WO2018044856A1 - Plaque de base pour réduire les charges croissantes sur une stratifié photovoltaïque - Google Patents

Plaque de base pour réduire les charges croissantes sur une stratifié photovoltaïque Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2018044856A1
WO2018044856A1 PCT/US2017/049057 US2017049057W WO2018044856A1 WO 2018044856 A1 WO2018044856 A1 WO 2018044856A1 US 2017049057 W US2017049057 W US 2017049057W WO 2018044856 A1 WO2018044856 A1 WO 2018044856A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
photovoltaic
laminate
support structure
base plate
support
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2017/049057
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Leonardo C. Lopez
Joseph A. Langmaid
James R. Keenihan
Original Assignee
Dow Global Technologies Llc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Dow Global Technologies Llc filed Critical Dow Global Technologies Llc
Publication of WO2018044856A1 publication Critical patent/WO2018044856A1/fr

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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02S—GENERATION OF ELECTRIC POWER BY CONVERSION OF INFRARED RADIATION, VISIBLE LIGHT OR ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT, e.g. USING PHOTOVOLTAIC [PV] MODULES
    • H02S20/00—Supporting structures for PV modules
    • H02S20/20—Supporting structures directly fixed to an immovable object
    • H02S20/22—Supporting structures directly fixed to an immovable object specially adapted for buildings
    • H02S20/23—Supporting structures directly fixed to an immovable object specially adapted for buildings specially adapted for roof structures
    • H02S20/25—Roof tile elements
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02B—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO BUILDINGS, e.g. HOUSING, HOUSE APPLIANCES OR RELATED END-USER APPLICATIONS
    • Y02B10/00—Integration of renewable energy sources in buildings
    • Y02B10/10—Photovoltaic [PV]
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
    • Y02E10/00—Energy generation through renewable energy sources
    • Y02E10/50—Photovoltaic [PV] energy

Definitions

  • the present teachings generally relate to a base plate including a support structure that provides improved protection from stepping loads and more preferably a compliant support structure that reduces loads across a photovoltaic laminate.
  • photovoltaic arrays are placed in an elevated location such as a roof top of a home or a building or in a rack and frame that elevates the photovoltaic array so that the photovoltaic array is exposed to sunlight.
  • the roofs on homes and/or buildings generally are formed by adding a plurality of pieces of panels together so that a generally contiguous surface is formed, which are supported by one or more trusses.
  • Photovoltaic modules may be secured to the plurality of pieces of panels directly and/or indirectly via a connection structure such as a rack and frame.
  • Each photovoltaic module of the photovoltaic array may include only an active portion and the active portions of two or more photovoltaic modules may be placed in close proximity with one another so that a photovoltaic array is formed over and/or on the connection structure.
  • the photovoltaic modules may include both an active portion and a support portion and the active portion of one photovoltaic module may fully and/or partially cover the support portion of an adjacent photovoltaic module to replace the framing and racking structure.
  • the active portion and the support portion are one integrally formed piece with the photovoltaic active portion (i.e., pv laminate) located within the active portion so that in order to remove the photovoltaic active portion the entire photovoltaic module would be removed and replaced if necessary.
  • the support portion may provide roofing functions or structural functions for subsequent photovoltaic modules.
  • the photovoltaic module has a base plate and a photovoltaic laminate that are two separate pieces. The base plate supports the photovoltaic laminate and the base plate provides roofing functions. [0003] Examples of some photovoltaic modules may be found in U.S. Patent Nos.
  • a support structure that is a compliant member with a flexural modulus that is lower than a flexural modulus of a support portion of a base plate so that when a force is applied to the photovoltaic laminate the compliant member distributes the load and prevents damage to the photovoltaic laminate.
  • a support structure between a support portion of a base plate and a photovoltaic laminate that includes a plurality of peaks and a plurality of valleys that are compliant and distribute a load so that the photovoltaic laminate is not damaged.
  • a photovoltaic module comprising: (a) base plate including: (i) an overlap portion adapted to receive all or a portion of one or more adjacent photovoltaic components and (ii) a support portion adapted to receive one or more photovoltaic laminates; and wherein the support portion is a rigid material and a support structure extends over the support portion, and wherein the support structure is compliant.
  • the teachings herein surprisingly solve one or more of these problems by providing a base plate that supports a photovoltaic laminate and prevents the photovoltaic laminate from bending when a load is applied to the photovoltaic laminate.
  • the present teachings provide a base plate with a support structure that evenly distributes loads across a photovoltaic laminate so that the photovoltaic laminate is prevented from being damaged by loading.
  • the present teachings provide a support structure that accommodates electrical circuitry or elements of a laminate that are located upon or extend from a rear surface so that during a load apply the load is distributed and cracking of the pv laminate is prevented.
  • the present teachings provide a support structure that prevents micro-cracking of crystalline silicon or brittle components in a pv laminate when loads are applied to the pv laminate.
  • the present teachings provide a support structure that is a compliant member with a flexural modulus that is lower than a flexural modulus of a support portion of a base plate so that when a force is applied to the photovoltaic laminate the compliant member distributes the load and prevents damage to the photovoltaic laminate.
  • the present teachings provide a support structure between a support portion of a base plate and a photovoltaic laminate that includes a plurality of peaks and a plurality of valleys that are compliant and distribute a load so that the photovoltaic laminate is not damaged.
  • FIG. 1 is a top view of a base plate including a support structure
  • FIG. 2 is an exploded view of a base plate and photovoltaic laminate
  • FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a base plate and support structure of FIG.
  • FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the base plate and support structure
  • FIG. 5 is a perspective view of photovoltaic cells connected together
  • FIG. 6 is a top view of a photovoltaic module with electrical circuitry visible
  • FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of Fig. 6.
  • FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a photovoltaic array.
  • a plurality of photovoltaic modules, a plurality of adjacent photovoltaic components, or both of the teachings herein are combined together to form a photovoltaic array.
  • the photovoltaic array collects sunlight and converts the sunlight to electricity.
  • each of the photovoltaic modules may be individually placed in a structure that houses all of the photovoltaic modules forming all or a portion of a photovoltaic array.
  • the photovoltaic modules of the teachings herein may be used with a housing that contains all of the individual photovoltaic modules and make up a photovoltaic array.
  • the photovoltaic array taught herein is free of a separate structure that houses all of the photovoltaic modules that make up a photovoltaic array (also referred to as a solar array). More preferably, each individual photovoltaic module may be connected directly to a structure (i.e., is a building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV)) and each of the individual photovoltaic modules is electrically connected together so that a photovoltaic array is formed. Most preferably, each individual photovoltaic module may include a base plate, interconnection elements (e.g., wiring), and a photovoltaic laminate. Each base plate may include a support portion, an active portion, and an overlap portion.
