Abstract: Disclosed is an automobile roof structure, which comprises a pair of right and left roof side rails 1, a transparent roof panel 4 attached to cover a space between the roof side rails 1, a sun shade 5 disposed slidably along a bottom surface of the transparent roof panel 4, and a shade support member 6 for supporting the sun shade 5 in a slidingly movable manner. Each of the roof side rails 1 includes a rail outer panel 7 and a rail inner panel 8 formed, respectively, with roof flanges 14, 15 which are oriented to protrude in a laterally inward direction of an automobile body and joined together. The roof flanges 14, 15, a lateral peripheral portion of the transparent roof panel 4, and the shade support member 6, are disposed within a given positioning zone where they overlap each other in top plan view.

Abstract: A vehicle roof assembly is provided including a substantially transparent panel having an outer periphery and opposing inner and outer surfaces. The roof assembly also includes a preformed, one-piece support member having opposing upper and lower surfaces defining an opening, and a stepped region configured to mate with and thereby support the substantially transparent panel such that the substantially transparent panel covers the opening and the outer surface is flush with the upper surface of the support member. A trim member is disposed about the outer periphery of the substantially transparent panel to create a water-tight seal. The stepped region preferably extends continuously about an inner periphery of the support member to engage with the entire outer periphery of the substantially transparent panel. A headliner trim member preferably attaches a headliner to the stepped region such that the support member is substantially nonvisibile from the inside of the vehicle.

Abstract: A process for producing a cover (11) with a glass pane (14) for a motor vehicle roof, in which, first, a combination film (10) with a shatter prevention film and electrical function elements (22, 24, 26, 28, 30) integrated into the combination film is produced, and then, the combination film is securely attached to a side of the pane, e.g., the side facing the vehicle interior. Furthermore the invention relates to a cover for a motor vehicle roof produced in this manner.

Abstract: A covering module (04, 05, 09, 19, 29, 48, 60) is provided for arrangement on the inside of the roof of a vehicle. The covering module (04, 05, 09, 19, 29, 48, 60) covers the inside of the roof in the area of the sheet metal car body (02) at least partially, in particular essentially completely. All function elements to be provided overhead from the passengers in the vehicle are completely preassembled on the covering module (04, 05, 09, 19, 29, 48, 60).

Abstract: A convertible having a roof is provided with stiff parts, at least one rear roof part, and an upper roof part, which is mounted in front of the rear roof part relative to the direction of travel in the closed state and is located above a passenger area. The upper roof part of the convertible encompasses an at least substantially transparent plate member which can be displaced counter to the direction of travel like a sliding roof; is held parallel to a rear window that is embraced by the rear roof part in the open position thereof; and can be moved along with the roof in the parallel position in order to be opened and closed.

Abstract: A vehicle roof assembly is provided including a glass roof that has an outer surface, an opposing inner surface and edge surfaces defining a periphery therebetween. Trim members are configured to abut the edge surfaces when the glass roof is supported at the inner surface. The glass roof and trim members are preferably of sufficient size to extend from the front windshield to a rear window of the vehicle when the trim members abut the edge surfaces. Additionally, a method of retrofitting a vehicle is provided.

Abstract: A motor vehicle roof with a roof plate which has a transparent plastic area to which a peripheral plastic edge is molded which is used especially as a cover visor and which extends downward.

Abstract: There is provided an automotive sun visor device in which an opening 2b of a sunroof 4 is formed in a front portion of a roof panel 2 constituting the upper part of a vehicle body 1, a slide member 17c slidable in the longitudinal direction is provided on the cabin inside of the sunroof 4 in which the opening 2b is covered by an extending portion 5a of a windshield glass 5, and a sun visor body 16 for blocking bright sunlight coming from the front is installed to the slide member 17c so as to be turnable in the up-and-down direction. When the sun visor body 16 is not in use, the sun visor body 16 is moved to the rear of the sunroof 4, by which the sunroof 4 is not closed by the sun visor body 16. Therefore, a large open space can be obtained in front of the head of passenger, especially, on the front seat, and thereby the comfort in the cabin is enhanced significantly.

