Abstract:
The present invention relates to phase change materials (PCMs) which may be used with photovoltaic (PV) modules. More specifically, solid/solid PCMs having a polyolefin backbone polymer and a crystallizable side chain are provided. Preferably, the solid/solid PCM has a copolymer backbone having a polyolefin repeating unit, and the crystallizable side chains are grafted onto the copolymer backbone. Most preferably, the copolymer is poly(ethylene-co-glycidyl methacrylate) (PE-co-GMA), and polyethylene glycol (PEG) is the crystallizable side chain. Photovoltaic modules and backsheets for photovoltaic modules having solid/solid PCMs are also provided.
Abstract:
A multi-layer backsheet for a photovoltaic module comprising a first layer having a reflectance of more than 25% of a light with a wavelength anywhere from about 1000 nm to about 2100 nm, and a reflectance of less than 35% of all light with a wavelength from about 380 nm to about 750 nm; and a second layer having a reflectance of more than 50% of all light with a wavelength from about 380 nm to about 2000 nm. A photovoltaic module comprising the multi-layer backsheet, a method of making the photovoltaic module, and a method of converting sunlight into electricity by exposing the photovoltaic module to sun light.