  • BIPV building integrated photovoltaic
  • the support portion may overlap all or a portion of one or more adjacent photovoltaic modules (e.g., overlap portion) forming a "double overlap" so that each photovoltaic module may be protected and connected to a connection surface and/or so that the combined photovoltaic modules may form a shingle structure for diverting fluids from the roof of the structure.
  • the overlap portion may be overlapped by one or more adjacent photovoltaic components.
  • the overlap portion may be overlapped by a portion of a photovoltaic module and a portion of an integrated flashing piece.
  • the adjacent photovoltaic components as discussed herein may be an integrated flashing piece, a photovoltaic module, a through roof connector, an interface piece between the standard roofing shingles and the photovoltaic array, or a combination thereof.
  • Each of the photovoltaic modules and adjacent photovoltaic components may have a portion that may be indirectly and/or directly connected to a connection surface.
  • the base plate may directly connect to a connection surface and the photovoltaic laminate may be connected to a support portion of the base plate (i.e., the photovoltaic laminate may be indirectly connected to the connection surface).
  • each of the photovoltaic modules may be directly connected to a connection surface, and the active portion may be connected directly to the overlap portion or directly to the connection surface by a fastener that extends through the overlap portion, around the overlap portion, through a fastener support in the overlap portion, or a combination thereof.
  • each of the photovoltaic modules may include a base plate and a photovoltaic laminate, and the base plate is connected to a connection surface by one or more fasteners that extend through fastener locations and preferably a plurality of fasteners that extend through fastener locations.
  • the fastener locations may be located within the active portion, the overlap portion, the support portion, or a combination thereof. Preferably, the fastener locations may be located within the overlap portion.
  • the base plate may be free of fastener locations.
  • the base plate may be connected to a connection surface without using any fasteners.
  • the fastener locations may be a through hole that extends through the overlap portion, a weakened area so that a fastener may be placed through the fastener support, a removable portion, a punch out, an area of lower hardness, or a combination thereof.
  • the fastener locations may be a region where the base plate is reinforced so that fasteners may extend through and connect the photovoltaic module, the base plate, or both to the one or more connection surfaces and the fasteners do not damage the photovoltaic laminate when the base plate, the overlap portion, or both is subjected to movement.
  • a plurality of fastener locations may extend across the width of the base plate.
  • the base plate may have two or more, four or more, six or more, eight or more, or even ten or more fastener locations.
  • a fastener e.g., nail or screw
  • connection surface may function to provide support to one or more photovoltaic modules so that a photovoltaic array is formed.
  • a base plate may be connected to a connection surface and then a photovoltaic laminate connected to the base plate.
  • the connection surface may be a support structure such as a housing for containing one or more of the photovoltaic modules.
  • the connection surface may be a roof.
  • the roof may be comprised of a plurality of panels made of wood, plywood, structural plywood, decorative plywood, overlaid plywood, commercial plywood, utility plywood, marine plywood, medium density fiberboard (MDF), oriented strand board (OSB), Sundela, hardboard, insulation board, the like, or a combination thereof.
  • the plurality of photovoltaic modules may be connected to the connection surface so that the photovoltaic modules are adjacent to one another.
  • an edge of one photovoltaic module may be located substantially proximate to an edge of an adjoining photovoltaic module.
  • the photovoltaic modules may partially overlap each other.
  • the active portion and/or a support portion of one photovoltaic module may overlap an overlap portion of one or more adjacent photovoltaic modules in a similar fashion to how roofing shingles are applied to a roof.
  • a support portion of a base plate of one photovoltaic module may extend at least partially over an overlap portion of an adjacent base plate.
  • Each of the base plates may include one or more fastener supports that may connect the base plate to a connection surface.
  • the plurality of base plates may be connected to a connection surface with a mechanical fastener, an adhesive, an interlocking connection with an adjacent photovoltaic module, or a combination thereof.
  • the fasteners may be a screw, nail, bolt, staple, rivet, or a combination thereof.
  • the adhesive may be any adhesive with sufficient strength to connect the photovoltaic module to the connection surface.
  • the adhesive may be epoxy based, silicone based, acrylic based, a urethane based, a polyamide based, a one part adhesive, a multi-part adhesive, a natural adhesive, a synthetic adhesive, or a combination thereof.
  • the base plate may be connected using only adhesive.
  • a connection may be formed between the base plate and the connection surface that is free of mechanical fasteners.
  • the fastener may be a combination of a mechanical fastener and an adhesive fastener.
  • an adhesive fastener is used, the connection formed by the adhesive may be broken without damaging the pv laminate, the base plate, or preferably both.
  • the fasteners may connect the base plate to the roof so that the base plate may perform roofing functions.
  • the base plate may function to connect a photovoltaic laminate (hereinafter pv laminate) to a connection surface (e.g., a roof).
  • the base plate may function to allow for decoupled expansion and contraction of the pv laminate relative to the base plate or vice versa.
  • the base plate may function to allow for removal, replacement, repair, or a combination thereof of the pv laminate without removal of the entire pv module from the connection surface.
  • the base plate may function to protect all or a portion of the pv laminate.
  • the base plate may connect the pv laminate to a connection surface.
  • the base plate may protect one or more connectors and/or wiring.
  • the base plate may retain roofing functions, fire retardant properties, or both when the pv laminate is removed from the base plate.
  • the base plate may retain adequate fire retardant properties.
  • the base plate may include one or more features to assist in forming a connection with one or more connection devices.
  • the base plate may include one or more devices that receive a portion of a fastener, assist in forming a connection, or both.
  • the base plate may include one or more support portions that support a pv laminate and prevent localized movement of the pv laminate so that the pv laminate is prevented from being damaged.
  • the base plate may include an active portion, a support portion, an overlap portion, or a combination thereof.
  • the support portion may receive a pv laminate to form an active portion.
  • the support portion may form a base for a pv laminate and associated terminals.
  • the support portion may function to support the pv laminate when a load is applied to the pv laminate when the pv laminate is connected to a connection surface.
  • the support portion may be substantially rigid.
  • the support portion may resist deflection when a load of about 50 Kg or more, about 75 Kg or more, about 100 Kg, or more, or about 125 Kg or more is applied to the photovoltaic laminate.
  • the support portion may resist bending of the pv laminate so that the pv laminate is not damaged.
