Photovoltaic module with heater
First Claim
1. A photovoltaic module, comprising:
- a frame;
at least one photovoltaic cell supported by the frame;
a transparent panel disposed on the frame, the transparent panel covering the at least one photovoltaic cell; and
a plurality of heating elements thermally connected to the transparent panel, the heating elements being adapted for electrical connection to an external power source for selectively heating the photovoltaic module in order to remove snow and ice therefrom and to prevent the collection of snow and ice on the photovoltaic module.
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Abstract
The photovoltaic module with heater is a solar panel with a heated upper surface, thus preventing snow and ice from collecting on the upper surface and diminishing the intensity of sunlight to be converted into electrical power. The photovoltaic module includes a frame formed from aluminum or the like, and at least one photovoltaic cell supported by the frame. A transparent panel is attached to the frame to cover and seal the photovoltaic cell(s) within the frame in a fluid-tight manner. A plurality of heating filaments are embedded within, or disposed on, the transparent panel. The heating filaments are electrically connected to an external power source by a switch for selectively heating the transparent panel and melting any snow or ice that collects thereon.
29 Citations
17 Claims
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1. A photovoltaic module, comprising:
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a frame; at least one photovoltaic cell supported by the frame; a transparent panel disposed on the frame, the transparent panel covering the at least one photovoltaic cell; and a plurality of heating elements thermally connected to the transparent panel, the heating elements being adapted for electrical connection to an external power source for selectively heating the photovoltaic module in order to remove snow and ice therefrom and to prevent the collection of snow and ice on the photovoltaic module. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. A solar panel, comprising:
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a frame; a plurality of solar cells supported by the frame; a transparent panel attached to the frame, the transparent panel covering the solar cells; outlet leads adapted for electrically connecting the solar cells to an electrical load for storage and use of electricity generated by the solar cells; and means for selectively heating the transparent panel to remove snow and ice therefrom and to prevent accumulation of snow and ice on the transparent panel in inclement weather in order to keep the solar cells exposed to sunlight for uninterrupted generation of electrical power. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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Specification