Patent Publication Number: US-2018034408-A1

Title: Edge protection for a floating photovoltaic power generation system

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/368,745 filed on Jul. 29, 2016, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     This disclosure relates generally to solar power generation, and in particular but not exclusively, relates to floating solar power generation. 
     BACKGROUND INFORMATION 
     As societies continue to industrialize throughout the world, the demand for affordable and plentiful electricity continues to grow. Renewable sources of electricity are increasingly being relied upon to meet this ever growing demand. One popular renewable source of electricity is solar power generation. 
     The construction of solar power plants is expensive and labor intensive. Each solar power module must be mechanically supported and electrically connected. Additionally, solar power plants may consume acres of otherwise usable land. A solar power module that can be economically fabricated, that is quickly, efficiently, and safely deployable in areas that are otherwise not being used, would be desirable and likely increase the adoption rate of commercial scale solar power generation. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments of the invention are described with reference to the following figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various views unless otherwise specified. Not all instances of an element are necessarily labeled so as not to clutter the drawings where appropriate. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles being described. 
         FIG. 1  is a functional block diagram illustrating a floating photovoltaic (“PV”) power generation system, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 2  is an illustration of a floating PV power generation system showing details of a mooring assembly and edge protection members, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIGS. 3A and 3B  illustrate different views of a portion of an edge protection member, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 3C  illustrates two edge protection members disposed along adjacent sides of a PV array, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 4A  is a profile illustration of a first implementation of an edge protection member, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 4B  is a profile illustration of a second implementation of an edge protection member, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 4C  is a profile illustration of a third implementation of an edge protection member, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 4D  is a profile illustration of a fourth implementation of an edge protection member, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 4E  is a profile illustration of a fifth implementation of an edge protection member, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 4F  is a profile illustration of a sixth implementation of an edge protection member, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 5  is functional block illustrations of a PV module, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional view illustrating various materials layers of a PV module, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Embodiments of a system and an apparatus for edge protection of a floating photovoltaic (“PV”) power generation system are described herein. In the following description numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that the techniques described herein can be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, etc. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring certain aspects. 
     Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. 
       FIG. 1  is a block diagram illustrating components of a floating PV power generation system  100 , in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. The illustrated embodiment of PV power generation system  100  includes a PV array  105 , edge protection members  110 , a mooring assembly, a waterproof enclosure  120 , an electrical interconnect assembly  125 , a shore substation  130 , and a shore power cable  135 . The illustrated embodiment of PV array  105  includes PV modules  140 . The illustrated embodiment of the mooring assembly includes mooring legs  145  and tensioning frame  150 . The illustrated embodiment of waterproof enclosure  120  houses electronics  155  while shore substation  130  includes electronics  160 . 
     PV power generation system  100  is a solar power generation system that floats on waterbodies, such as reservoirs, lakes, or even protected coastal waters, though reservoirs may be the most suitable locations for a variety of reasons. For instance, reservoirs are typically shallow protected waterbodies. Floating solar power generation can compare favorably to land-based solar power generation systems because the surface of reservoirs often represents unused or underused space. In contrast, land-based solar power generation systems often compete with agricultural uses. Inherent attributes of a water based deployment can be leveraged for effective cooling that increases operational efficiency, extends expected service lifespans, and otherwise increases a return on investment (“ROI”) for a commercial-scale power generation system. Additionally, floating solar power systems, such as PV power generation system  100 , reduces water evaporation, which is an important benefit for many reservoirs. 
     During operation, PV power generation system  100  is moored in a waterbody  101  and coupled to deliver solar power to shore substation  130  disposed on a shore of waterbody  101 . Shore substation  130  may be coupled to deliver the solar power to a power grid or directly coupled to a local community or nearby facility (e.g., factory). PV array  105  includes a number of PV modules  140  mechanically bound together to form a contiguous block or array of PV modules  140 . Each PV module  140  may be implemented as mat-like laminated structure (e.g., see  FIG. 11 ), a chain of rigid solar panels linked together and disposed over one or more flotation structures, or other floating solar panel structures. While PV power generation system  100  can be deployed with a variable number of PV modules  140 , which may each have a variety of different sizes, in one embodiment, each PV module  140  is 100 m long by 2 m wide and outputs 20 kW. In one embodiment, 50 PV modules  140  are connected to form a square contiguous PV array  105  having an overall power generation of 1 MW. Of course, PV arrays  105  having larger or smaller individual PV modules  140  and/or having a greater or smaller number of connected PV modules  140  may be implemented.  FIG. 1  illustrates just eight PV modules  140  included within PV array  105  for simplicity of illustration. 
