Methods for fabricating photovoltaic modules by tuning the optical properties of individual components

US8796532B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignees

• Dow Corning Corporation · US
• The Australian National University · AU

Inventors

• Barry Ketola · Freeland, US
• Ann Norris · Midland, US
• Nick Powell · Essexville, US
• Keith McIntosh · Mona Vale, AU
• James Cotsell · South Canberra, AU

Key dates

• Filing date: Jun 3, 2010
• Grant date: Aug 5, 2014
• Expiry date: Aug 28, 2030

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y02E10/52
• WIPO field: Surface technology, coating
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

Methods for fabricating a photovoltaic module, and the resulting photovoltaic module, are provided and include selecting a photovoltaic cell operable to convert photons to electrons, selecting a light transparent superstrate material having a superstrate absorption coefficient and a superstrate refractive index, and selecting an encapsulant having an encapsulant absorption coefficient and an encapsulant refractive index, wherein an absorption coefficient relationship between the superstrate absorption coefficient and the encapsulant absorption coefficient and a refractive index relationship between the superstrate refractive index and the encapsulant refractive index are selected such that there is a gain in efficiency, and assembling the photovoltaic module using the selected materials.