Abstract: Roof module (1) which is designed for covering an opening (102) made in a roof (101) of a motor vehicle (100), the opening (102) extending in the transverse direction between two lateral roof elements (103, 104) and in the lengthwise direction between a front roof element (107) and a rear roof element (108), characterized in that the roof module (1) forms an installation unit which has: a glass pane (2) a darkening device (20), and a support brace (13) which has a motor gear (15) for driving the darkening device (20, 30).

Abstract: A glass cover (10) for closing the opening of a motor vehicle roof, with a pane (14) of safety glass which is at least partially transparent has an at least partially transparent shatterproofing film (30) attached to the bottom of the pane or to the bottom of a solar cell composite (60, 62) which is located on the bottom of the pane, and the shatterproofing film having a defined surface structure which is not flat.

Abstract: A modular vehicle roof, in particular motor vehicle roof, is proposed which has a strong outer roof skin as its outer shell and an inner shell of foamed plastics connected firmly thereto, preferably foamed thereon, in the manner of the sandwich. A preferably transparent panel of glass or plastics, which allows light to reach the vehicle interior, is inserted into the vehicle roof and attached and sealed thereto in a particular way, approximately flush with the outer surface. The modular vehicle roof is simple and economic to produce, is light and has only a small structural height.

Abstract: The object of the invention is an arrangement in hatch structure (1) to be installed in a vehicle body (2). The arrangement comprises a hatch, the edges of which are bent downwards, which hatch is mainly horizontal when in the closed position, an opening (6) in the vehicle body (2), which opening (6) is smaller than the said hatch, a packing (4) for sealing the hatch and the opening (6) in relation to each other when the hatch is closed, and a hatch operating mechanism that incorporates at least one body part (7), which has sliding faces (8, 18) for a slide (9) on which the slide (9) rests, a lever (11) that is connected to the slide (9) by means of a first joint (12) and is supported near the edge of the opening (6) in the vehicle body (2) by means of a second joint (13), and a compression spring (10) located in the slide bed, which compression spring constantly exerts force on the slide (9) so as to push it.

Abstract: A vehicle ceiling lining structure is provided. Each ceiling lining structure includes a frame formed in accordance with a section of a ceiling of an aircraft, a fabric attached to the frame, and mounts for attaching the frame to the ceiling. The structure includes a light that is attached to the frame in order to backlight the fabric. A light enhancement film is attached to the frame for dispersing the light. A back panel is attached to the frame to keep condensation away from the vehicle cabin. The frame includes one or more molded plastic parts that allow quick release from the mounts.

Abstract: A transparent roof structure in a vehicle which includes a roof glass (100) which includes a reinforced net layer and a net glass layer (110) which is formed of a first glass layer (114) and a second glass layer (116) formed in an upper and lower surface of the reinforced net layer (112), respectively, a pillar glass (200) which is formed of the net glass layer (110) and is extended from a front end corner of the roof glass (100) in a slanted downward direction, a wind shield (300) which is formed of a transparent glass and is extended from a front end of the roof glass (100) and an inner end of the pillar glass (200), a supporter (500) which includes a holder portion (510) having a glass engaging groove (512) to which a lower portion of the windshield (300) is engaged and an engaging portion (520) which is extended from the holder portion (510).

Abstract: A variable opacity sunscreen. The sunscreen includes sunshade body having a plurality of apertures therethrough. A blade slidable relative to the sunshade body is provided. The blade includes a plurality of apertures and a blade slot therethrough. The sunscreen further includes a lever cooperable with the blade slot to slide the blade relative to the sunshade body so that the apertures and the blade move relative to the apertures in the sunshade body to vary the opacity of a sunscreen across its entire surface or a part thereof.

Abstract: A sunshade for a roof assembly in a vehicle includes a substrate having a plurality of tube members arranged parallel to each other. The axes of the tube members are positioned at an oblique angle relative to a plane of the substrate. The oblique orientation reduces the amount of light flow into the vehicle through the opening across which the sunshade extends. In one example, polygonal tube members establish a honeycomb-like structure that is rigid and self-supporting. The inventive sunshade allows for reduced light transmission through an opening in a vehicle while still allowing ventilation through that opening.

Abstract: A roof module for a motor vehicle and a process of producing a roof module which includes at least two flat roof covers located adjacent to one another and which are joined to one another using a tool which disperses a peripheral foam material.

