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Method of encapsulating a photovoltaic device

  • US 5,273,608 A
  • Filed: 02/06/1992
  • Issued: 12/28/1993
  • Est. Priority Date: 11/29/1990
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. A method of manufacturing an encapsulated flexible photovoltaic device, said method including the steps of:

  • providing a flexible, thin film photovoltaic device;

    providing a first roll of adhesive material;

    unwinding a portion of said first adhesive roll, while maintaining said first roll under tension;

    disposing said photovoltaic device on said unwound portion of the tensioned first adhesive roll, such that said portion supports said device;

    providing a roll of flexible back encapsulant material;

    unwinding a portion of said flexible back encapsulant material roll, while maintaining said back encapsulant roll under tension;

    providing a roll of front encapsulant material;

    unwinding a portion of said front encapsulant material roll, while maintaining said front encapsulant roll under tension;

    interleaving said materials so as to provide a layered structure comprising, in order, front encapsulant material, photovoltaic device, first adhesive material, and back encapsulant material;

    rolling up said layered structure while maintaining tension on said rolls of materials so as to flex said photovoltaic device and to provide a tightly wound composite roll of said layered structure; and

    heating said roll of layered structure for a period of time sufficient to activate said adhesive material.

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