Glass fiber reinforced concrete for terrestrial photovoltaic arraysThe use of glass-fiber-reinforced concrete (GRC) as a low-cost structural substrate for terrestrial solar cell arrays is discussed. The properties and fabrication of glass-reinforced concrete structures are considered, and a preliminary design for a laminated solar cell assembly built on a GRC substrate is presented. A total cost for such a photovoltaic module, composed of a Korad acrylic plastic film front cover, an aluminum foil back cover, an ethylene/vinyl acetate pottant/adhesive and a cotton fabric electrical isolator in addition to the GRC substrate, of $9.42/sq m is projected, which is less than the $11.00/sq m cost goal set by the Department of Energy. Preliminary evaluations are concluded to have shown the design capabilities and cost effectiveness of GRC; however, its potential for automated mass production has yet to be evaluated.
Document ID
19800050612
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Proceedings
Authors
Maxwell, H. (California Institute of Technology, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Applied Mechanics Section, Pasadena Calif., United States)
Date Acquired
August 10, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1979
Subject Category
Composite Materials
Meeting Information
Meeting: New horizons - Materials and processes for the eighties