Abstract: A photovoltaic module comprising one or more photovoltaic cells packaged between a light-facing layer and a backside layer, wherein the light-facing layer comprises antimony-doped glass.

Abstract: A structure for mounting a planar array of photovoltaic panels to a roof is formed from a set of parallel spaced juxtaposed rails which are intersected by a set of parallel spaced juxtaposed runners that extend perpendicular to the rails. Both the runners and the rails are formed of sheet metal and are shaped in cross section so as to partially surround a space. Both the rails and the runners have upwardly opening apertures bordered by flanges. The flanges of the rails are coplanar with the flanges of the runners. The photovoltaic modules rest on the flanges, thereby covering the apertures and enclosing the space within the rails and the runners. This space serves as a protective raceway for the electrical interconnections and wiring. Because the entire structure is a single electrical conductor, grounding of the modules is simplified. Compared to other mounting systems, the structure is lighter in weight, simpler to install, extremely strong, and protective of the electrical interconnections.

Abstract: A termination system for a solar panel of the type in which the photoactive material and a silver terminal pad are covered by a protective layer of an insulative material includes a hole through the protective layer exposing a portion of the silver pad and further includes a terminal body having a base that is bonded to the protective layer and having a bore extending through the terminal body and concentric with the hole in the protective layer, and further including a compression spring inserted into the bore in the terminal body and bearing against the silver pad and urged against the silver pad by a sphere that is moved toward the silver panel through the bore in the terminal body by advancing a set screw. The sphere ensures that as the set screw is turned no torque is imparted to the spring. The resulting termination is inexpensive and easy to make, and it provides a good solderless contact with the silver pad and is mechanically robust and hermetically sealed.

Abstract: A suspended arrangement of juxtaposed individual tilting compartments, made of a plurality of shelving compartments, each placed onto a flat, rectangular or square panel articulated around an axle parallel to one of its longitudinal sides and in the vicinity of the latter, on two pieces fixedly mounted on two lateral ends of the panel, with means being provided to lock the panels in the horizontal position and to limit their opening in the downward direction essentially to the vertical, the panels are aligned side by side at very small distances, without any stationary structural elements being interposed between them in the direction of their orthogonal alignment with the tilting axles.