Abstract: A modular vehicle window assembly is provided which has attached thereto interior vehicle accessories. In a preferred embodiment, the window panel assembly includes a window panel disposed within or covering a window opening formed in the vehicle. The window panel may optionally contain a conventional gasket or sealing structure to provide a weather-tight seal in the window opening. Supported on and interconnecting to the interior surface of the window panel are any one of a number of different accessory configurations, including centerline, island, and peninsular overhead consoles providing storage space, overhead lighting, and air conditioning vents for use by the occupants. Other accessories which may be used include an instrument display assembly, a control assembly, a window shade assembly, and a hand-hold assembly.

Abstract: The invention relates to glazings adapted for automotive vehicle roofs. The glazing according to the invention comprises: a first sheet of glass on the external face of the roof; a second sheet of glass at at least a portion of the internal surface arranged towards the interior; an intermediate sheet of one or more traditional thermoplastic materials used for forming laminated glazings, which extends at least over the surfaces of the sheet of glass which face each other; functional non-transparent elements arranged under the first sheet of glass; the transparent laminated portion having a luminous transmittance of less than 35 percent and an energy transmittance less than 20 percent.

Abstract: An integrated grab rail and map light assembly including a handle portion that is secured to a vehicle roof by first and second mounting members disposed adjacent first and second ends of the handle portion, respectively. A light receptacle extends from a second end of the handle portion and has a light assembly disposed therein. The light assembly is covered by a lens that also covers the second mounting member. The lens is pushed to actuate the light assembly.

Abstract: A sunshade arrangement for a transparent motor vehicle part, especially for a motor vehicle roof with a transparent roof section. The sunshade arrangement has at least one sunshade element which is located on the motor vehicle part or under the roof section, which can be extended to the front edge and/or the rear edge of the motor vehicle part or a roof cutout, and which is movably supported in the lengthwise direction of the motor vehicle so as be movable both in an at least partially extended position and also in the retracted position.

Abstract: A vehicle roof module is proposed, consisting of a transparent roof skin, constituting the outer shell of a sandwich structure, and of an inner shell of the sandwich structure, the special feature thereof being that the inner shell is molded in the manner of a frame and is provided only in the edge area of the outer shell, thereby forming a panoramic transparent surface, a sun-blind being arranged beneath the transparent surface, which is held on the inner shell by elements foamed into the frame-type inner shell.

Abstract: A variable shade sun screen having first and second relatively movable sheets with alignable or offsetable matrices of translucent and opaque portions to selectively vary the opacity of the sun screen. The invention can be used in a sun visor, a sunroof, or adjacent any vehicle surface.

Abstract: A motor vehicle roof including a front roof opening and a rear roof opening, a movable front cover for covering the front roof opening, the movable front cover being movably guided on a frame member and substantially transparent with a nonviewing area and a viewing area to allow viewing of objects through the front cover, a stationary rear cover for covering the rear roof opening, the stationary rear roof cover being supported on the frame and substantially transparent with a nonviewing area and a viewing area to allow viewing of objects through the stationary rear cover, and solar cells provided proximate to at least one of the nonviewing area of the movable front cover and the nonviewing area of the stationary rear cover.

Abstract: A device for changing the passage of light through a window, especially through a transparent cover of a motor vehicle roof toward the motor vehicle interior, by at least two strip-shaped grid structures which are arranged to be able to move on top of one another. In order to achieve adjustable light effects, especially in a motor vehicle interior, at least one grid structure is formed from alternately transparent and opaque strips and another grid structure is formed from at least two colored strips of different color in a repeating sequence and the mutual positioning of the grid structures can be set by an actuating means.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a vehicle roof with adjustable light transmitting sections to control the interior spectral radiation environment, including at least one first section for high ultraviolet transmission; and, at least one second section for high transmission of visible and infrared light while blocking part of the ultraviolet radiation; a frame to hold said first and second sections in place; and means for positioning said sections relative to each other. In another embodiment a third section is provided with differing spectral transmission than said first and second sections is provided together with means for moving said third section relative to said first and second sections.

Abstract: A cover for a motor vehicle roof has a cover plate, a plastic frame which is foamed or injected around the edge of the cover plate, and that forms an edge gap seal on the outside edge of the plastic frame. The plastic frame on the outside edge has a groove which is open to the bottom and which is bordered to the outside by a lip which forms the edge gap seal and in which there is a plastic insert of a material which is softer than the material of the plastic frame. Further, it is a process for producing one such cover in which the plastic frame is injected or foamed on the edge of the cover plate, optionally with inclusion of the edge area of the reinforcing frame, and in which in the course of injection or foaming the plastic frame or in a subsequent step the plastic insert is placed in the groove of the plastic frame.

