A PHOTOVOLTAIC APPARATUS HAVING A FILLER LAYER AND METHOD FOR MAKING THE SAME

摘要

Devices for converting light into electric current are provided. A representative device has an encasing structure having at least one portion transparent. The encasing structure is configured to pass light energy into an interior of the encasing structure. The device further has a photovoltaic device positioned within the interior of the encasing structure. The photovoltaic device is positioned to receive light energy. The photovoltaic device is operable to transform the light energy into electric current. The device further has a protective space material, disposed between the encasing structure and the photovoltaic device. The protective space material is operable to transmit the light energy. The protective space material is a non-solid material having a physical property such as a viscosity of less than 1 x 10⁶ cP and/or a thermal coefficient of expansion of greater than 500 x 10^-6 / °C.