  • the support portion may have a flexural modulus of about 300 MPa or more, about 1 ,500 MPa or more, about 3,000 MPa or more, or even about 5,000 MPa or more, or about 6,000 MPa or more, or 7,000 MPa or more measured using ASTM D790-07 (2007).
  • the support portion may have a flexural modulus of about 25,000 MPa or less, about 20,000 MPa or less, about 15,000 MPa or less, about 10,000 MPa or less, or about 7,500 MPa or less measured using ASTM D790-07 (2007).
  • the support portion has a flexural modulus that is greater than the flexural modulus of the support structure.
  • the support portion may have a flexural modulus that is a factor of 10 or more, 25 or more, 50 or more, 75 or more, 100 or more, 125 or more, 175 or more, 200 or more, 300 or more times the flexural modulus of the support structure measured using ASTM D790-07 (2007).
  • the support portion may function to provide support for one or more adjacent photovoltaic modules.
  • the support portion of a first photovoltaic module may function to overlap one or more connectors of one or more second adjacent photovoltaic modules so that the one or more connectors of the one or more second adjacent photovoltaic modules are protected.
  • the support portion of a first photovoltaic module may protect one or more connectors that are connected to and extend between two adjacent second photovoltaic modules.
  • the support portion may protect the laminate from penetration by foreign objects from the backside.
  • the support portion may provide longitudinal support, lateral support, or both so that the pv laminate does not substantially deflect (i.e., enough to crack, break, or be damaged).
  • the support portion may prevent a deflection of the photovoltaic laminate of about 0.1 mm or more, about 0.2 mm or more, or about 0.3 mm or more.
  • the support portion may support the photovoltaic laminate so that a maximum deflection of the photovoltaic laminate at any point is about 3 mm or less, preferably about 2 mm or less, or more preferably about 1 mm or less. Most preferably, the support portion substantially prevents any deflection of the pv laminate (i.e., about 0 mm or deflection).
  • the support portion and the pv laminate may be connected. Preferably the support portion and the pv laminate may be movable relative to each other when the pv laminate is connected to the support portion.
  • the pv laminate may be free of a fixed connection with support portion.
  • the support portion may not provide any sealing functions to the pv laminate.
  • the pv laminate and the support portion may be free of a sealed connection.
  • the support portion may resist deflection and provide support to the pv laminate during loading.
  • the support portion may function to remove fluids and/or debris away from the pv laminate.
  • the support portion may extend under a photovoltaic laminate.
  • the support portion may receive a portion of a photovoltaic laminate.
  • the support portion may receive interconnect elements of the photovoltaic laminate.
  • the support portion may prevent bending, folding, localized bending (e.g., bending in a small area such as an area that is 5 cm 2 or less, 3 cm 2 or less, or even 1 cm 2 or less), or a combination thereof.
  • the support portion may include a support structure.
  • the support portion may be covered by a support structure.
  • a support structure may extend between the support portion and a photovoltaic laminate.
  • the support portion may be planar.
  • the support portion may be a flat surface that is free of recesses, ribs, channels, or a combination thereof.
  • the support portion includes a support structure (e.g., support ribs) that supports a photovoltaic laminate when the photovoltaic laminate is placed upon on the base plate.
  • the support portion may include one or more support ribs spaced apart from one or more channels (e.g., channels that extend in a longitudinal direction (i.e., fluid transfer surfaces)).
  • the one or more channels may function to remove water from the photovoltaic modules and the photovoltaic array.
  • the one or more channels may function to receive a portion of a photovoltaic laminate so that the pv laminate is evenly supported across a length, width, or both of the photovoltaic laminate.
  • the one or more channels may function to allow the photovoltaic laminate to extend in two or more planes and for even support to be applied across the photovoltaic laminate.
  • the photovoltaic laminate may extend above channels.
  • the one or more channels may allow any fluids that travel under the pv laminate to escape from under the pv laminate.
  • the one or more channels may prevent a buildup of fluids under the pv laminate.
  • the one or more channels may create a distance between fluids and the pv laminate so that the pv laminate does not sit in fluids.
  • the channels may be spaced about 1 mm or more, about 2 mm or more, about 3 mm or more, or even about 4 mm or more from the pv laminate.
  • the one or more channels may have a width of about 1 mm or more, about 2 mm or more, about 3 mm or more, or about 5 mm or more.
  • the one or more channels may have a width of about 5 cm or less, about 4 cm or less, or about 3 cm or less.
  • the one or more channels may function to allow fluids to be moved by gravity from the photovoltaic modules.
  • the channels may be a plurality of fluid transfer surfaces.
  • the channels may be aligned in a direction of a slope of a connection surface (i.e., longitudinal channels).
  • the channels may extend in a direction transverse (i.e., transverse channels) to the slope of the connection surface.
  • the channels may be sufficiently large that fluids may be removed from the photovoltaic array.
  • the channels may be sufficiently small so that the pv laminate is fully supported and the pv laminate is not moved into the channel.
  • the channels may extend between support ribs and the support ribs may support the pv laminate so that the pv laminate does not extend into the channels.
  • the support ribs may function to create one or more and preferably a plurality of lines of contact between the pv laminate and the base plate.
  • the support ribs may elevate the pv laminate above the support portion and preferably above the channels formed in the support portion.
  • the support ribs may be fixedly connected to the pv laminate.
  • the support ribs may be an integral part of the pv laminate.
  • the support ribs may be a reinforcement rib.
  • the support ribs may be part of the base plate.
  • the support ribs may be located on the support portion of the base plate.
  • the support ribs may extend above a lower surface of the support portion so that a pv laminate is located in a second plane (e.g., upper surface) above the lower surface of the base plate.
  • the support ribs may prevent deflection of the pv laminate.
  • the support ribs may support a support structure and a pv laminate.
  • the support ribs may be sufficiently tall so that fluids are not trapped between the pv laminate and the support portion (i.e., within the channels).
  • the support ribs may be sufficiently spaced apart so that fluid may be removed from under the pv laminate by the fluid transfer surfaces. The spacing between the support ribs may vary along a height of the support rib.
  • the spacing between the support ribs may decrease as the support ribs approach the pv laminate.
  • the support rib may be "T" shaped or "Y" shaped and as the support rib extends from a lower surface, the support rib may expand outward to an upper surface that supports the pv laminate.
  • a width of each support rib may be constant along a length, height, or both of each support rib. The width may vary along a length, width, or both of each support rib. The width of some support ribs may be greater than a width of other support ribs. For example, one support rib may be 2 cm in width and another support rib may be 3 cm in width.