Abstract: A multi-part hollow chamber seal for sealing a rectangular cover (10) relative to the edge of a rectangular motor vehicle roof opening with a connecting part for connecting a sealing part (14) which runs around a curved comer to a sealing part (13) which adjoins it via a seam, in the form of a connecting tube (21) which penetrates the seam and which is inserted into the hollow chambers (19,20) of the two sealing parts (13,14). The connecting tube (21) extends along the entire bend of the sealing part (14) which runs around the comer.

Abstract: According to the present invention, there is provided an automotive sunshade panel formed from a metallic hollow panel and having flanged edges and a two-dimensional curved surface or a three-dimensional curved surface formed at least partially of its central portion excepting the peripheries of the metallic hollow panel. For use in the present invention, a fabric may be laminated to at least one side of the metallic hollow panel. The metallic hollow panel is formed into a one-side inflated Roll-Bond panel, a both-side inflated Roll-Bond panel, a both-side flat three-layer Roll-Bond panel or a honeycomb panel. In order to obtain such an automotive sunshade panel of the present invention, the metallic hollow panel is first bent in the roll circumferential direction (Y—Y axis) by means of twin rolls consisting of a rigid roll and an elastic roll, and then is subjected to a flanging process in which its longitudinal edges are flanged by press forming or roll forming.

Abstract: An open roof construction for a vehicle having a roof opening that can be closed by a movable closure element. A sliding sunscreen is positioned under the closure element, wherein the sunscreen at least partially is a material that exhibits variable light transmission. The light transmission can be varied automatically or manually.

Abstract: A modular vehicle window assembly is provided which has attached thereto interior vehicle accessories. In a preferred embodiment, the window panel assembly includes a window panel disposed within or covering a window opening formed in the vehicle. The window panel may optionally contain a conventional gasket or sealing structure to provide a weather-tight seal in the window opening. Supported on and interconnecting to the interior surface of the window panel are any one of a number of different accessory configurations, including centerline, island, and peninsular overhead consoles providing storage space, overhead lighting, and air conditioning vents for use by the occupants. Other accessories which may be used include an instrument display assembly, a control assembly, a window shade assembly, and a hand-hold assembly.

Abstract: A window panel assembly for use in a vehicle includes a window panel having interior and exterior surfaces and a power strip attached to the interior surface of the window panel. The power strip includes a channel receiving an electrically powered accessory such as a map light. The accessory is movable to a number of positions within the channel to accommodate the needs of a vehicle occupant. Preferably, the assembly is used in the roof area of the vehicle such that the accessory is supported overhead of the passenger compartment. An opaque frit layer may be included on the window panel to conceal the power strip when the assembly is viewed from the exterior.

Abstract: An overhead guard for a vehicle, in the form of a cab for a lift truck, that affords both protection and a high degree of overhead visibility with a relatively open grille work of steel bar and an impact-resistant glazing sheet. The glazing sheet is sandwiched between a rigid framework and a sheet metal panel having a large cutout for the overhead view. Gusset plates reinforce the corners of the framework and provide convenient mounting locations for an air circulating fan. Threshold adaptor brackets are mounted in step pockets of the vehicle chassis to simplify the door structure while permitting the cab to be effectively sealed from the environment when the doors are closed.

Abstract: A chromogenic window panel assembly, and a chromogenic skylight each includes an outer panel and a chromogenic member having an optical property which varies according to an applied signal. A chromogenic light pipe includes a light harvesting member and a chromogenic member having an optical property which varies according to an applied signal. A chromogenic vehicle sunroof, a chromogenic aircraft window assembly, and a chromogenic window assembly each includes a panel having a particular panel contour corresponding to a surface contour and a chromogenic panel having an optical property which varies according to an applied signal. A chromogenic block includes two panels and a chromogenic panel having an optical property which varies according to an applied signal.

