Abstract: A thin film photovoltaic panel and a method for making same including providing a photovoltaic layer on a substrate having at least one edge; a sealant is applied in a liquid form by a pump on a planar surface of the substrate; an adhesive layer is applied between the first substrate and the second substrate, wherein the first adhesive layer is disposed between the photovoltaic layer and at least one of the first and second substrate; and the first and second are secured together to form the thin film photovoltaic panel. The sealant layer includes a desiccant material having a concentration of less than about 20 weight %, which increases the diffusion time lag time for the sealant to reach steady state, thereby extending the duration of the thin film photovoltaic panel.