     Each PV module  140  includes solar cells connected in series and/or parallel in one or more solar cell strings to generate solar power. The solar cells are embedded within a laminated structure forming a sort of floating solar mat, which is compliant to folding or bending in response to wave action on a surface of waterbody  101 . Since PV modules  140  use their buoyancy to float on or near the surface of waterbody  101 , extensive (and often expensive) support housings and infrastructure that typify land based solar power systems are not necessary. By floating PV modules  140  on or near the surface of waterbody  101 , PV modules  140  intimately contact the water for inherent heat dissipation and thermal cooling. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, PV array  105  is held in place by the mooring assembly, which includes mooring legs  145  and tensioning frame  150 . Tensioning frame  150  maintains tension on PV array  105  to ensure the individual PV modules  140  do not tangle or otherwise experience compression that could damage PV modules  140 . Tensioning frame  150  is tethered to mooring legs  145  so that the overall PV array  105  maintains a desired location within waterbody  101 . Mooring legs  145  may be anchored to a bottom of the waterbody using various types of anchors (e.g., gravity anchor, embedment anchor, etc.). Each mooring leg  145  may include an anchor, an anchor line, and a buoy. 
     The illustrated embodiment of PV power generation system  100  further includes edge protection members  110  that extend around one or more sides (e.g., all sides in the embodiment of  FIG. 1 ) of PV array  105  to protect PV modules  140  from floating debris (flotsam) in waterbody  101 . In the illustrated embodiment, edge protection members  110  are disposed between tensioning frame  150  and PV array  105  and also serve as a mechanical intermediary between tensioning frame  150  and PV array  105 . In one embodiment, edge protection members  110  further serve as a wind block to prevent (or otherwise reduce the incidence of) wind getting under the edges of PV array  105  and lifting portions of PV array  105  off the surface of the waterbody in high wind conditions. Edge protection members  110  also server to reduce an incidence or amplitude of waves overtopping PV array  105 . 
     PV modules  140  are electrically coupled to the functional units housed within waterproof enclosure  120  via electrical interconnect assembly  125 . In one embodiment, electrical interconnection assembly  125  is a waterproof wiring harness having individual power leads of variable length that match the variable distances between waterproof enclosure  120  and the connection points on PV modules  140 . A single wiring harness allows for a quick and organized deployment in the field. In various embodiments, the connection points on PV modules  140  may include pigtail connections or socket connections mounted to a junction box integrated into one end of PV modules  140 . 
     Waterproof enclosure  120  houses various electronics  155  that facilitate the operation of PV array  105 . For example, electronics  155  may include a power combiner, a controller, a monitoring system, communication adapters, etc. Waterproof enclosure  120  is placed in the waterbody and provides environmental protection to these internal components and in particular provides thermal heat dissipation to the surrounding water for the power electronics disposed therein. In one embodiment, waterproof enclosure is a metal enclosure (e.g., aluminum) that dissipates heat via convection to the surrounding water. A power combiner within waterproof enclosure  120  operates to combine the solar power generated by PV modules  140  to which it is connected and may be implemented as a DC-to-DC power converter or DC-to-AC power inverter that steps up the voltage output from PV modules  140  for transport to shore substation  130  over shore power cable  135 . A monitoring system and controller within waterproof enclosure  120  may be provided to monitor for upstream and/or downstream fault conditions, to sense various operational signals (e.g., power up or power down signals), and otherwise control various operational characteristics of PV array  105 . Communication adapters within waterproof enclosure  120  facilitate data communications between shore substation  130  and PV modules  140  over shore power cable  135  and electrical interconnect assembly  125 . 
     Electronics  160  of shore substation  130  include a power converter that steps up the voltage of the power received over shore power cable  135  to a grid-level voltage. This power converter may also isolate the grid from any faults in PV power generation system  100 . Electronics  160  can also include a controller and communication circuitry to choreograph the operation of other functional elements within the system. In one embodiment, electronics  160  includes a DC-to-AC power inverter. 
