Pilkington Solar International Gmbh

Karsten Wambach

Paul Nava

Christof Brzoska

Olaf Van De Venne

In a photovoltaic solar module in plate form with an outer plate, an inner plate and a plastic interlayer joining them, in which are embedded solar cells, where the solar cells are interconnected with one another electrically be means of several connecting conductors and where the connecting conductors are each connected so as to be electrically conductive to a connection device arranged in an opening in the inner plate, several connecting conductors are durably connected to a common connection device, which comprises a multiple plug-and-socket connector.

Photovoltaic solar module in plate form

A photovoltaic solar module in plate form, in particular for use as a curtain wall or roof element, with at least one outer pane facing towards the incident light, at least one inner cover arranged at a distance behind it in the direction of the incident light, and, if necessary, an edge structure surrounding the outer pane and the inner cover, joining them to one another to form a seal. Solar cells are arranged between the outer pane and the inner cover, embedded in cast resin, laminating film(s) or the like, with a system of conductors interconnecting them electrically, from which connecting leads for electrical connection to other adjacent solar modules lead into the area located outside the plate structure. The connecting leads are attached to a connecting lug, which is joined to a module connection element extending essentially outside the plate structure, where the connecting lug is arranged on a tangential plane of the module connection element and can be interconnected to corresponding module connection elements of adjacent solar modules. The electrical connection system possesses a high degree of mechanical stability, even if individual components possess little or no load-bearing capability, e.g. an inner cover of a flexible plastic film.

A plate-shaped solar module, particularly for use as facade element or roof element is provided with an outer pane facing the incident light, at least one inner plate arranged at a distance behind it in the direction of light incidence to create an intermediate space and a peripheral construction running around the outer pane and the inner plate for connecting them in sealing manner. Solar cells are arranged between the outer pane and the inner plate, imbedded in cast resin, compound foil/s or the like, and with a conductor system electrically connecting them. The connecting lines for electric connection with other adjacent solar modules lead into the area of the periphery and the connecting lines are attached on a lug that projects into the intermediate space and is imbedded in the cast resin or the compound foil/s. The lug is connected with an insulating bush by connecting elements that extend outside the plate construction, whereby the connecting elements are connected with, in each case, one of the connecting lines laid through the insulating bush and can be connected with corresponding connecting elements of adjacent solar modules.

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Ratingen, Germany

Karsten Wambach