Design, analysis and test verification of advanced encapsulated systems

Methods have been developed to aid the photovoltaic manufacturer in the design of modules which will optimize the use of materials and method of manufacture for novel encapsulation schemes. Methods are described for using master curves to enable the design of modules which will withstand pressure loading from wind and/or precipitation as well as stress produced from diurnal and seasonal thermal cycling. Analysis methods using finite element modeling are presented to examine maximum electric field concentrations dependent on the geometry of cells and interconnects. Techniques for determining the operating temperature and optical efficiency of panels are presented. Several novel methods of manufacturing modules are described. Experimental results in the use of conductive polymers in photovoltaic cells as AR coatings, conductivity enhancers and passivation coatings are discussed.