       FIG. 2  illustrates details of a mooring assembly and edge protection members of a floating PV power generation system  200 , in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. PV power generation system  200  is one possible implementation of PV power generation system  100 ; however, certain components (e.g., waterproof enclosure, electrical interconnect assembly, shore power cable, shore substation, etc.) have been omitted from  FIG. 2  so as not to clutter the drawing. The illustrated embodiment of the mooring assembly includes a tensioning frame  205  and mooring legs  210 . The illustrated embodiment of tensioning frame  205  includes main lines  215 , adjustable tensioning tethers  220 , and tension lines  225 . The illustrated embodiment of the edge protection members includes surface barrier sections  230  and PV array connectors  235 . 
     Tensioning frame  205  serves as a connection between mooring legs  210  and PV array  201 . Tensioning frame  205  maintains tension on the PV modules of PV array  201  to prevent, or at least reduce a likelihood of, them experiencing compression buckling or twisting that damages the PV modules. In the illustrated embodiment, tensioning frame  205  physically connects to surface barrier sections  230  while PV array connectors  235  translate the tensile force to PV array  201 . In other embodiments, tensioning frame  205  may couple directly to PV array  201 . In one embodiment, surface barrier sections  230  are disposed along the outside perimeter of main lines  215  (not illustrated). 
     Mainlines  215  are support lines extending between mooring legs  210 . Mainlines  215  form an arc between their connecting mooring legs  210 , which maintains tension on tension lines  225 . Tension lines  225  extend between the mainlines  215  and surface barrier sections  230  and serve to apply tensile forces around the sides of PV array  201 . In the illustrated embodiment, tension lines  225  exerted a tensile force onto the outer sides of surface barrier sections  230 , which in turn translate the tensile force to PV array  201  via PV array connectors  235 . In other embodiments, tension lines  225  may connect directly to the PV modules by passing through or over surface barrier sections  230 . Tensioning frame  205  may be formed as a rope rigging. For example, tensioning frame  205  may be fabricated of a low weight, stretch resistant, UV stable line. In one embodiment, tensioning frame  205  is a sheathed polymer line. 
     Adjustable tensioning tethers  220  provide a mechanism for adjusting the tension on tensioning frame  205  by adjusting their lengths. For example, each adjustable tensioning tether  220  may be implemented as a pulley assembly (e.g., block and tackle) with a lock, replaceable tethers of variable lengths, cinch-tight straps, or otherwise. Adjustable tensioning tethers  220  allow the system to be deployed and interconnected while tensioning frame  205  is relaxed, then subsequently pulled taut to a desired tensile force to ensure PV array  201  is appropriately held in place. If tensioning frame  205  stretches after the initial deployment or a wind or wave storm, adjustable tensioning tethers  220  can readily be retightened as needed. 
       FIGS. 3A and 3B  illustrate different views of a portion of an edge protection member  300 , in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. Edge protection member  300  is one possible implementation of edge protection member  110  illustrated in  FIG. 1 .  FIG. 3A  is a plan view illustration of edge protection member  300  while  FIG. 3B  is a profile illustration of the same. The illustrated embodiment of edge protection member  300  includes a surface barrier  305 , a wind barrier  310 , a ballast  315 , a tension frame connector  320 , a PV array connector  325 , and longitudinal connectors  330 . The illustrated embodiment of tension frame connector  320  includes eyeholes  335 . The illustrated embodiment of PV array connector  325  includes eyeholes  340 . 
     When deployed, surface barrier  305  resided along water surface  370  adjacent to a side of the PV array to protect the PV array from external forces. These external forces may include flotsam (debris floating on water surface  370  such as logs or branches), wind, waves, animals, or otherwise. It operates as a physical barrier having a freeboard to block or otherwise reduce the encroachment of external forces onto the PV array. In one embodiment, surface barrier  305  has sufficient buoyancy to maintain a freeboard at water surface  370 , which resists water currents from pushing it or the PV array underwater. In various embodiments, surface barrier  305  may be implemented as a single elongated float, or a series of end-to-end connected elongated floats that extend along an entire length of at least one side of the PV array. Multiple surface barriers  305  may be linked to partially or entirely encircle the PV array for multisided protection. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, surface barrier  305  has a circular cross-sectional shape. However, surface barrier  305  may assume a variety of other cross-sectional shapes including rectangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, etc. Furthermore, surface barrier  305  may be fabricated of multiple components bound together. Example implementations of surface barrier  305  include an inflatable float, a solid core float (e.g., foam core), a rigid body air cavity float (e.g., a hollow plastic or metal pontoon). 
