Abstract: Embodiments may include systems and methods to create and edit a representation of a worksite, to create various data objects, to classify such objects as various types of pre-defined “features” with attendant properties and layout constraints. As part of or in addition to classification, an embodiment may include systems and methods to create, associate, and edit intrinsic and extrinsic properties to these objects. A design engine may apply of design rules to the features described above to generate one or more solar collectors installation design alternatives, including generation of on-screen and/or paper representations of the physical layout or arrangement of the one or more design alternatives. In some embodiments, metadata about the design process, including the process of classifying features and providing user input, generating layouts, and then modifying those layouts, may be generated. The metadata may include information about exceptional conditions in the project state information or design.

Abstract: In one embodiment, harmful solar cell polarization is prevented or minimized by providing a conductive path that bleeds charge from a front side of a solar cell to the bulk of a wafer. The conductive path may include patterned holes in a dielectric passivation layer, a conductive anti-reflective coating, or layers of conductive material formed on the top or bottom surface of an anti-reflective coating, for example. Harmful solar cell polarization may also be prevented by biasing a region of a solar cell module on the front side of the solar cell.

Abstract: Determining solar panel placement enables sales representatives and homeowners to modify a solar power system by adding or removing solar panels or arrays of solar panels, or changing module type. The user sees the corresponding solar energy production update instantly in a user interface. Determining solar panel placement includes receiving data corresponding to an installation location. A maximum solar panel design is determined based on the installation location. Energy production is determined for a solar panel on each section of a roof of an installation location, and the energy production and energy offset are dynamically displayed in real time when any solar panel or array is selected or deselected.

Abstract: A high efficiency configuration for a solar cell module comprises solar cells arranged in an overlapping shingled manner and conductively bonded to each other in their overlapping regions to form super cells, which may be arranged to efficiently use the area of the solar module.

Abstract: Electrical component location is provided. Employed location techniques may include providing a cycling signal, having components to be located sense the cycling signal at the same time, report back the sensed signal, and determining relative locations for one or more of the components using the sensed signals reported by the components.

Abstract: One or more hybrid management modules for Photovoltaic (PV) systems are provided. These modules may be configured for peer-to-peer communication and may also be configured for cellular communication outside of the PV system. The modules may be coupled or located near individual PV modules and may be configured with or alongside PV inverters or converters. The modules may take the place of a central system manager located beyond a main service panel and may work in conjunction with a controller located beyond a main service panel.

Abstract: Solar cell devices as well as method and apparatus for producing solar cell devices are disclosed. Aspects of the disclosure provide a solar cell device that includes a string of solar cells. The string of solar cells are conductively connected in series and arranged in a shingled manner with sides of adjacent solar cells being overlapped. A first metal ribbon segment is conductively bonded to a front surface of an end cell, the front surface being configured to face a light incoming direction to receive energy from a light source.

Abstract: A high efficiency configuration for a solar cell module comprises solar cells conductively bonded to each other in a shingled manner to form super cells, which may be arranged to efficiently use the area of the solar module, reduce series resistance, and increase module efficiency.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a solar power generation assembly and method for providing same involving an array of solar generating modules on a dual-incline structure, which can achieve high energy yields over a wide range of azimuths/orientations. The assembly consists of canopy wings providing for the dual-incline structure, where, depending on specifications, the canopy wings can differ in length, width, angle of inclination, structural material and solar module or other material mounted on the surface. The canopy wings may be pivoted or hinged to enhance the energy generation and/or other functional benefits of the assembly or system, including display elements, advertising, rainwater/precipitation and snow drainage and collection and energy transmission.

Abstract: A solar design generation system is configured to design a solar panel or photovoltaic (PV) system for the roof of building. A server includes processing circuitry configured to receive information from a remote device, including an address corresponding to a building having a roof, automatically generate a solar design in real time based on the received information, and display the solar design to a user. The user can interact with the solar design in various ways to accommodate, implement and calculate various design changes, design rules and electricity generation (production) estimates.

Abstract: Methods of fabricating solar cells, and the resulting solar cells, are described herein. In an example, a method of fabricating a solar cell includes forming a thin dielectric layer on a surface of a substrate by radical oxidation or plasma oxidation of the surface of the substrate. The method also involves forming a silicon layer over the thin dielectric layer. The method also involves forming a plurality of emitter regions from the silicon layer.

Abstract: A solar cell can have a first dielectric formed over a first doped region of a silicon substrate. The solar cell can have a second dielectric formed over a second doped region of the silicon substrate, where the first dielectric is a different type of dielectric than the second dielectric. A doped semiconductor can be formed over the first and second dielectric. A positive-type metal and a negative-type metal can be formed over the doped semiconductor.

Abstract: A high efficiency configuration for a solar cell module comprises solar cells arranged in an overlapping shingled manner and conductively bonded to each other in their overlapping regions to form super cells, which may be arranged to efficiently use the area of the solar module.

Abstract: Devices and methods for electrically decoupling a solar module from a solar system are described. In one embodiment, a solar system includes a string of a plurality of solar modules coupled with an inverter through a DC power line. An AC input is coupled with the DC power line. A device is also included and is configured to provide a closed circuit for one of the plurality of solar modules if an AC signal voltage from the AC input is present on the DC power line, and is configured to provide an open circuit for the one of the plurality of solar modules if no AC signal voltage from the AC input is present on the DC power line.

Abstract: Methods of testing a semiconductor, and semiconductor testing apparatus, are described. In an example, a method for testing a semiconductor can include applying light on the semiconductor to induce photonic degradation. The method can also include receiving a photoluminescence measurement induced from the applied light from the semiconductor and monitoring the photonic degradation of the semiconductor from the photoluminescence measurement.

Abstract: Various systems and methods enabling low cost solar tracker systems including lower cost mounting assemblies and fasteners are described herein. Reducing the material, manufacturing costs and/or labor required for assembly of solar tracker components can present significant reductions in the cost of solar tracker systems. In an embodiment, a hollow fastener can significantly lower the cost of solar tracker mounting and coupling assemblies while still maintaining strength and structural integrity of the solar tracker system.

Abstract: Multi-operation tools for photovoltaic cell processing are described. In an example, a multi-operation tool includes a conveyor system to move a photovoltaic (PV) cell continuously along a conveyor path through a laser scribing station and an adhesive printing station. Furthermore, the PV cell may be aligned to a laser head of the laser scribing station and a printer head of the adhesive printing station in a single alignment operation prior to being laser scribed and printed with an adhesive in a continuous process.

Abstract: Methods of fabricating solar cell emitter regions with differentiated P-type and N-type architectures and incorporating dotted diffusion, and resulting solar cells, are described. In an example, a solar cell includes a substrate having a light-receiving surface and a back surface. A first polycrystalline silicon emitter region of a first conductivity type is disposed on a first thin dielectric layer disposed on the back surface of the substrate. A second polycrystalline silicon emitter region of a second, different, conductivity type is disposed on a second thin dielectric layer disposed in a plurality of non-continuous trenches in the back surface of the substrate.