NOVELTY - Photovoltaic device (10) comprises: a transparent substrate (12); many thin film layers on the transparent substrate, where thin film layers define many photovoltaic cells connected in series to each other; a first lead connected to one of the photovoltaic cells; an encapsulation substrate (14) on thin film layers, where encapsulation substrate defines a back surface and a connection aperture (15) through which first lead extends, and connection aperture has a perimeter defined by an aperture wall of the encapsulation substrate; and a support insert (100) defining a plug portion and a flange.    USE - Used as a photovoltaic device.    ADVANTAGE - The photovoltaic device utilizes a support insert defining a plug portion and a flange which effectively add to the stiffness of the overall device proximate to the connection aperture, thus reducing the amount of bending and/or flexure that occur upon impact (e.g. due to hail) in the region.    DETAILED DESCRIPTION - Photovoltaic device (10) comprises: a transparent substrate (12); many thin film layers on the transparent substrate, where the thin film layers define many photovoltaic cells connected in series to each other; a first lead connected to one of the photovoltaic cells; an encapsulation substrate (14) on the thin film layers, where the encapsulation substrate defines a back surface and a connection aperture (15) through which the first lead extends, and the connection aperture has a perimeter defined by an aperture wall of the encapsulation substrate; and a support insert (100) defining a plug portion and a flange, where the plug portion is positioned within the connection aperture and the flange extends over the back surface of the encapsulation substrate, the support insert is configured to mechanically support the transparent substrate in an area opposite to the connection aperture, and the support insert is configured such that the first lead is able to extend through the connection aperture while the support insert is in place within the connection aperture. An INDEPENDENT CLAIM is also included for a kit for use with a photovoltaic device that has a first lead, comprising: the encapsulation substrate defining a connection aperture and a back surface; and the support insert defining a plug portion and a flange, where the support insert is configured to mechanically support a transparent substrate in an area opposite to the connection aperture when coupled with the transparent substrate to form a photovoltaic device.    DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING(S) - The figure shows a general schematic of an exemplary photovoltaic device for use with the support insert.    Photovoltaic device (10)    Transparent substrate (12)    Encapsulation substrate (14)    Connection aperture (15)    Support insert (100)