     In the illustrated embodiment, tension lines  225  exerted a tensile force onto tension frame connector  320 , which in turn translates the tensile force through surface barrier  305  and PV array connector  325  to the PV array. In the illustrated embodiment, PV array connector  325  is a fabric tab/flap with eyeholes  340  (e.g., grommets) that are lashed (or otherwise mechanically connected) to outer edges of those PV modules that fall along the perimeter of the PV array. Other mechanical connections than eyeholes  340  may be used (e.g., straps, buckles, clips, snaps, hook and loop connectors, quick ties, zipper, etc.). Tension frame connector  320  may be fabricated in a similar manner using similar materials. 
     Tension frame connector  320  is disposed along surface barrier  305  for applying outward tension on edge protection member  300  to pull edge protection member  300  away from the PV array when deployed in a waterbody. PV array connector  325  is disposed along an opposite side of surface barrier  305  to translate the outward tension to the PV array to also place the PV array under tension when deployed. In one embodiment, PV array connector  325  is flexible and collapses in compression to prevent the application of a deleterious compressive force on the PV array. In the illustrated embodiment, PV array connector  325  is wider in a middle portion  350  of edge protection member  300  than compared to peripheral portions  355  to provide a larger standoff distance  360  between surface barrier  305  and the PV array in middle portion  350  than peripheral portions  355 . The larger standoff distance  360  provides greater protection in the middle portion  350  against collisions where the outward tensile force asserted by the tension frame and tension lines  225  is typically less. 
       FIG. 3B  illustrates how wind barrier  310  connects to surface barrier  305  and extends below water surface  370  when edge protection member  300  is positioned in a waterbody. Wind barrier  310  creates a windscreen that extends down below water surface  370  even when surface barrier  305  is lifted off water surface  370  by high winds, wave action, or external loading. Wind barrier  310  reduces an incidence of the wind getting under adjacent portions of the PV array and lifting those portions off the waterbody. Wind barrier  310  may be fabricated of a variety of materials. For example, wind barrier  310  may be a flexible skirt (e.g., plastic, fabric, etc.) or a rigid skirt (e.g., plastic, metal, wood, composite, etc.). 
     Ballast  315  is connected to wind barrier  310  to provide a downward force help keep at least a portion of wind barrier  310  below water surface  370  despite a limited amount of liftoff of surface barrier  310  from water surface  370  in high winds, waves, or external loading. In the illustrated embodiment, wind barrier  310  connects to a bottom side of surface barrier  305  and ballast  315  connects to a bottom side of wind barrier  310 . Ballast  315  may be a distinct weight that is attached to wind barrier  310  or an integral weight that is incorporated into wind barrier  310 . For example, ballast  315  may be implemented as a solid core weight (e.g., metal, rock, concrete, chain, cable, etc.), a granular fill material (e.g., sand, pebbles, etc.), or water ballast (e.g., water filled enclosure). 
       FIG. 3C  illustrates an example of how two edge protection members  300  may be disposed along adjacent sides of a PV array  301 , in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. In the illustrated, tension lines  225  apply an outward tension on tension frame connector  320 , which is translated to PV array  301  via surface barrier  305  and PV array connector  325 . Edge protection members  300  are interconnected at their distal ends via longitudinal connectors  330 . Longitudinal connector  330  applies a longitudinal tension down the length of edge protection members  300  via the corner tension line  225 A. In one embodiment, longitudinal connector  330  connects to a longitudinal line  380  that extends along the length of edge protection members  300  to carry the longitudinal tension force. In one embodiment, both longitudinal connector  330  and longitudinal line  380  are fabricated of conductive material (e.g., metallic). In this conductive embodiment, longitudinal connector  330  and longitudinal line  380  also operate collectively as a perimeter guard ring that encircles PV array  301 . This perimeter guard ring is electrically grounded and blocks electrical arcing, in the event of failure of a PV module, between PV array  301  and an item (e.g., person) external to edge protection members  300 . The perimeter guard ring may be grounded to the waterbody, to the ground below the waterbody via the mooring assembly, or to shore via a ground line. In alternative embodiments, one or more independent guard rings that are not mechanical structures for carrying tension forces may be used. 
