Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for improved roofing devices. In one embodiment of the present invention, a photovoltaic roofing assembly is provided that comprises of a roofing membrane and a plurality of photovoltaic cells supported by the roofing membrane. The photovoltaic cells may be lightweight, flexible cells formed on a lightweight foil and disposed as a layer on top of the roofing membrane. The roofing assembly may include at least one flexible encapsulant film that protects the plurality of photovoltaic cells from environmental exposure damage, wherein the encapsulant film is formed using a non-vacuum process. Optionally, the process may be a lamination process. In other embodiments, the process is a non-vacuum, non-lamination process. The resulting roofing membrane and the photovoltaic cells are constructed to be rolled up in lengths suitable for being transported to a building site for unrolling and being affixed to a roof structure.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for improved environmental protection for photovoltaic devices and assemblies. In one embodiment, the device comprises of an individually encapsulated solar cell, wherein the encapsulated solar cell includes at least one protective layer coupled to at least one surface of the solar cell. The protective layer has a chemical composition that prevents moisture from entering the solar cell and wherein light passes through the protective layer to reach an absorber layer in the solar cell.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for improved roofing devices. In one embodiment of the present invention, a photovoltaic roofing assembly is provided that comprises of a roofing membrane and a plurality of photovoltaic cells supported by the roofing membrane. The photovoltaic cells may be lightweight, flexible cells formed on a lightweight foil and disposed as a layer on top of the roofing membrane. The roofing assembly may include at least one flexible encapsulant film that protects the plurality of photovoltaic cells from environmental exposure damage, wherein the encapsulant film is formed using a non-vacuum process. Optionally, the process may be a lamination process. In other embodiments, the process is a non-vacuum, non-lamination process. The resulting roofing membrane and the photovoltaic cells are constructed to be rolled up in lengths suitable for being transported to a building site for unrolling and being affixed to a roof structure.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for improved environmental protection for photovoltaic devices and assemblies. In one embodiment, the device comprises of an individually encapsulated solar cell, wherein the encapsulated solar cell includes at least one protective layer coupled to at least one surface of the solar cell. The protective layer has a chemical composition that prevents moisture from entering the solar cell and wherein light passes through the protective layer to reach an absorber layer in the solar cell.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for improved environmental protection for photovoltaic devices and assemblies. In one embodiment, the device comprises of an individually encapsulated solar cell, wherein the encapsulated solar cell includes at least one protective layer coupled to at least one surface of the solar cell and the protective layer may be formed from a substantially inorganic material. The protective layer has a chemical composition that prevents moisture from entering the solar cell and wherein light passes through the protective layer to reach an absorber layer in the solar cell.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for improved environmental protection for photovoltaic devices and assemblies. In one embodiment, the device comprises of an individually encapsulated solar cell, wherein the encapsulated solar cell includes at least one protective layer coupled to at least one surface of the solar cell and the protective layer may be formed from a substantially inorganic material. The protective layer has a chemical composition that prevents moisture from entering the solar cell and wherein light passes through the protective layer to reach an absorber layer in the solar cell.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for improved environmental protection for photovoltaic devices and assemblies. In one embodiment, the device comprises of an individually encapsulated solar cell, wherein the encapsulated solar cell includes at least one protective layer coupled to at least one surface of the solar cell. The protective layer may be a hybrid organic/inorganic material that has a chemical composition that prevents moisture from entering the solar cell and wherein light passes through the protective layer to reach an absorber layer in the solar cell.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for improved environmental protection for photovoltaic devices and assemblies. In one embodiment, the device comprises of an individually encapsulated solar cell, wherein the encapsulated solar cell includes at least one protective layer coupled to at least one surface of the solar cell. The protective layer may be a hybrid organic/inorganic material that has a chemical composition that prevents moisture from entering the solar cell and wherein light passes through the protective layer to reach an absorber layer in the solar cell.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for improved environmental protection for photovoltaic devices and assemblies. In one embodiment, a photovoltaic device module is provided comprising of a multi-ply module encapsulant, a bottom module layer, and a plurality of solar cells. The multi-ply module encapsulant includes one or more discrete layers comprising of at least a first module layer and at least a second module layer. The plurality of solar cells may be sandwiched between the multi-ply module encapsulant and the bottom module layer. At least one of the cells has a protective layer that provides a level of moisture resistance equal to or higher than any of the layers above the cells. The protective layer is typically above the solar cell and light passes through the multi-ply module encapsulant and the protective layer to reach the solar cell.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for improved environmental protection for photovoltaic devices and assemblies. In one embodiment, a photovoltaic device module is provided comprising of a multi-ply module encapsulant, a bottom module layer, and a plurality of solar cells. The multi-ply module encapsulant includes one or more discrete layers comprising of at least a first module layer and at least a second module layer. The plurality of solar cells may be sandwiched between the multi-ply module encapsulant and the bottom module layer. At least one of the cells has a protective layer that provides a level of moisture resistance equal to or higher than any of the layers above the cells. The protective layer is typically above the solar cell and light passes through the multi-ply module encapsulant and the protective layer to reach the solar cell.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for improved environmental protection for photovoltaic devices and assemblies. In one embodiment, the device comprises of an individually encapsulated solar cell, wherein the encapsulated solar cell includes at least one protective layer coupled to at least one surface of the solar cell and the protective layer may be formed from a substantially inorganic material. The protective layer has a chemical composition that prevents moisture from entering the solar cell and wherein light passes through the protective layer to reach an absorber layer in the solar cell.