Abstract: A modular vehicle window assembly is provided which has attached thereto interior vehicle accessories. In a preferred embodiment, the window panel assembly includes a window panel disposed within or covering a window opening formed in the vehicle. The window panel may optionally contain a conventional gasket or sealing structure to provide a weather-tight seal in the window opening. Supported on and interconnecting to the interior surface of the window panel are any one of a number of different accessory configurations, including centerline, island, and peninsular overhead consoles providing storage space, overhead lighting, and air conditioning vents for use by the occupants. Other accessories which may be used include an instrument display assembly, a control assembly, a window shade assembly, and a hand-hold assembly.

Abstract: A pane with low energy transmission. The pane has a laminated structure of at least one glass sheet tinted in its mass and preferably having antisolar properties, and at least one sheet of polymer material containing a UV-absorbent, the at least one glass sheet and at least one sheet of polymer material being chosen to give a light transmission factor TL.sub.A of less than 60%, an energy transmission factor TE such that the ratio TL.sub.A /TE is greater than 1 and a transmission factor TUV less than 0.5%, the total thickness of the pane being preferably between 2.5 and 8 mm. The application of the pane, notably, as a lateral pane, rear window pane, roof or sun roof for transportation vehicle is disclosed.

Abstract: A composite roof having a core encapsulated in multiple layers of fiber reinforced plastic is provided. The composite roof may be mounted on a conventional railway car during initial manufacture or used to replace a damaged steel roof on a conventional railway car. The layers of fiber reinforced plastic provide non-corrosive and non-leaking exterior and interior surfaces for the composite roof. The core may be formed from various materials which provide improved resistance to heat transfer between the interior and the exterior of an associated railway car. The composite roof may be mounted on an enclosed structure having a pair of end walls, a pair of side walls and a floor. An opening may be formed in each side wall to allow access to the interior of the railway car. A top retainer and guide rail assembly will typically be mounted above each opening to allow installing a door to control access through the respective opening.

Abstract: A pane with low energy transmission. The pane has a laminated structure of at least one glass sheet tinted in its mass and preferably having antisolar properties, and at least one sheet of polymer material containing a UV-absorbent, the at least one glass sheet and at least one sheet of polymer material being chosen to give a light transmission factor TL.sub.A of less than 60%, an energy transmission factor TE such that the ratio TL.sub.A /TE is greater than 1 and a transmission factor TUV less than 0.5%, the total thickness of the pane being preferably between 2.5 and 8 mm. The application of the pane, notably, as a lateral pane, rear window pane, roof or sun roof for transportation vehicle is disclosed.

Abstract: A passenger car body includes a top constructed as a roof which covers a passenger compartment above a belt line of the body. So that the occupants have particularly good viewing conditions while the venting of the passenger compartment is good, the removable top has roof frames which bound the side windows and between which--viewed in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle--there extend several transparent roof sections.

Abstract: A mobile unit for fabricating solid surface construction materials is provided, and is characteristically equipped in the manner of a portable fabrication shop and is brought directly to a worksite. Therefore, solid surface construction materials can be fabricated onsite, instead of at a remote fabrication shop. In the fabrication process according to the present invention, dimensional information is laid out directly onto the solid surface material stock. This eliminates the frequently inaccurate use of a temporary template, as in the known art.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a guide mechanism for plates and a sun protection system under a translucent sun roof in an automobile. The invention comprises at least two plates having guide blocks non-rigidly attached thereto and provided at each end of the plates. The guide blocks are adapted to slide within two opposing guide tracks located within guide sections in the roof of the automobile. Each of the guide blocks includes an elastic spring device which coacts with the plate whereby uneven torque forces caused by sliding of the plates and which causes friction at the guide track is minimized.

Abstract: A passenger car body includes a removable top constructed as a roof which covers a passenger compartment above a belt line of the body. So that the occupants have particularly good viewing conditions while the venting of the passenger compartment is good, the removable top has roof frames which bound the side windows and between which--viewed in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle--there extend several transparent roof sections.

Abstract: Solar roof for motor vehicles with a solar generator having solar cells for supplying power to a power consumer and/or a battery and with a D.C. converter for impedance matching between the solar generator and the consumer and/or battery. The D.C. converter is a flat module and is integrated into the solar cell carrying roof panel.

