Abstract
This annual report documents progress for the first year of a 2-year Photovoltaic Manufacturing Technology subcontract. The project entailed four major technical areas: identification and deployment of a new backskin that allows for a frameless module and novel mounting methods; identification and deployment of a novel encapsulant that should lead to longer life and permit nonvacuum lamination;development of a continuous, high-throughput, nonvacuum lamination method; and development of an innovative mounting system (IMS) for PV modules that simplifies mechanical and electrical installation. The major developments were the backskin and IMS. Researchers also established the groundwork for the encapsulant and lamination process and designed an improved junction box. In addition to thetechnical work, two other important activities were included: market research and customer feedback on the new products, and discussions with Underwriters Laboratories and testing labs on safety and reliability test requirements.
Original language | American English |
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Number of pages | 40 |
State | Published - 1997 |
Bibliographical note
Work performed by Evergreen Solar, Inc., Waltham, MassachusettsNREL Publication Number
- NREL/SR-520-23189
Keywords
- frame
- junction boxes
- photovoltaics (PV)
- thermoplastics
- UV stabilizer