NOVELTY - The photovoltaic device comprises a transparent substrate (12), thin film layers that are formed on the glass substrate and define photovoltaic cells connected in series to each other, a first lead connected to one of the photovoltaic cells, an encapsulation substrate (14) that is placed on the thin film layers and defines a connection aperture through which the first lead extends, and an adhesive plug that is positioned within the connection aperture to mechanically support the transparent substrate in an area (13), which is opposite to the connection aperture.    USE - Used as a photovoltaic device.    ADVANTAGE - The photovoltaic device can be effectively manufactured with improved stiffness and without any cracking.    DETAILED DESCRIPTION - The photovoltaic device comprises a transparent substrate (12), thin film layers that are formed on the glass substrate and define photovoltaic cells connected in series to each other, a first lead connected to one of the photovoltaic cells, an encapsulation substrate (14) that is placed on the thin film layers and defines a connection aperture through which the first lead extends, and an adhesive plug that is positioned within the connection aperture to mechanically support the transparent substrate in an area (13), which is opposite to the connection aperture and is formed such that the first lead is able to extend through the connection aperture while the adhesive plug is present in place within the connection aperture. The connection aperture has a perimeter defined by an aperture wall of the encapsulation substrate. The adhesive plug comprises a cured epoxy material. The photovoltaic device further comprises a back plate that is positioned over the connection aperture and extends onto a back surface (16) of the encapsulation substrate, and a second lead connected to another one of the photovoltaic cells. The back plate is bonded to the adhesive plug and to a portion of the back surface of the encapsulation substrate, and defines an adhesive channel within its construction. The adhesive channel is configured to supply an adhesive from an exposed channel opening into the connection aperture. The back plate defines a first slot, and a second slot. The first lead extends through the first slot. The second lead extends: through the second slot; and through the connection aperture defined in the encapsulation substrate. The first and second slots are open-ended in the back plate. The back plate defines a first platform, and a second platform. The first and second platforms extend over the back surface of the encapsulation substrate. The photovoltaic device further comprises a junction box that is positioned over a support insert (100) and is connected to the first lead. The first and second platforms are configured to couple with the junction box. The first platform defines a first reservoir placed between the first platform and the back surface of the encapsulation substrate. The photovoltaic device further comprises an adhesive within the first reservoir positioned to bond the first platform and to the back surface of the encapsulation substrate, an adhesive within the second reservoir positioned to bond the second platform and to the back surface of the encapsulation substrate, and a back washer bonded around an edge of the connection aperture. The second platform defines a second reservoir placed between the second platform and the back surface of the encapsulation substrate. The back washer extends: onto a back surface of the encapsulation substrate; and perimetrically around the connection aperture. The back washer defines a center hole through which the first lead extends. An INDEPENDENT CLAIM is included for a method for mechanically supporting a transparent substrate in an area that is opposite to a connection aperture defined in an encapsulation substrate.    DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING(S) - The diagram shows a schematic view of a photovoltaic device.    Transparent substrate (12)    Area (13)    Encapsulation substrate (14)    Back surface (16)    Support insert. (100)