Apparatus and method for photovoltaic module with tapered edge seal

Abstract

A photovoltaic module generates electrical power when installed on a roof. The module is constructed as a laminated sandwich having a transparent protective upper layer adhered to a photovoltaic layer. The photovoltaic layer is adhered to the top of a rigid layer, preferably formed from a fiber reinforced plastic. A tapered edge seal is disposed about the peripheral outer edge of the module, so that water and debris easily run off. Preferably, the tapered edge seal is disposed adjacent the photovoltaic layer, and above the rigid substrate layer. The tapered edge seal is thinner at the outer peripheral portion thereof than at a portion thereof adjacent the photovoltaic layer. The laminated module preferably has a layer of double sided tape on the bottom to adhere the module to the surface of a roof

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A photovoltaic module, comprising:
 an upper transparent protective layer;   a photovoltaic layer positioned beneath the upper transparent protective layer, the photovoltaic layer comprising a plurality of electrically interconnected photovoltaic cells disposed in an array;   a rigid substrate layer positioned beneath the photovoltaic layer;   a tapered edge seal disposed (i) adjacent the photovoltaic layer, (ii) above the rigid substrate layer, and (iii) beneath the transparent protective layer, said tapered edge seal being thinner at an outer peripheral portion thereof than at a portion thereof adjacent the photovoltaic layer; and   an adhesion layer having a first surface attached to an exposed lower surface of the module, and having a second surface for adhering the module to a roofing surface.