Glass roof-tiles which act as solar-cells - produced by plastic deformation of float glass material

摘要

The solar cell substrate is light-transmitting and serves at the same time as a roofing tile. It is formed by stamping from a flat sheet of glass and subsequent plastic deformation at a high temp. The process can form several tiles at the same time. USE/ADVANTAGE - The method takes advantage of the extensive automation already used in float-glass mfr. and adds stages which can also easily be automated. The solar cell can easily be formed or attached to the underside of the tile. This makes the tiles cheaper and gives better control over form and properties. The capital costs associated with the production can be distributed over a range of products which can be made from the float-glass e.g. window glass for buildings and automobiles.