Patent · US Active

Adhesives for attaching wire network to photovoltaic cells

US9647160B2 · kind B2 · utility

5Cited by
63References
18Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateFeb 9, 2015
Grant dateMay 9, 2017
Priority date
Expiry dateFeb 9, 2035

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY02E10/549

Abstract

Provided are novel methods of fabricating photovoltaic modules using pressure sensitive adhesives (PSA) to secure wire networks of interconnect assemblies to one or both surfaces of photovoltaic cells. A PSA having suitable characteristics is provided near the interface between the wire network and the cell's surface. It may be provided together as part of the interconnect assembly or as a separate component. The interconnect assembly may also include a liner, which may remain as a part of the module or may be removed later. The PSA may be distributed in a void-free manner by applying some heat and/or pressure. The PSA may then be cured by, for example, exposing it to UV radiation to increase its mechanical stability at high temperatures, in particular at a, for example the maximum, operating temperature of the photovoltaic module. For example, the modulus of the PSA may be substantially increased during this curing operation.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.