       FIGS. 4A-4F  are profile illustrations of various alternative implementations of edge protection members  110 . These implementations are not intended to be exhaustive and it should further be appreciated features of the various implementations may be mixed and matched to provide hybrid implementations. 
       FIG. 4A  illustrates a first edge protection member  401  including a surface barrier  410 , a wind barrier  415 , a ballast  420 , a tension frame connector  425 , and a PV array connector  430 . Edge protection member  401  is similar to edge protection member  300  where wind barrier  415  is a flexible skirt attached to the bottom side of surface barrier  410  and weighed down by ballast  420 . Ballast  420  is a solid core weight (e.g., a metal rod) attached to the bottom side of wind barrier  415 . 
       FIG. 4A  also illustrates how PV array connector  430  mounts to a side of surface barrier  410  at a vertical position that substantially does not apply a vertical force on the PV array and neither lifts the PV array up off water surface  370  nor submerges the PV array down below water surface  370 . Lifting a side edge of the PV array allows deleterious air pockets to get trapped under the PV array, which can be thermally insulating. Submerging the side edges of the PV array can cause water to pool on the PV array thereby reducing solar efficiency. In one embodiment, tension frame connector  425  also mounts to a side of surface barrier  410  at a vertical position that substantially does not apply a vertical force on the PV array that lifts the surface barrier  410  off water surface  370 . In one embodiment, both tension frame connector  425  and PV array connector  430  are mounted at vertical heights on surface barrier  410  that do not apply substantial vertical tension forces on surface barrier  410  or the PV array. 
       FIG. 4B  illustrates a second edge protection member  402  including surface barrier  410 , wind barrier  415 , a ballast  421 , tension frame connector  425 , and PV array connector  430 . Edge protection member  402  is similar to edge protection member  401  except that ballast  421  is an enclosure  435  filled with water  440  as ballast (e.g., water sack). Enclosure  435  optionally includes weight material  445  for additional ballast. Enclosure  435  may be implemented as a rigid enclosure or a flexible enclosure. Enclosure  435  may be sealed enclosure or a non-fully enclosed, slow draining chamber. Weight material  445  may be a variety of materials such as metal weights (e.g., chain, cable, etc.), sand, pebbles, rocks, or otherwise. 
       FIG. 4C  illustrates a third edge protection member  403  including surface barrier  410 , an enclosure  436 , a ballast  422 , tension frame connector  425 , and PV array connector  430 . Edge protection member  403  is similar to edge protection member  402  except that enclosure  436  performs dual functions of both wind barrier and ballast. When enclosure  436  is lifted up, the sides of enclosure  436  perform the wind barrier function. Additionally, enclosure  436  is filled with water  440  and optionally weight material  445 , thereby also functioning as a ballast  422  to keep the enclosure  436  from lifting above the water surface. Ballast  422  provides a downward restoring force that proportionally increases with the distance that ballast  422  is lifted out of the water. In other words, as surface barrier  410  is lifted up, ballast  422  generates an increasing downward resorting force to counteract the upward lift. Enclosure  436  is a sack that encompasses surface barrier  410 . In other words, surface barrier  410  is disposed within the water sack formed by enclosure  436  and enclosure  436  extends over the top of surface barrier  410 . 
       FIG. 4D  illustrates a fourth edge protection member  404  including a surface barrier  411 , wind barrier  415 , a ballast  420 , a pass-through  426  through which a tension line  431  extends between the tension frame and the PV array to apply tension directly onto the PV array. Non-slip collars  432  have a size and shape that holds onto tension line  431 , but do not pull through pass-through  426 . Non-slip collars  432  clamp onto tension line  431  and hold edge protection member  404  in a static offset location relative to the PV array when deployed. 
