cell capable of converting radiation incident the front side of the panel to electrical energy, t

A method for forming an elastomeric casing on a predetermined portion of a thin film photovoltaic panel having front and back sides and edges forming a perimeter, and at least one thin film photovoltaic cell capable of converting radiation incident the front side of the panel to electrical energy, the method comprising the steps of: placing the thin film photovoltaic panel in a mold having interior walls which cooperate with said predetermined portion of the panel to define a cavity encompassing the perimeter and the back side of the panel; and introducing a flowable reaction injection molding material into the cavity and curing said material to form a unitary elastomeric casing which encapsulates the entire back side and perimeter edges of the panel and forms a seal against a portion of the front side of the panel bordering the perimeter.