Abstract: A tilted single-axis tracking system (20) for collecting solar energy includes a structure (22) for supporting an array (26) of photovoltaic (PV) modules (24) above a surface (28). The structure (22) includes a frame (34) having first and second legs (40, 42) configured to extend upwardly from the surface (28) and join at an apex (54). A base tensioning member (44) of the frame (34) is interposed between the first and second legs (40, 42). A torque tube (36) is pivotally retained by the frame (34) at the apex (54) and is configured for attachment of the array (26) of PV modules (24). A foot member (38) pivotally retains a tube end (60) of the torque tube (36) and is configured to rest on the surface (22). A first tensioning member (106) is coupled between the foot member (38) and the first leg (40), and a second tensioning member (108) is coupled between the foot member (38) and the second leg (42).

Abstract: A high-concentration photovoltaic assembly (24) for use in a utility-scale solar power generation system (20) is configured to couple to a supporting tracking structure (22) of the system (20). The assembly (24) incorporates a frame (38) substantially centered in a plane (44), a plurality of substantially parallel longitudinal members (80) substantially centered in the plane (44) and coupled to the frame (38), two substantially parallel transverse members (82) substantially centered in the plane (44) and coupled to the longitudinal members (80) substantially at ends thereof, a plurality of bulkheads (90) coupled between adjacent ones of the longitudinal members (80) and configured to divide the assembly (24) into a plurality of chambers (94), a plurality of photovoltaic modules coupled to the chambers (94) upon a first side (48) of the plane (44), and a plurality of lenses (98) coupled to the chambers (94) upon a second side (46) of the plane (44).

Abstract: An extendible solar generator has an extendible solar cell structure and an extendible support array structure which has a first cross member and is connected with a stowage housing for the solar cell structure. The support array structure can be rolled out independently of the solar cell structure and has guiding devices for rolling out the solar cell structure after the array structure has rolled out.

Abstract: A high-efficiency bypass function added solar cell includes a first conductivity type substrate, a second conductivity type region formed at the light receiving side of the substrate, an electrode formed at the second conductivity type region, and a region of higher concentration than the substrate, arranged in contact with both the substrate and the second conductivity type region and not in contact with the electrode. The substrate includes a reflectionless surface construction and a planer portion at the light receiving side. The reflectionless surface construction has a plurality of grid configurations, and includes a first grid portion and a second grid portion having a grid configuration differing in size from that of the first grid portion. The region of higher concentration than the substrate is formed at the first grid portion.

Abstract: A photocell device having enhanced conversion efficiency. The device is adapted to convert light energy to electrical energy in a semiconductor layer, to convert a first, monochromatic light, to a second light of different wavelength, in a fluorescent layer, to transmit the first light through a hot mirror layer, to reflect light from the hot mirror layer, and to reflect light from a mirror layer disposed at a second surface of the device.

Abstract: A solar cell includes a first semiconductor layer that is p-type, and a second semiconductor layer that is n-type formed over the first semiconductor layer. The solar cell includes a layer A made of a semiconductor different from the first semiconductor layer and the second semiconductor layer or an insulator between the first semiconductor layer and the second semiconductor layer. The band gap Eg1 of the first semiconductor layer and the band gap Eg2 of the second semiconductor layer satisfy the relationship Eg1<Eg2. The electron affinity &khgr;1 (eV) of the first semiconductor layer and the electron affinity &khgr;2 (eV) of the second semiconductor layer satisfy the relationship 0≦(&khgr;1−&khgr;2)<0.5, and the average layer thickness of the layer A is 1 nm or more and 20 nm or less.

Abstract: An n layer, an i layer and a p layer are laminated, in that order, in a non-single-crystal thin film solar cell. The n layer, a part of the n layer, or the n layer and part of the i layer, is formed at a low substrate temperature T1. The i layer and the p layer; the residual n layer, i layer and p layer; or the residual i layer and p layer, are formed at a higher substrate temperature T2 than T1. More particularly, T1 is between about 70° C. and 120° C., and T2 is between about 120° C. and 450° C.

Abstract: A high solar flux photovoltaic concentrator receiver is disclosed for the generation of high electrical power at high efficiency for public and private use. The invention uses a wraparound interconnect to allow direct bonding of concentrator solar cells to a heat sink with solder or conductive epoxy. This approach allows series or parallel interconnection between multiple cells and provides for high thermal conductance to improve cooling the solar cells. Cooling the solar cells under high concentration of solar energy increases their electrical efficiency. A highly conductive di-electric is utilized to insulate the cell backs from the metal heat sink. The invention minimizes obscuration losses, improves thermal conduction, reduces coefficient of thermal expansion stresses, and can be produced at reduced manufacturing costs.

Abstract: A space photovoltaic power generation system including a plurality of power satellites arranged in space, each of which converts electrical energy, into which sunlight has been photoelectric-converted, into a microwave, and transmits the microwave to an electric power base. The space photovoltaic power generation system divides the plurality of power satellites into a number of power satellite groups and adjusts the amount of phase adjustment to be made to a microwave which each of the plurality of power satellites included in each power satellite group will transmit so that a plurality of microwaves from the plurality of power satellites included in each power satellite group are in phase with one another. The beamwidth of the plurality of microwaves can be reduced without increasing the area of the aperture of a transmission antenna of each of the plurality of power satellites.

Abstract: A thin-film solar cell module of a light transmission type includes a light-transmissive substrate; a front electrode layer; a rear electrode layer, and a photovoltaic conversion layer. The rear electrode layer, front electrode layer, and photovoltaic conversion layer are sequentially laminated on the light-transmissive substrate. A heat retention member covers the rear electrode layer, and a sealing layer is provided for sealing the rear electrode layer. In certain embodiments, the heat retention member has a light absorptance of 40% or more within a near-infrared wavelength range of 1,500 to 2,000 nm.