  • the support ribs may have a sufficient width so that the support ribs provide support to the pv laminate.
  • the support ribs may be short enough that deflection of the pv laminate during a load may cause the pv laminate to contact the fluid transfer surfaces so that further deflection is prevented.
  • the height of the support ribs may vary across the length and/or width of the support portion.
  • the support ribs may be all of a uniform height.
  • the support ribs may provide support to the pv laminate when a load is applied that is substantially orthogonal to the pv laminate.
  • the support ribs may be equally spaced apart along a length, width, or both of the pv laminate.
  • the support ribs may run the length, width, or both of the pv laminate, the support portion, the base plate, or a combination thereof.
  • the support ribs may be substantially parallel to each other, a slope of a connection surface, a flow direction of fluid, a flow direction of debris, or a combination thereof.
  • the support ribs may have a complementary shape to a shape of the bottom of the pv laminate so that the support ribs assist in retaining the pv laminate on the base plate, above the base plate, or both.
  • the support structure may include or be covered by a support structure.
  • the one or more support structures may function to distribute loads across a pv laminate.
  • the one or more support structures may function to deform when a load is applied.
  • the one or more support structures may deform to receive and distribute a load around raised portions, raised electrical circuitry, diodes, irregularities, interconnect elements, or a combination thereof that extend out of a plane of the pv laminate.
  • the one or more support structures may function to receive raised portions, raised electrical circuitry, diodes, irregularities, interconnect elements, or a combination thereof that extend out of a plane of the pv laminate.
  • the one or more support structures may be part of the base plate.
  • the one or more support structures may be part of the pv laminate.
  • the one or more support structures may lay over a support portion of the base plate.
  • the one or more support structures may be connected to the base plate, the pv laminate, or both.
  • the one or more support structure may be connected to the base plate by an adhesive, a mechanical fastener, a locking feature that is used to connect the pv laminate, or a combination thereof.
  • the support structure may be integrated into the base plate.
  • the base plate may be overmolded around the support structure or the support structure may be added to a completed support structure so that external fasteners are not needed.
  • the one or more support structure may have compliance so that the support structures are compliant.
  • the one or more support structures may be compliant, include a compliant layer, have a compliant region, include compliant materials, or a combination thereof.
  • the one or more support structures may be compliant such that the support structure compresses, distributes a load, evenly distributes a load, prevents point loading, changes in thickness so that the load is expanded over a greater surface area than the area where the load is being applied, or a combination thereof. For example, if a load was applied in a 1 cm area the support structure would allow for the pv laminate to move relative to the base plate so that the load is distributed to regions of the support structure outside of the 1 cm area so that the load applied to the 1 cm area is decreased.
  • the support structure may not be substantially rigid such that the support structure may compress, move, or both when a load is applied (i.e., be compliant or have compliance).
  • the compliance of the support structure may be dependent on the flexural modulus of the support structure.
  • the flexural modulus of the support structure may be about 0.01 MPa or more, about 0.05 MPa or more, about 0.1 MPa or more, about 3 MPa or more, about 5 MPa or more, about 7 MPa or more, or even about 10 MPa or more measured using ASTM D790- 07 (2007).
  • the flexural modulus of the support structure may be about 10 MPa or more, about 25 MPa or more, about 50 MPa or more, about 100 MPa or more, about 200 MPa or more, or even about 250 MPa or more (i.e., a maximum of 300 MPa) measured using ASTM D790-07 (2007).
  • the flexural modulus of the support structure may be about 1000 MPa or less, about 750 MPa or less, about 500 MPa or less, or about 350 MPa or less measured using ASTM D790-07 (2007).
  • the compliance of the support structure may be affected by thickness of the support structure.
  • the support structure may be sufficiently thick so that during loading any portion of the photovoltaic laminate does not contact the base plate.
  • the support structure may be sufficiently thick so that as the support structure compresses the load is distributed across the photovoltaic laminate, the load is distributed to regions outside of the region being loaded, or both.
  • the support structure may have a sufficient thickness so that as a load is applied the support structure allows the pv laminate to flex without localized stress that may result in the pv laminate cracking, micro-cracking, the photovoltaic cells within the pv laminate from bending, flexing, cracking, micro-cracking, electrical circuitry (e.g., diodes, resistors, capacitors) within the pv laminate from being pressed into the base plate, or a combination thereof.
  • the support structure may allow for some localized flexing, but the support structure provides support to the pv laminate throughout the full range of flexing until the load is removed and the pv laminate is returned to a static state.
  • the support structure may be sufficiently thick so that the electrical circuitry may be pressed into the support structure so that point loading, line loading, or both at the electrical circuitry is prevented, loads around the electrical circuitry are distributed, or both.
  • a diode may be pressed into the support structure so that substantially an entire back side of a pv laminate is in contact with the support structure and an area around the diode is supported so that a load is not carried on the diode alone and is distributed to regions around the diode.
  • the support structure may have a minimum thickness that is equal to a height of the electrical circuitry extends above and/or below the photovoltaic laminate.
  • the thickness of the support structure may be about 0.3 mm or more, about 0.5 mm or more, about 0.75 mm or more, about 1 mm or more, or about 1.5 mm or more.
  • the thickness of the support structure may be about 10 mm or less, about 7 mm or less, about 5 mm or less, or about 2 mm or less.
  • the support structure may be made of one or more materials.
  • the support structure may include regions that are made of different materials. For example, an area that receives a diode may have a lower flexural modulus (i.e., be more compliant) than a surrounding area that does not receive a diode.
  • the support structure may be made of a foam, an open cell foam, a closed cell foam, rubber, an elastomer, silicone, or a combination thereof.
  • the support structure may be made of or include a thermoset, a thermoplastic, polystyrene, polyurethane, polyolefin, neoprene, polyisobutylene, ethylene propylene diene monomer, natural rubber, acrylic rubber, nitrile rubber, styrene- butadiene rubber, silicone rubber, or a combination thereof.
  • the support structure may have a core that extends through the support structure. The core may be deformable, have fluid like movement, or both.
  • the support structure may have a one or more layers of a homogeneous composition.
  • the support structure may have one or more layers of a heterogeneous composition.
  • a layer may have one region or end with a flexural modulus and as the layer transitions to a second end or region the flexural modulus may change such that the second end has a different flexural modulus.
  • the support structure may have a plurality of layers. The plurality of layers may be made of the same composition. The plurality of layers may be made of different materials with different compositions.
  • a layer of the support structure may include a region with a lower flexural modulus that receives the electrical circuitry (e.g., diode) so that upon a load being applied the diode is pressed into the region and the material around the region carriers the load.
