Optimization of bonded rail mounting for thin film PV modules

Frameless thin film photovoltaic module is mounted to metal rails by acrylic tape. Theoretical and FEA simulation show that the bonded rail mounting configuration can be modeled as beam series consisting of cantilever beams and fixed-fixed beams. A design rule was found for the relationship between tape-to-tape spacing and tape to glass edge spacing. The optimized mounting solutions were obtained from seven tape patterns, for the purpose of low stress mounting, higher vibration natural frequency, and low cost.