Abstract: A technique for fabricating a solar cell includes an n+ emitter region first being formed on a front surface of the cell, and then front and rear insulating layers being formed on both sides of the cell. P (Phosphorus)-source and B (Boron)-source are printed on the front and rear insulating layers, respectively, and then both dopants are diffused into the cell at high temperature. Therefore, n++ region in the front side of the cell and BSF (back surface field) region in the rear side of the cell is formed. Front and rear contact patterns are formed on the front and rear insulating layers, respectively. The n++ region and BSF region are exposed after front and rear contacts are formed on the front and rear insulating layers, respectively. The front and rear contacts contact the n++ region and BSF region, respectively.

Abstract: For producing a structural component of fiber-reinforced material by a resin transfer molding process, a preform unit is inserted in a form tool including upper and lower metal molds enclosing the perform unit therebetween, without a seal between the molds. The preform unit includes a resin-impregnatable and curable preform body of reinforcing fibers, and an envelope that encloses the preform body and includes an envelope sleeve and closures with valves at the two ends thereof. The sealed envelope is evacuated around the preform body through one valve, and resin is injected through the other valve. The envelope prevents resin discharge from the unsealed form tool during resin impregnation of the preform body.

Abstract: A thin film solar cell comprises a p-layer, an i-layer and an n-layer formed in this order as a pin junction on a substrate in which the p-layer and the i-layer are thin silicon films each containing a crystalline component, and the p-layer contains p-type impurities of 0.2 to 8 atom % and has a thickness of 10 to 200 nm.

Abstract: In a clamping cylinder for receiving and fixing a cylindrical stamping mold with a structured surface, for instance for the production of holograms, comprising an outer cylinder casing which is closed by frontal covers and mounted on a shaft, it is provided that the cylinder casing is equipped with a plurality of bores, which are connected with compressed-air lines that lead through the interior of the cylinder casing and are connectable to a compressed-air source, and that, inside the cylinder casing, a cavity is provided for a temperature control medium, which circulates via inlets and outlets.

Abstract: A photoelectric converting device is provided with enhanced photoelectric conversion efficiency by optimizing a combination of materials used for top and bottom cells. The photoelectric converting device of the present invention is provided with first and second pn junctions. The first pn junction is formed in a semiconductor substantially represented by (Al1-yGay)1-xInxP, and the second pn junction is formed in a semiconductor substantially represented by Ga1-zInzAs.

Abstract: An air handler for collecting air discharged from a melt spinning apparatus. The air handler includes an outer housing having walls defining a first interior space. One of the walls has an intake opening for receiving the discharge air. Another wall has an exhaust opening for discharging the air. The intake opening is in fluid communication with the first interior space. An inner housing is positioned within the first interior space and has walls defining a second interior space. At least one of the walls of the inner housing has an opening. The first interior space communicates with the second interior space through the opening. The second interior space is in fluid communication with the exhaust opening.

Abstract: A space photovoltaic generation system including a plurality of power satellites arranged in space, each of which converts electrical energy, into which sunlight has been photoelectric-converted, into a microwave, and transmits the microwave to an electric power base. The system can thus transmit a microwave of high power to the electric power base. Each of the plurality of power satellites modulates the generated microwave so as to generate an incoherent microwave before transmitting it to the electric power base, thus reducing the power density of the electric power transmitted to the electric power base on the earth and hence a loss in the total amount of energy transmitted to the electrical power base on the earth.

Abstract: A space photovoltaic power generation system including a plurality of power satellites arranged in space, each of which converts electrical energy, into which sunlight has been photoelectric-converted, into a microwave, and transmits the microwave to an electric power base. The system can thus transmit a microwave of high power to the electric power base. As each of the plurality of power satellites changes its attitude in space, and its relative location therefore changes, each of the plurality of power satellites can adjust an amount of phase adjustment to be made to the microwave which each of the plurality of power satellites will transmit. A control satellite measures the location of each of the plurality of power satellites for the phase adjustment, and calculates the amount of phase adjustment for each of the plurality of power satellites. The control satellite then transmits the amount of phase adjustment to each of the plurality of power satellites.

Abstract: A multi-layer roll having a thin fluoropolymer top coat on an elastomeric base layer bonded to a substantially rigid insert is provided. The top coat is formed by placing a thin non-self supporting fluoropolymer sleeve about the insert, or wrapping extruded fluoropolymer film about the insert which is placed in a mold sleeve and positioned in a book mold to hold the membrane in place. Liquid or flowable elastomer is injected into the space between the insert and flexible top coat at a point downstream of where the top layer is held in position between mold elements to prevent wrinkling. The mold is then heated to cure the elastomer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a solar tile and method for fabricating the same. The solar tile includes a flexible circuit having at least one electrically conductive path laminated between two insulating sheets. The flexible circuit includes a plurality of openings that are completely through the flexible circuit and define contact locations with the electrically conductive path. The solar tile also includes a plurality of coplanar photovoltaic solar cells that are secured to the flexible circuit so that the contacts are aligned with the openings in the flexible circuit. Further, the solar tile includes a plurality of electrically conductive solder connections located within the openings in the flexible circuit to electrically connect the solar cell contacts and the electrically conductive path. Additionally, in a preferred embodiment, the solar tile includes a single coverslide situated adjacent and covering the plurality of solar cells opposite the flexible circuit.