  • the electrical circuitry e.g., diode
  • the layer of support structure may include one or more holes, channels, or both to receive the electrical circuitry so that a load is not carried on the electrical circuitry.
  • the plurality of layers may have different modulus of elasticities.
  • the support structure may be a generally planar layer that extends generally parallel to the pv laminate.
  • the support structure may include localized irregularities.
  • the localized irregularities of the support structure may function receive electrical circuitry, circuitry on a back side of a photovoltaic laminate, or both.
  • the localized irregularities may support the weight of the pv laminate and deform when a load or additional weight (over the weight of the pv laminate) is added to the pv laminate.
  • the localized irregularities may deform to distribute compressive loads that are applied to the pv laminate, to distribute compressive loads applied on any irregular surfaces of pv laminate, or both.
  • the localized irregularities may be a surface structure added to an upper surface (e.g., surface that faces the pv laminate), a lower surface (e.g., surface that faces the base plate), or both surfaces of the support structure.
  • the localized irregularities may be a recess in the support structure.
  • the localized irregularities may be one or more peaks, a plurality of peaks, one or more valleys, a plurality of valleys, or a combination thereof.
  • the peaks, valleys, or both may be arranged in rows. The rows may extend in the transverse direction (relative to the slope of the roof), in the direction of the slope of the roof, or an angle therebetween.
  • the peaks, valleys, or both may be randomly oriented.
  • the peaks, valleys, or both may be symmetrically located on the support structure or asymmetrically located on the support structure.
  • the peaks, valleys, or both may extend a full length, a full width, or both of the support structure.
  • the peaks, valleys, or both may be located continuously on the support structure. For example, a peak, a valley, or both may run from a first edge to a second edge without any interruptions. Regions of the support structure may include peaks, valleys, or both. Regions of the support structure may be free of peaks, valleys, or both. For example, peaks and valleys may be located in areas that include electrical circuitry.
  • the support structure when including a pv laminate may form an active portion of the photovoltaic laminate.
  • the active portion may function to generate electricity when a pv laminate is connected to the base portion.
  • the active portion may be a portion of the pv laminate that is not covered by one or more adjacent photovoltaic modules.
  • the active portion may be a combination of a support portion of the base plate and a pv laminate.
  • the active portion may include a pv laminate that may be located on a support structure which overlies the support portion. The pv laminate, support structure, or both may be connected to the support portion by one or more locking features.
  • the one or more locking features may function to form a connection with one or more terminals, one or more pv laminates, one or more support structures, or a combination thereof.
  • the one or more locking features may replace a fastener.
  • the one or more locking features may be a lip that extends around a peripheral edge of a pv laminate, support structure, or both and holds the pv laminate, the support structure, or both on the support portion.
  • the one or more locking features may be connected to the base plate with a faster that extends partially over the pv laminate, the support structure, or both.
  • the one or more locking features may be an integral part of the base plate.
  • the one or more locking features may be discrete from the base plate and connected to the base plate.
  • there are a plurality of locking features that may be generally "L" shaped and may be fastened to the base plate to connect the photovoltaic laminate to the base plate.
  • the one or more locking features may connect to a terminal of the pv laminate.
  • the one or more locking features may be flexible so that the locking features move when the pv laminate is being installed, during thermal expansion of the base plate, during thermal expansion of the pv laminate, or a combination thereof.
  • the locking features may be located on a top edge, bottom edge, either side edges, or a combination thereof to hold the pv laminate in place.
  • the one or more locking features may work in conjunction with one or more connectors to lock the pv laminate to the base plate.
  • the one or more locking features may assist a connector in forming and maintaining a fixed connection with a terminal of a pv laminate.
  • One or more connectors may extend between and connect two adjacent photovoltaic laminates or two adjacent photovoltaic devices.
  • the one or more connectors may connect a pv laminate to an integrated flashing piece.
  • the one or more connectors may extend partially over a first photovoltaic laminate (and first photovoltaic module) and a second photovoltaic laminate (and second photovoltaic module).
  • the one or more connectors may be straight.
  • the one or more connectors may be "U" shaped.
  • the one or more connectors may connector two terminals together.
  • the one or more connectors may fit partially within a connector channel of a first base plate and partially within a connector channel of a second base plate.
  • the one or more connector channels may function to receive the one or more terminals of the pv laminate.
  • the one or more connector channels may function to receive a connector that connect a first pv laminate to a second pv laminate.
  • the one or more connector channels may function to protect the pv laminate terminals from contact, a lateral force, a longitudinal force, an impact, or a combination thereof.
  • the one or more connector channels may assist in forming a connection between a connector (e.g., that connects two adjacent photovoltaic modules) and terminals of a pv laminate.
  • the one or more connector channels may assist in electrically connecting two adjacent pv laminate terminals.
  • the one or more connector channels may be a recess that receives the terminals of the pv laminate.
  • the one or more connector channels may be generally sloped so that the connector channels assist in forming a connection between a connector and a terminal of two adjacent pv laminates.
  • the one or more connector channels may be located on opposite edges, in opposing edge regions, on opposite sides, or a combination thereof of the base plate.
  • the one or more connector channels may receive all of the terminals of the pv laminate.
  • the one or more connector channels may angle downward so that the terminal and the pv laminate are on the same plane.
  • the connector channels may include weep ports, edge channels, or both to remove fluids from the connector channels.
  • the one or more edge channels may function to remove fluid from the edges of the base plate.
  • the one or more edge channels may function to allow for movement of the pv laminates within the base plate, for addition of a pv laminate into the base plate, removal of the pv laminate from the base plate, or a combination thereof while the base plate is connected to a connection surface.
  • the one or more edge channels may create a gap between the positioning feature and the pv laminate.
  • the one or more edge channels may function to allow for expansion and/or contraction of the base plate without contacting the pv laminate, independent of the pv laminate, or both.
  • the edge channels may decouple the edges of the pv laminate from the base plate.
  • the edge channels may create a gap for fluids to exit the base plate.
  • the edge channels may extend the length, width, or both of the pv laminate.
  • the edge channels may be located below the pv laminate.
  • the edge channels may extend parallel to the one or more positioning features.
  • the one or more positioning features may function to create a side wall of connector channel.
  • the one or more positioning features may function to protect a side of the connector channel, a side of a pv laminate, or both.
  • the one or more positioning features may extend a sufficient amount above the connector, the terminals of the pv laminate, or both so that the connectors, terminals, or both are protected from a force, an orthogonal force, or both (e.g., a person stepping on the connectors or hail).