Abstract: A panel system with variable light transmissiveness is formed of two essentially parallel transparent panels, and a seal encircling both panels. A cavity, defined by the panels and the seal, communicates with a liquid reservoir, from which liquid can be conveyed into the cavity by a transport element for the purpose of changing the distance between the panels by changing the thickness of the liquid layer between the panels. In order to render the panel system suitable for usage in a cover of a vehicle sliding/lifting roof, the liquid reservoir and the transport element, which is driven by a pole-reversible electric motor, are supported at an inner cover plate, which has an undercut in an edge portion in which an electrical contact element for establishing a conductive connection between the electric motor and the vehicle battery is disposed.

Abstract: A vehicle roof having a glass lid is framed by a two-part lid frame, a glass pane of which is coated on its lower face with a thin, lattice-like sunshield, preferably applied by the screen printing process. A multilayer closure plate, slidably guided at the lateral longitudinal members of the lid frame, bears from below against the sunshield, the thin closure plate layers of which possess a corresponding lattice-like structure. The closure plate layers are displaceable upon one another and can be displaced or set one after another to provide an infinitely variable cover or exposure of the light apertures of large area of the sunshield. A drive apparatus provides for a corresponding displacement drive of the individual closure plate layers.

Abstract: In a glass lid (1) for a vehicle roof opening, the glass pane (2) is provided in its edge zone all around with a cast-on or foamed-on plastics border (3). At least at the longer sides of the glass pane (2), curved correspondingly to the roof curvature, stiffening profiles (4, 5) of steel, supporting the glass pane from below, are embedded into the border (3). The stiffening profiles (4, 5) have, before embedding, a curvature different from that of the glass pane and, in the completed lid (1), are elastically bent corresponding to the curvature of the glass pane so that they are embedded with prestress in the border (3), in order to counteract uplift forces acting upon the lid (1) while the vehicle is travelling, in the sense of maintaining the shape of the lid (1).

Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle roof having a light-transmissive cover, which has at least one outside panel, and having a device for varying the light-transmissibility of the cover. A light-transmissive cover of flat construction and easy actuation, whose light transmissibility can be steplessly regulated over a wide range, is achieved by integrating a device of darkening elements into a transparent cover, which is of extremely flat construction, is lightweight, mechanically easy to activate, and has a short regulating distance. Especially advantageous is a device whose darkening elements are formed by two superposed polarization films that are movable relative to each other. Such a configuration facilitates a particularly flat construction, and the light transmissibility of the cover is practically steplessly adjustable in a range of 0%-100%.

Abstract: A selective opacity, maximally transverse retracting sunroof system for a vehicle roof is retrofitted to a vehicle by removing most of the original vehicle roof side rails and attaching thereto a strut assembly capable of supporting a self-contained sunroof mechanism to be attached thereto. The sunroof panel of the mechanism then is capable of covering the vehicle roof aperture from side rail-to-side rail. To decrease the undesired effects of a large, clear roof, the sunroof panel opacity may be chosen by the operator. Opacity of the panel is electrically controlled and provision is made for supplying power to the sunroof panel throughout its range of movement. A second, selective opacity roof panel may be used in the vehicle roof structure to maximize the light transmitting area of the roof.

Abstract: An electrochromic window/glazing assembly disclosed which reduces the transmission of near-infrared and ultraviolet radiation while protecting against risk of laceration or chemical contact if broken/damaged, against ultraviolet (UV) radiation degradation, and against fogging or misting in high humidity conditions. The window assembly may include a pair of glass or other elements confining an electrochromic medium therebetween for varying the light transmittance through the assembly. Transmission of near-infrared radiation is reduced by a reflector incorporating at least one semitransparent, elemental, thin metal film. Preferably, the thin metal film has a physical thickness of between about 80 angstroms to about 300 angstroms and of sheet electrical resistance of no greater than about 8 ohms/square, and is sandwiched between optically transparent thin metal compound films to form a thin film stack.

Abstract: A photovoltaic window assembly suitable for use in building and vehicular applications. The window assembly includes an optically-transmissive substrate having one or more photovoltaic devices disposed thereon. A decorative template having cut-outs coextensive with each of the photovoltaic devices is disposed on the substrate such that the photovoltaic devices extend through the cut-outs. A window opening is also formed in the decorative template for transmission of light. An encapsulating layer is formed on the substrate, solar cells and decorative template to protect the solar cells and assembly from environmental damage and deterioration.