Abstract: This invention relates to a photovoltaic device with a polymeric mat and a method of making a photovoltaic device with a polymeric mat. The photovoltaic device includes a transparent layer for receiving solar energy, and at least one photovoltaic cell disposed below the transparent layer. The photovoltaic device also includes a polymeric mat disposed below the at least one photovoltaic cell, and a backsheet disposed below the polymeric mat. The photovoltaic device also includes an encapsulant bonding the transparent layer, the at least one photovoltaic cell, the polymeric mat, and the backsheet.

Abstract: Photovoltaic module failure detection devices and methods provide reliable, low cost, and effective solutions with visual indication of a temperature of diodes during installation, commissioning, operation, and/or maintenance. Indication of diode temperatures and/or detection of diode failures assures proper installation, improves output, expedites maintenance, increases safety, and/or raises reliability. A photovoltaic module for converting light into electricity includes one or more solar cells, and a transparent front sheet disposed over the one or more solar cells. The photovoltaic module includes a back sheet opposite the transparent front sheet, and one or more electrical circuits with one or more diodes connected to at least a portion of the one or more solar cells. The module includes one or more temperature indication devices in communication with at least a portion of the one or more diodes and disposed between the transparent front sheet and the back sheet.

Abstract: This invention relates to a photovoltaic device with a polymeric mat and a method of making a photovoltaic device with a polymeric mat. The photovoltaic device includes a transparent layer for receiving solar energy, and at least one photovoltaic cell disposed below the transparent layer. The photovoltaic device also includes a polymeric mat disposed below the at least one photovoltaic cell, and a backsheet disposed below the polymeric mat. The photovoltaic device also includes an encapsulant bonding the transparent layer, the at least one photovoltaic cell, the polymeric mat, and the backsheet.

Abstract: This invention relates to a frame for mounting a solar panel where a tubular frame member has a generally triangular cross section. The frame member includes a riser element, a span element and a truss element. 5 The frame meets the IEC 61215, Second edition standard for wind and snow loadings without significantly increasing the weight of the solar module compared to conventional frames with an open channel. This invention also relates to an array of solar modules mounted on a structure as well as a method of mounting the frame with a connection channel for slidably accepting an anchor.

Abstract: A sealed photovoltaic module comprising: a first substrate, a second substrate, at least one photovoltaic element positioned between the first and second substrates, and an edge seal between the first and second substrates positioned at or near an edge of and between the substrates, the edge seal comprising a moisture resistive material.

Abstract: A moss and debris removal device having an elongated member with a top edge and a bottom edge wherein the top edge and bottom edge have teeth. A line is mounted to the elongated member. The elongated member has a plurality of holes. In one embodiment, the teeth of the top edge and bottom edge of the elongated member have a V-shaped cross section.

Abstract: This invention is a layered thin film semiconductor device comprising a first transparent layer; a thin, second transparent layer having a conductivity less than the first transparent layer; an n-type layer; and a p-type layer comprising one or more IIB and VIA elements. This invention is also a method for making such semiconductor device. The thin film semiconductor devices of this invention are useful for making photovoltaic devices.

Abstract: This invention relates to solar panels with improved encapsulants and back sheets for greater power output and/or increased efficiency by using materials with higher thermal conductivity than conventional solar panels. According to certain embodiments the improved materials include fillers while maintaining sufficient dielectric properties. According to certain other embodiments, the invention includes a solar panel with the improved encapsulant between solar cells and the improved back sheet. The invention also includes a method of making a solar panel including the improved materials. The invention also includes solar modules and methods related to encapsulants and the back sheets including filler materials with an enhanced particle size distribution, a brightening agent, or an infrared extinguisher.

Abstract: This invention relates to solar panels with improved encapsulants and backsheets for greater power output and/or increased efficiency by using materials with higher thermal conductivity than conventional solar panels. According to certain embodiments the improved materials include fillers while maintaining sufficient dielectric properties. According to certain other embodiments, the invention includes a solar panel with the improved encapsulant between solar cells and the improved backsheet. The invention also includes a method of making a solar panel including the improved materials.

Abstract: A photovoltaic module having reliable connections between internal electrical terminals and output cables. The module is comprised of a backing sheet and a cover transparent sheet with a bus bar positioned therebetween. A plurality of photovoltaic (PV) cells are connected in series which, in turn, are connected to a positive and a negative terminal on the bus bar. Male connectors are connected to the positive and the negative terminals. The components are then laminated to form the module with the male connectors inside the backing sheet. To expose the male connectors, openings are formed through the backing sheet and the tapered ends of the male connectors are bent outward to be mated with female connectors on the respective cables. The connections are then soldered to provide output connections for the module.

Abstract: This invention is a layered thin film semiconductor device comprising a first transparent layer; a thin, second transparent layer having a conductivity less than the first transparent layer; an n-type layer; and a p-type layer comprising one or more IIB and VIA elements. This invention is also a method for making such semiconductor device. The thin film semiconductor devices of this invention are useful for making photovoltaic devices.

Abstract: A sealed photovoltaic module comprising: a first substrate, a second substrate, at least one photovoltaic element positioned between the first and second substrates, and an edge seal between the first and second substrates positioned at or near an edge of and between the substrates, the edge seal comprising a moisture resistive material.

Abstract: This invention is a layered thin film semiconductor device comprising a first transparent layer; a thin, second transparent layer having a conductivity less than the first transparent layer; an n-type layer; and a p-type layer comprising one or more IIB and VIA elements. This invention is also a method for making such semiconductor device. The thin film semiconductor devices of this invention are useful for making photovoltaic devices.