       FIG. 4E  is a profile illustration of a fifth implementation of an edge protection member  405 , in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. Edge protection member  405  includes surface barrier  410 , wind barrier  415 , tension frame connector  425 , PV array connector  430 , an anchoring system  450 . Edge protection member  405  is similar to edge protection member  401  except that the ballast is replaced (or supplemented) by a downward tension on wind barrier  415  by anchoring system  450 . Anchoring system  405  includes anchor lines  455  that extend between the bottom of wind barrier  415  and one or more anchors  460 . Anchors  460  may be gravity anchors, embedment anchors, or otherwise. Additionally, a tensioning apparatus may be included to maintain downward tension despite elevation changes in water surface  370 . A tensioning apparatus may include a pulley coupled to an anchor around which anchor lines  455  are wrapped and connected to a submerged float. 
       FIG. 4F  is a profile illustration of a sixth implementation of an edge protection member  406 , in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. Edge protection member  406  includes surface barrier  410 , wind barrier  415 , ballast  420 , tension frame connector  425 , PV array connector  430 , a sea anchor  470  (also referred to as a drogue anchor). Edge protection member  406  is similar to edge protection member  401  except for the addition of sea anchor  470 . Furthermore, ballast  420  may be omitted or incorporated into sea anchor  470 . Sea anchor  470  introduces drag into the vertical motion of surface barrier  410 . The vertical drag provided by sea anchor  470  lessens the motion of edge protection member  406  in heavy seas/water. This reduced motion helps block larger waves and reduces the likelihood of the waves washing over the top of the PV array. In other words, surface barrier  410  is less likely to ride up over a larger wave, but rather rides through the wave, thereby diminishing its amplitude and potentially blocking or reducing the cresting of large waves onto the PV array. 
       FIG. 5  is an illustration of a photovoltaic (“PV”) module  500 , in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. PV module  500  is one possible implementation of PV modules  140  illustrated in  FIG. 1 . The illustrated embodiment of PV module  500  includes laminated support structure  505 , solar cell strings  510  including solar cells  515 , distributed circuitry  520 , a junction box  525 , power lines  530 , signal lines  535 , side edge treatments  540 , end edge treatments  545 , and output ports  550 . In other embodiments, PV module  500  may be a rigid solar panel disposed over a flotation apparatus. 
     Solar cell strings  510  each includes a plurality of solar cells  515  electrically connected in series and/or parallel to generate solar power and a current in response to light incident upon a frontside of PV module  500 . PV module  500  may include any number of solar cell strings  510  each having any number of solar cells  515 . However, PV module  500  is well-suited for generating kilowatts of power and may be coupled with additional instances of PV module  500  for generating megawatts of power. For example, each solar cell  515  may be designed to output 10 A @ 1V, each solar cell string  510  may include between 50 and 1000 series connected solar cells  515  to generate 10 A @ 1000V on output ports  550 . Of course, the actual number of solar cell strings  510 , number of solar cells  515  per solar cell string  510 , amperage and voltage output may be selected by design and vary outside the above demonstrative ranges and/or that illustrated in  FIG. 5 . PV module  500  may be referred to as a “macro” module to indicate that the design of PV module  500  is well-suited for integrating large numbers (e.g., 100&#39;s or 1000&#39;s) of solar cells  515  into a single contiguous module or form factor for commercial scale power generation. However, it is also anticipated that the designs disclosed herein are also applicable to sub-kilowatt power generation applications. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, PV module  500  encases solar cell strings  510  within laminated support structure  505 . Laminated support structure  505  is fabricated as a multi-layer laminated structure that is durable, environmentally benign/inert, and relatively low cost when compared to conventional commercial grade solar power generating systems that include rigid housings and bulky support structures. Laminated support structure  505  is a mat-like protective encasement that surrounds solar cell strings  510  and is compliant to rolling or folding. By embedding solar cell strings  510  in a laminated structure, expensive frames and mechanical support infrastructures can be avoided thereby facilitating simplified storage and quick deployment in a variety of environmental conditions. For example, PV module  500  may be deployed in horizontal, inclined, or vertical orientations. PV module  500  can be temporarily deployed for short-term power generation (e.g., portable deployments, deployments in the event of unexpected power grid failure, deployments in the event of natural disasters, etc.), seasonal power generation, or long-term/quasi-permanent deployments (e.g., multi-year or multi-decade). PV module  500  can be tailored for deployment over land or water bodies (e.g., water reservoirs as discussed herein). 