  • the one or more positioning features may extend 1 mm or more, 2 mm or more, or even about 3 mm or more above the pv laminate.
  • the one or more positioning features may extend along one or more edges and/or sides, 2 or more edges and/or sides, 3 or more edges and/or sides, may extend around a periphery of the support portion, or a combination thereof.
  • the one or more positioning features may extend above the pv laminate without extending over the pv laminate.
  • the positioning features may guide a connector so that the connector forms an electrical connection, a mechanical connection, or both with two adjacent pv laminate connectors.
  • the positioning features may protect a connector spanning between two adjacent pv laminates, photovoltaic modules, or both.
  • the positioning features may create a stop when the connector is inserted in the connector channels so that the connector is prevented from being pushed into the connectors of the pv laminate and damaging the pv laminate connectors.
  • the one or more positioning features may be located on outside edges of the connector channels, the photovoltaic module, or both.
  • the one or more positioning features may include one or more drain ports, one or more locators, or both.
  • the one or more drain ports may function to allow fluid to exit the drain channel, the edge channel, the connector channel, or a combination thereof.
  • the one or more drain ports may be a gap, hole, slot, or a combination thereof through the positioning feature.
  • the one or more drain ports may be located at any location along the length and/or width of the base plate.
  • the one or more drain ports may be a single drain port in a central region of the positioning features.
  • the drain channel, the edge channel, the connector channel, or a combination thereof may slope towards the drain port.
  • the one or more positioning features may be located proximate to one or more handles, connection recesses, recess locks, fastener supports, connector guides, or a combination thereof.
  • connection recesses may function to connect two or more adjacent photovoltaic modules, two or more adjacent base plates, or both together.
  • the one or more connection recesses may prevent movement of two or more base plates, two or more photovoltaic modules, or both relative to each other.
  • the one or more connection recesses may function to receive a portion of an adjacent photovoltaic module, base plate, or both.
  • the connection recess receives a connection hook of an adjacent base plate and connects the two base plates together.
  • Each base plate may include one or more connection hooks that extend from an underside of the base plate.
  • connection hooks may extend from the underside of one base plate (or other photovoltaic component) through an upper surface and connection recess of an adjacent base plate (or other photovoltaic component) and then hook into contact with the underside of the base plate forming a connection.
  • the one or more connection recesses may extend along a width of the base plate.
  • the one or more connection recesses may extend transverse to the slope of the roof.
  • the one or more connection recesses may be located in the overlap portion, the support portion, or both.
  • the one or more connection recesses may be spaced apart along the base plate so that the connection recesses may receive a portion of two or more adjacent base plates.
  • connection recesses may be located along edges, in edge regions, in a central region, or a combination thereof of the base plate. Preferably the connection recesses are evenly spaced out across the base plate, the photovoltaic module, or both.
  • the base plate may include two or more, three or more, four or more, or even five or more connection recesses, connection hooks, or both.
  • the one or more connection recesses may be a plurality of connection recesses that each receives a portion of an adjacent base portion, an adjacent photovoltaic module, or both.
  • the one or more connection recesses may be a through hole that extends through the base plate.
  • the connection recesses may be a recess in the base plate that does not extend through the base plate.
  • connection recesses may be located proximate to the connectors of the pv laminate, the connector channels, or both so that once a connection is formed the connection recesses assists in preventing movement of two adjacent connects relative to each other.
  • the one or more connection recesses may be any shape that may receive a portion of an adjacent base plate so that the base plates are locked relative to each other, movement relative to each other is prevented, or both.
  • the one or more connection recesses may be round, square, rectangular, oval, octagonal, triangular, a rhombus, or a combination thereof.
  • the one or more connection recesses may include one or more connection ribs that create a border around the connection recesses.
  • connection ribs may function to support an adjacent photovoltaic module above the connection recess.
  • the one or more connection ribs may function to prevent fluid from entering into the connection recess.
  • the one or more connection ribs may be an elevated surface that extends from the base plate (or other photovoltaic component) proximate to the connection recesses.
  • the connection ribs may be a plurality of ribs that extend around a connection recess.
  • the connection ribs may be a single connection rib that extends about a periphery of the connection recess. The connection ribs may assist in placing two adjacent photovoltaic modules in tension when the connection hook extends through the connection recess.
  • connection hook when a connection hook extends through the connection recess and contacts a recess lock, a surface of the base plate may contact the connection rib so that the connection hook and the recess lock are always in contact (e.g., in tension).
  • the one or more connection recesses may include a recess lock that prevents orthogonal movement, vertical movement, or both of two or more base plates, two or more photovoltaic modules, or both relative to each other.
  • the one or more handles may function to provide a carrying location for the base plate, the photovoltaic module, or both.
  • the one or more handles may function to provide a location to lift the base plate, the photovoltaic module, or both.
  • the one or more handles may be a through hole through the base plate.
  • the one or more handles may be a through hole through the support portion, the overlap portion, or both of the base plate.
  • the one or more handles may assist in forming a connection between two or more adjacent photovoltaic modules, base plates, or both.
  • the one or more handles may align with another structure of one or more adjacent photovoltaic modules.
  • the one or more handles may be located within the overlap portion and be opposite the photovoltaic laminates.
  • the photovoltaic laminate may be connected to a base plate, a support structure, a support portion of the base plate, or a combination thereof and form an active portion.
  • the photovoltaic module includes an active portion and a support portion.
  • the active portion and the support portion may be the same region of the base plate (i.e., the support portion becomes an active portion when the pv laminate is added).
  • the active portion may be any portion of the photovoltaic module that produces electricity when the active portion is in contact with sunlight.
  • the one or more and preferably the plurality of pv laminates may be configured in any manner so that each of the plurality of photovoltaic modules may be electrically connected.
  • the pv laminates may include a protective cover (e.g., a glass cover or a barrier plastic cover) and at least one pv cell.
  • a protective cover e.g., a glass cover or a barrier plastic cover
  • Each of the individual photovoltaic laminates i.e., the pv laminates in the photovoltaic modules
  • the one or more terminals may comprise an interconnect element, ribbon, a positive buss bar, a negative buss bar, a wire, a part of an integrated flashing piece, or a combination thereof.
  • a connector may extend between two adjacent photovoltaic module terminals and form an electrical connection.
  • the terminals may be an integral part of a pv laminate.
  • the pv laminate may be made of any material so that when sunlight is directed on the active portion the sunlight is converted into electricity.
  • the pv laminate may be made of one or more photovoltaic cells having a photoactive portion.
