초록 ▼

A flexible encapsulated photovoltaic device is prepared by disposing photovoltaic devices on a sheet of thermoplastic material, disposing a front encapsulant material atop the devices, and disposing a bottom encapsulant layer so as to provide a multi-layered structure. The multi-layered structure is

A flexible encapsulated photovoltaic device is prepared by disposing photovoltaic devices on a sheet of thermoplastic material, disposing a front encapsulant material atop the devices, and disposing a bottom encapsulant layer so as to provide a multi-layered structure. The multi-layered structure is rolled under tension so as to compress the layers and the roll is heated to activate the thermoplastic material and bond the layers together. Additional layers may be interposed prior to rolling.

대표청구항 ▼

A method of manufacturing an encapsulated flexible photovoltaic device, said method including the steps of: providing a flexible, thin film photovoltaic device; providing a first roll of adhesive material; unwinding a portion of said first adhesive roll, while maintaining said first roll under tensi

A method of manufacturing an encapsulated flexible photovoltaic device, said method including the steps of: providing a flexible, thin film photovoltaic device; providing a first roll of adhesive material; unwinding a portion of said first adhesive roll, while maintaining said first roll under tension; disposing said photovoltaic device on said unwound portion of the tensioned first adhesive roll, such that said portion supports said device; providing a roll of flexible back encapsulant material; unwinding a portion of said flexible back encapsulant material roll, while maintaining said back encapsulant roll under tension; providing a roll of front encapsulant material; unwinding a portion of said front encapsulant material roll, while maintaining said front encapsulant roll under tension; interleaving said materials so as to provide a layered structure comprising, in order, front encapsulant material, photovoltaic device, first adhesive material, and back encapsulant material; rolling up said layered structure while maintaining tension on said rolls of materials so as to flex said photovoltaic device and to provide a tightly wound composite roll of said layered structure; and heating said roll of layered structure for a period of time sufficient to activate said adhesive material.