     In one embodiment, solar cells  515  are fabricated of monocrystalline silicon; however, in other embodiments, solar cells  515  may be implemented using polycrystalline silicon, thin film technologies, other semiconductor materials (e.g., gallium arsenide), or other solar cell technologies. The illustrated embodiment of each solar cell string  510  includes a plurality of solar cells  515  coupled in series. In other embodiments, solar cell strings  510  may also include a group of parallel coupled solar cells  515  that are coupled in series with other parallel coupled solar cells  515 . Furthermore, the physical layout of these series coupled solar cells  515  may assume a variety of different patterns and routes. For example, a given solar cell string  510  may follow a straight path, a zigzag or serpentine path, a curved path, a spiral path, or trace out any number of a geometric patterns (e.g., concentric rectangles, etc.). 
     In the illustrated embodiment, power lines  530  electrically connect solar cell strings  510  to power circuitry within junction box  525 . Junction box  525  includes the centralized circuitry for managing operations of solar cell strings  510 , collecting the solar power or current generated by solar cell strings  510 , and outputting the solar power via output ports. In the illustrated embodiment, junction box  525  is a single enclosure that includes both power electronics, communication electronics, sensors, and control logic for PV module  500 . In one embodiment, junction box  525  is a hermetically sealed enclosure that dissipates heat to its surrounding environment. In other embodiments, junction box  525  may represent multiple interconnected physical enclosures. Junction box  525  may be integrated into laminated support structure  505 , mounted on a frontside, backside, or both sides of laminated support structure  505 . In one embodiment, a cutout or hole is made into laminated support structure  505  into which junction box  525  is disposed. In the illustrated embodiment, junction box  525  is disposed proximate to one end of PV module  500 , though it may also be mounted along a side edge or other interior location. 
     In addition to the centralized circuitry incorporated into junction box  525 , the illustrated embodiment of PV module  500  also includes distributed circuitry  520  integrated within laminated support structure  505  and disposed throughout PV module  500 . Distributed circuitry  520  is coupled to solar cell strings  510  to selectively route current generated by solar cells  515  under the influence and control of a controller within junction box  525 . Distributed circuitry  520  may be coupled in various shunting paths across different portions of the various solar cell strings  510  to bypass failing sections of solar cells  515 , to discharge and shutdown one or more solar cell strings  510  (or portions thereof), to respond to a failure or short circuit condition sensed within PV module  500 , or otherwise. In some embodiments, distributed circuitry  520  includes switches, transistors, or fuses disposed in line with solar cells  515 , which can be selectively activated/deactivated (e.g., energized, blown, etc) to open circuit or short circuit sections of solar cell strings  510 . Signal lines  535  are routed within laminated support structure  505  to interconnect distributed circuitry  520  to junction box  525 . Signal lines  535  may be parallel or serial datapaths, and may include one or more addressing lines, command lines, and/or sensing lines. Although  FIG. 5  illustrates signal lines  535  as distinct physical lines, in other embodiments, power line communications or even wireless communications may be used in place of signal lines  535 . 
     Distributed circuitry  520  also serves to increase yield rates for PV modules  500 . As mentioned above, PV module  500  may include 100&#39;s or even 1000&#39;s of solar cells  515 . If every solar cell  515  is required to function in order to obtain a functioning PV module  500 , the yield rate of PV modules  500  could be unviable for mass production. Accordingly, distributed circuitry  520  includes inline fuses and switches dispersed throughout solar cell strings  510  to actively shunt or otherwise isolate non-functioning solar cells  515 , or sections of solar cells  515 , from the remaining functioning solar cells  515 . By sensing and actively isolating non-functioning solar cells  515  from functioning solar cells  515 , yield rates for PV modules  500  can be substantially increased. 
     PV module  500  includes edge treatments for physically interconnecting and mounting one or more PV modules  500  in a variety of environments to form a contiguous PV array. For example, the illustrated embodiment of PV module  500  includes side edge treatments  540  disposed along side edges of PV module  500  and end edge treatments  545  disposed along the shorter end edges of PV module  500 . In other embodiments, side edge treatments  540  may be disposed along the shorter end edges while end edge treatments  545  may be disposed along the longer side edges. 