  • the pv laminate may be made of a plurality of photovoltaic cells. More preferably, the pv laminate includes a plurality of photovoltaic cells that are connected together by interconnect elements.
  • the photovoltaic cells may be made of any material that assists in converting sunlight into electricity.
  • the photovoltaic cells may be of any type and material known in the art.
  • the photovoltaic cells may be made of include crystalline silicon, mono-crystalline silicon cells, poly-crystalline or multi-crystalline silicon cells, thin film silicon cells, bifacial silicon cells, amorphous silicon, cadmium telluride (CdTe), gallium arsenide (GaAs), copper chalcogenide type cells (e.g. copper gallium selenides, copper indium gallium selenides (CIGS), copper indium selenides, copper indium gallium sulfides, copper indium sulfides (CIS), copper indium gallium selenide sulfides, etc.
  • CIGS copper indium gallium selenides
  • CIS copper indium gallium selenide sulfides
  • the laminate is made of crystalline silicon.
  • the copper indium gallium selenides may be represented by the formula Culn(1-x)GaxSe(2-y)Sy where x is 0 to 1 and y is 0 to 2.
  • additional electroactive layers such as one or more of emitter (buffer) layers, conductive layers (e.g. transparent conductive layers) or the like maybe used in CIGSS based photovoltaic cells are contemplated by the teachings herein.
  • the photovoltaic cells of the photovoltaic laminate may be arranged in parallel, series, mixed series-parallel, and/or may be provided in independent circuits.
  • the photovoltaic laminate may be a combination of layers and may form an assembly.
  • the pv laminate assembly may include one or more of the following components: a forward protective layer, a rearward protective layer, a reinforcement, a photovoltaic cell, a peripheral moisture sensitive edge seal, one or more internal protecting layers, dielectric materials as may be needed to manage the penetration of electrical components outside the laminate, attached connectors and wiring boxes, connector support structures including junction boxes, integrated low profile connectors, encapsulants, moisture resistant back sheets that may optionally include metallized sub layers, or a combination thereof.
  • a pv laminate may include a top layer of glass or a polymeric moisture barrier, an encapsulant layer, an electrical assembly comprising cells, bypass diodes and busses, a rear encapsulant layer, an aluminum based multi-layer back sheet, another encapsulant layer, a rearward protective layer, additional layers around the connector area including a connector support structure, an encapsulant, a dielectric layer, a connector sealant material such as an adhesive with a moisture barrier or another adhesive sealant or potting material, the low profile connector attached to the cells with bus terminals, another layer of encapsulant, and another dielectric layer.
  • the rearward protective layer may help protect the laminate from any protrusions or abrasion from the support structure of the base plate.
  • the pv laminate assembly may be free of an encapsulant layer, a rearward protective layer, or both.
  • One or more of the layers discussed herein may be a combination of layers.
  • a forward protective layer may be a combination of multiple glass layers combined together.
  • the reinforcement may be a plurality of layers bonded together.
  • the layers of pv laminate assembly may be laminated together.
  • the layers of the pv laminate may be sealed at the edges.
  • the pv laminate has a peripheral sealed edge that is resistant to fluid penetration.
  • each individual layer may include an adhesive so that one or more layers are bonded together forming a layer, each layer may include an adhesive over and/or under another layer so that the one or more adjacent layers are bonded together.
  • One or more of the layers of the pv laminate may be electrical circuitry.
  • the electrical circuitry may be sealed within the pv laminate.
  • the electrical circuitry of the photovoltaic laminate may be one or more buss bars, one or more ribbons, one or more interconnect elements, one or more diodes, capacitors, resistors, or a combination thereof.
  • the electrical circuitry of one pv laminate may function to receive sunlight and to convert the sunlight into power.
  • the electrical circuitry of one pv laminate may be one or more photovoltaic cells that are connected together by one or more interconnect elements.
  • the electrical circuitry of each pv laminate is a plurality of photovoltaic cells and a plurality of interconnect elements that connect each of the photovoltaic cells.
  • the electrical circuitry may extend from cell to cell, photovoltaic module to photovoltaic module, cell to a photovoltaic module, active portion to active portion, or a combination thereof. Some of the electrical circuitry may extend on an upper surface of a laminate, a lower surface of a laminate, or both.
  • interconnect elements may extend from an upper surface of one photovoltaic cell to a lower surface of an adjacent photovoltaic cell and one or more diodes may be in communication with one or more of the interconnect elements.
  • diodes, capacitors, resistors, or a combination thereof are present they are located on the lower surface or internal within the photovoltaic laminate.
  • the diodes, capacitors, resistors, or a combination thereof may prevent electricity from flowing in two directions (i.e., may keep electricity flowing in a first direction only).
  • the diodes, capacitors, resistors, or a combination thereof may be on a lower surface, electrical circuit elements, photovoltaic cells, laminate, or a combination thereof.
  • the diodes, capacitors, resistors, or a combination thereof may have a thickness that is greater than a thickness of the pv laminate.
  • the diodes, capacitors, resistors, or a combination thereof may extend above or below a main plane of the pv laminate.
  • the diodes, capacitors, resistors, or a combination thereof may be connected to the interconnect elements and extend from the interconnect elements.
  • the electrical circuitry may be integrated into the one or more photovoltaic cells, connect the one or more photovoltaic cells, be electrically connected to the one or more photovoltaic cells, or a combination thereof.
  • the electrical circuitry may be integrated into and/or around one or more layers of the photovoltaic laminate.
  • the electrical circuitry may extend through the photovoltaic laminate, extend partially outside of the photovoltaic laminate so that an electrical connection may be formed, have a portion that is located adjacent to the photovoltaic laminate, or a combination thereof.
  • the photovoltaic laminate may be connected to a support portion of a base plate forming an adjacent portion.
  • the pv laminate may include one or more terminals that are part of the electrical circuity and extend outside of the pv laminate.
  • the one or more terminals may have a portion that is sealed within the pv laminate and connects to one or more interconnect elements and a portion that extends out of the pv laminate.
  • the one or more interconnect elements may extend along an upper surface of a photovoltaic cell, a lower surface of a photovoltaic cell, between two or more photovoltaic cells, or a combination thereof.
  • the interconnect elements may function to connect a string of photovoltaic cells together.
  • the interconnect elements may be a ribbon, a wire mesh, or a combination thereof.
  • the interconnect elements may be overlapped with an encapsulant, adhesive, solder, weld, a protective layer, a coating, or a combination thereof.
