A method of manufacturing a solar cell module includes the use of low cost
polymeric materials with improved mechanical properties. A transparent
encapsulant layer is placed adjacent a rear surface of a front support
layer. Interconnected solar cells are positioned adjacent a rear surface
of the transparent encapsulant layer to form a solar cell assembly. A
backskin layer is placed adjacent a rear surface of the solar cell
assembly. At least one of the transparent encapsulant layer and the
backskin layer are predisposed to electron beam radiation.