     Side edge treatments  540  represent edge connection strips and optional drainage features that facilitate mechanically connecting PV module  500  to other PV modules  500  to form a large PV array when deployed in the field. End edge treatments  545  facilitate mechanical mounting or holding of PV module  500  taut when unfolded or unrolled. Collectively, side edge treatments  540  and end edge treatments  545  facilitate variable size deployments, that can be mechanically and electrically interconnected into a contiguous system and which can be mounted in a variety of orientations (vertical, horizontal, inclined) and environments (e.g., land or water). 
       FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional illustration of a demonstrative material stack  600  for implementing laminated support structure  505 , in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. Material stack  600  is also well suited for deployment in an aqueous environment, such as a water reservoir. The illustrated embodiment of material stack  600  includes a substrate layer  605 , a water block layer  610 , a backside encapsulant layer  615 , a frontside encapsulant layer  625 , a stiffener layer  630 , an ultraviolet (“UV”) blocking layer  635 , and a superstrate layer  640 . 
     Frontside encapsulant layer  625  and backside encapsulant layer  615  sandwich around solar cells  515  which are electrically interconnected front to back and back to front by electrodes  620 . Both frontside and backside encapsulant layers  625  and  615  conform to and otherwise mold around solar cells  515 . In one embodiment, frontside and backside encapsulant layers  625  and  615  are formed of ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) each approximately 0.9 mm thick. In other embodiments, frontside and backside encapsulant layers  625  and  615  are fabricated from layers of polyolefin. In one embodiment, heat and pressure are used to encapsulate solar cells  515  between the frontside and backside encapsulant layers. For example, even pressure may be applied using a vacuum tool, which also serves to eliminate deleterious moisture and air pockets. 
     Substrate layer  605  provides physical environmental protection to the backside of solar cells  315 . In particular, substrate layer  605  protects against damage occurring from physical impacts, animal influence, and other forms of physical intrusions from the backside. In one embodiment, substrate  605  is fabricated of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) approximately 0.27 mm thick. In one embodiment, substrate layer  605  is pigmented black in color. 
     Water block layer  610  is an optional waterproofing layer that can extend the lifespan of solar cells  515  when the PV module is deployed as a floating module. Water block layer  610  may be fabricated as a metal foil layer, such as aluminum foil, an oxide layer, such as silicon dioxide, or otherwise. 
     Stiffener layer  630  is a layer that adds stiffness to the PV module to reduce the incidence of fracture of solar cells  515  when the PV module is rolled and further provides mechanical protection. Stiffener layer  630  operates to limit the bend radius. In the illustrated embodiment, stiffener layer  630  is disposed across the top side of solar cells  515 . Stiffener layer  630  may be fabricated of a polymer material having the desired stiffness, such as a 0.27 mm thick layer of clear PPE. 
     In one embodiment, UV blocking layer  635  is also an adhesive that is disposed between superstrate layer  640  and stiffener layer  630  to bond the two layers together. UV blocking layer  635  includes UV filtering characteristics to block or otherwise reduce the amount of harmful UV light that penetrates to the lower layers. UV light can age or otherwise damage the underlying material layers thereby shorting the deployed lifespan of the PV module. In one embodiment, UV blocking layer  605  is a 0.2 mm thick layer of UV blocking EVA encapsulant. 
     Superstrate layer  640  provides physical environmental protection to the frontside of solar cells  515 . In particular, superstrate layer  640  protects against damage occurring from physical impacts, animal influence, and other forms of physical intrusions from the frontside. In one embodiment, superstrate layer  640  is fabricated of a polymer material. For example, in one embodiment, superstrate layer  640  is a 0.2 mm thick layer of a fluoropolymer such as ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE). 
     The above description of illustrated embodiments of the invention, including what is described in the Abstract, is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. While specific embodiments of, and examples for, the invention are described herein for illustrative purposes, various modifications are possible within the scope of the invention, as those skilled in the relevant art will recognize. 
     These modifications can be made to the invention in light of the above detailed description. The terms used in the following claims should not be construed to limit the invention to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification. Rather, the scope of the invention is to be determined entirely by the following claims, which are to be construed in accordance with established doctrines of claim interpretation.