  • the interconnect elements may be sandwiched between the photovoltaic cells and an outer layer of the photovoltaic laminate.
  • the interconnect elements may be located solely within the pv laminate.
  • the interconnect elements may only connect two or more photovoltaic cells together.
  • the interconnect element may connect to a larger bus or a larger wire that provides the power to a central location such as a terminal.
  • the interconnect elements may connect a photovoltaic cell to a bus.
  • the interconnect elements may extend above an upper surface of the photovoltaic cells, or below a lower surface of the photovoltaic cells.
  • the interconnect elements may create a raised surface within the photovoltaic laminate so that the photovoltaic laminate when placed on a planar surface does not lie flat.
  • the interconnect elements may fit within one or more transverse channels so that the main portion of the pv laminate lies flat and the interconnect elements extend in a plane below the main portion.
  • the interconnect elements may be metallic.
  • the interconnect elements may be made of silver, gold, copper, aluminum, iron, steel, or a combination thereof.
  • the interconnect elements may be disposed on the cells by screen printing, gluing, welding, soldering, or a combination thereof.
  • the interconnect elements may be connected to one or more of the cells discussed herein.
  • Figure 1 is a top view of a base plate 6 of a photovoltaic module.
  • the base plate 6 includes handles 40, fastener locations 50, and connection recesses 42 located within an overlap portion 10.
  • a connection channel 16 extends from the overlap portion 10 to a support portion 8, which is also a support portion 4 when a laminate (not shown) is installed.
  • the connection channel 16 terminates at a drain port 30 at the edge of the base plate 6 so that fluids are removed from the base plate 6.
  • the support portion 8 includes a support structure 90.
  • the surface structure 100 as shown is generally planar. Sides of the support portion 8 include positioning features 15 and edge channels 32. An end of the support portion 8 incudes locking features 14 to lock a laminate (not shown) on the support portion 8.
  • FIG. 1 illustrates an exploded view of a photovoltaic module 2.
  • the photovoltaic module 2 includes a base plate 6 and a photovoltaic laminate 80.
  • the photovoltaic laminate 80 includes a pair of opposing terminals 86 for forming a connection with an adjacent photovoltaic device (not shown).
  • the base plate 6 includes a support portion 4 when the photovoltaic laminate 80 is located over a support structure 90 that includes a surface structure 100.
  • Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of a base plate 6 and support structure 90 of Figure 1 cut along line 3-3.
  • the support structure 90 is a planar layer 92 that has a lower modulus than the base plate 6.
  • the support structure 90 supports a photovoltaic laminate (not shown) from damage when installed on a connection surface (not shown).
  • Figure 4 is a cross sectional view of a support structure 90 that is located upon the base plate 6.
  • the support structure 90 includes surface structure 100 that includes peaks 102 and valleys 104.
  • the surface structure 100 supports the photovoltaic laminate (not shown) from damage when installed on a connection surface (not shown).
  • FIG. 5 illustrates a plurality of interconnected photovoltaic cells 82.
  • Each photovoltaic laminate 80 (not shown) includes photovoltaic cells 82.
  • Each of the photovoltaic cells 82 are connected together by interconnect elements 84. As shown interconnect elements 84 extend from the top of one photovoltaic cell 82 to a bottom of an adjacent photovoltaic cell 82.
  • FIG. 6 is a top view of a photovoltaic module 2.
  • the photovoltaic module 2 includes a base plate 6 and a photovoltaic laminate 80 having a plurality of photovoltaic cells 82 that are connected together by electrical circuitry 60.
  • the electrical circuitry 60 is also connected to terminals 86 of the photovoltaic laminate 80 and the terminals 86 are covered by an integrated frame 88.
  • the electrical circuitry 60 includes interconnect elements 84 and diodes 62 that are connected to the interconnect elements 60.
  • Figure 7 illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of the base plate 6, support structure 90, and photovoltaic laminate 80 cut along lines 7-7.
  • the base plate 6 is ridged.
  • the support structure 90 has a height (T1) and the support structure 90 in a region around the interconnect elements 84 and diodes 62 is compressed to a height (T2).
  • FIG. 8 illustrates a photovoltaic array 1.
  • the photovoltaic array 1 includes a plurality of photovoltaic modules and a plurality of integrated flashing pieces, but for illustrative purposes the only photovoltaic module being discussed is the photovoltaic module 2 that is labeled.
  • the photovoltaic module 2 is partially covered from above by two adjacent photovoltaic components 130.
  • One of the adjacent photovoltaic components 130 is a photovoltaic module that partially covers the photovoltaic module 2 while a second adjacent photovoltaic module 130, which is an integrated flashing piece 132 partially covers a remaining portion of the photovoltaic module 2 so that all that is exposed is the active portion 4 including the photovoltaic laminate 80.
  • the integrated flashing piece 132 also has a portion that extends alongside the photovoltaic module 2 so that the integrated flashing piece 132 spans two rows. Additionally, the photovoltaic module 2 is located next to an adjacent photovoltaic component 130 and partially covers two adjacent photovoltaic components 130. The photovoltaic module 2 has adjacent photovoltaic components 130 on all sides.
  • any numerical values recited herein include all values from the lower value to the upper value in increments of one unit provided that there is a separation of at least 2 units between any lower value and any higher value.
  • the amount of a component or a value of a process variable such as, for example, temperature, pressure, time and the like is, for example, from 1 to 90, preferably from 20 to 80, more preferably from 30 to 70, it is intended that values such as 15 to 85, 22 to 68, 43 to 51 , 30 to 32 etc. are expressly enumerated in this specification.
  • one unit is considered to be 0.0001 , 0.001 , 0.01 or 0.1 as appropriate.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Architecture (AREA)
  • Civil Engineering (AREA)
  • Structural Engineering (AREA)
  • Photovoltaic Devices (AREA)
  • Roof Covering Using Slabs Or Stiff Sheets (AREA)

Abstract

Cette invention concerne un module photovoltaïque comprenant : (a) une plaque de base comprenant : (i) une partie de chevauchement conçue pour recevoir tout ou partie d'un ou plusieurs composants photovoltaïques adjacents et (ii) une partie de support conçue pour recevoir un ou plusieurs stratifiés photovoltaïques. La partie de support est un matériau rigide et une structure de support s'étend sur la partie de support, la structure de support étant souple.
PCT/US2017/049057 2016-09-02 2017-08-29 Plaque de base pour réduire les charges croissantes sur une stratifié photovoltaïque WO2018044856A1 (fr)

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US201662383213P 2016-09-02 2016-09-02
US62/383,213 2016-09-02

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