PHOTOVOLTAIC MODULE
A layer for use in a photovoltaic module may include an interlayer and one or more corrosion barriers adjacent to an electrically conductive layer.
1 . A layer for use in a photovoltaic module comprising:
an interlayer; and
one or more corrosion barriers adjacent to the interlayer for preventing corrosion of an electrically conductive layer, when the interlayer is installed adjacent to the electrically conductive layer.
2 . The layer of claim 1 , wherein the corrosion of the electrically conductive layer is acid-induced.
3 . The layer of claim 2 , wherein an acid of the acid-induced corrosion is formed within the interlayer.
4 . The layer of claim 1 , wherein the interlayer comprises a material selected from a group consisting of ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), polyvinyl butyral (PVB), and thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU).
5 . The layer of claim 1 , wherein the one or more corrosion barriers comprise a material selected from the group consisting of polyester and polyethylene terephthalate (PET).
6 . The layer of claim 1 , further comprising an adhesive layer between the interlayer and the one or more corrosion barriers.
7 . The layer of claim 6 , wherein the adhesive layer comprises an acrylic adhesive.
8 . The layer of claim 1 , wherein the one or more corrosion barriers are opaque.
9 . A method for manufacturing an interlayer for a photovoltaic module, the method comprising:
forming an interlayer; and
forming one or more corrosion barriers adjacent to the interlayer using an adhesive.
10 . The method of claim 9 , further comprising wrapping the interlayer around a cylindrical core to facilitate transport and dispensing.
11 . The method of claim 9 , further comprising forming an opening in the interlayer, wherein the opening is configured to align with an opening in a back cover of a module upon assembly.
12 . The method of claim 9 , wherein the interlayer comprises a material selected from the group consisting of ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), polyvinyl butyral (PVB), and thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU).
13 . A photovoltaic device comprising:
an interlayer; and
at least one corrosion barrier adjacent to an electrically conductive layer for preventing the electrically conductive layer from corroding.
14 . The photovoltaic device of claim 13 , wherein the electrically conductive layer comprises a conductive tape.
15 . The photovoltaic device of claim 14 , wherein the at least one corrosion barrier is aligned with and wider than the conductive tape.
16 . The photovoltaic device of claim 13 , wherein the interlayer comprises a material selected from the group consisting of ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), polyvinyl butyral (PVB), and thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU).
17 . The photovoltaic device of claim 13 , wherein the at least one corrosion barrier comprises a material selected from the group consisting of polyester and polyethylene terephthalate (PET).
18 . The photovoltaic device of claim 14 , wherein the conductive tape comprises tin-plated copper.
19 . The photovoltaic device of claim 13 , wherein the at least one corrosion barrier is opaque.
20 . The photovoltaic device of claim 13 , wherein the at least one corrosion barrier is attached to the interlayer by an adhesive layer.