| 摘要 |
<p>Photovoltaic module designs to protect the module from horizontal and vertical impacts, degradation of solar cell efficiency caused by moisture, and temperature gradients are taught. In one design, a plurality of panel supports (14) that are positioned adjacent to the upper panel (8) in a photovoltaic module (6) absorb vertical forces exerted along an axis perpendicular to the upper panel. Other designs employ layers of glass and tempered glass, respectively, to protect the module from vertical impacts. A plurality of button-shaped channels (20) is used around the edges of the photovoltaic module to absorb forces applied to the module along an axis parallel to the module and direct moisture away from the module. A spacer (16) is employed between the upper (8) and lower (12) panels that has a coefficient of thermal expansion substantially equivalent to the coefficient of thermal expansion of at least one of the panels. A frame (26) is also provided that prevents temperature gradients from forming across an encapsulating structure that cause the structure to fail.</p> |
