Abstract: A functional device includes in succession: a first protective film on the front face of the device, with Young's modulus (YM) E1 and thermal dilatation coefficient (TDC) CTE1, a first exterior encapsulation film, with YM E2 and TDC CTE2, an interior encapsulation film, with YM E3 and TDC CTE3, a second exterior encapsulation film, with YM E4 and TDC CTE4, a second plate on the rear face of the device, with YM E5 and TDC CTE5, E1 and E5 being similar or identical, E2 and E4 being similar or identical, E1>E2 and E4<E5, CTE1 and CTE5 being similar or identical, CTE2 and CTE4 being similar or identical, CTE1<CTE2 and CTE4>CTE5, and one film of the first exterior encapsulation film, the interior encapsulation film and the second exterior encapsulation film encapsulating the active elements; and method for producing a functional traversable surface.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a photovoltaic module containing at least one first transparent layer forming the front face of the module, a plurality of photovoltaic cells, an encapsulating assembly encapsulating the plurality of photovoltaic cells, a second layer forming the rear face of the module, characterized in that at least one of the first and second layers is composed of a polymer material, in which recesses are formed that constitute expansion joints, produced as a one-piece component, and in that the recesses are at least partially occupied by a “soft” joining material having a Young's modulus less than that of the polymer material of the at least one of the first and second layers and a thickness less than or equal to that of the at least one of the first and second layers. The recesses are at least partially through-recesses.