Abstract: A nanophononic metamaterial-based thermoelectric energy conversion device and processes for fabricating a nanophononic metamaterial-based thermoelectric energy conversion device is provided. In one implementation, for example, a nanophononic metamaterial-based thermoelectric energy conversion device includes a first conductive pad, a second conductive pad, and a plurality of strip units. In one implementation, the first conductive pad is coupled to a first connection of the thermoelectric energy conversion device, and the second conductive pad is coupled to a second connection of the thermoelectric energy conversion device. The plurality of strip units are connected in series between the first and second conductive pads and provide a parallel heat transfer pathway. The strip units include a nanostructure design comprising a nanophononic metamaterial.

Abstract: An electronic device and a production method thereof, wherein the electronic device includes: a semiconductor layer comprising a plurality of quantum dots; and a first electrode and a second electrode spaced apart from each other; wherein the plurality of quantum dots do not comprise cadmium, lead, or mercury; wherein the plurality of quantum dots comprise indium and optionally gallium; a Group VA element, wherein the Group VA element comprises antimony, arsenic, or a combination thereof, and a molar ratio of the Group VA element with respect to the Group IIIA metal (e.g., indium) is less than or equal to about 1.2:1, and wherein the semiconductor layer may be disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to electromagnetic coupling modules employed along the outer periphery of floating solar collector pods that can be introduced onto the surface of a body of water that operate to automatically connect to one another so that proximate pods form a reversible self-assembled physically and electrically coupled array that operate to harvest incident solar radiation and also operate to reduce the degree of evaporative water loss from that body of water. Electromagnetic coupling modules are disclosed featuring normally open electrical connection elements that permit electronic coupling under magnetic attraction for improved electrical safety. Electromagnetic coupling modules are disclosed that are gimbaled to provide for increase flexibility and interconnectivity under angular displacement, such as when a floating solar pod array is subject to strong current, wind and wave forces.

Abstract: To provide a coating material capable of forming a solar cell module excellent in the weather resistance, the power generation efficiency and the design, a cover glass, a solar cell module comprising the cover glass, and an outer wall material for building. The cover glass of the present invention is a cover glass comprising a glass plate and a layer containing a fluorinated polymer having units based on a fluoroolefin, on at least one surface of the glass plate, which has an average visible reflectance of from 10 to 100%, and an average near infrared transmittance of from 20 to 100%.

Abstract: One example method includes obtaining output powers at initial scanning points of photovoltaic strings in a first group and a second group. The output powers at the initial scan points of the photovoltaic strings in the first group can then be controlled to sequentially decrease, and the output powers at the initial scan points of the photovoltaic strings in the second group can then be controlled to sequentially increase. Scanning can then be performed in the initial scanning direction starting from output voltages corresponding to the output powers at the initial scan points of the first group. Scanning can then be performed in the initial scanning direction starting from output voltages corresponding to the output powers at the initial scan points of the second group, where output powers of the first group and the second group are kept to compensate each other during IV curve scanning.

Abstract: Provided is a cover plate and a photovoltaic module. The cover plate is configured to form a photovoltaic module together with a solar cell string, and the cover plate includes: at least one through hole provided in the cover plate and penetrating through the cover plate, a reinforced region surrounding the at least one through hole, and a flat region adjacent to the reinforced region; wherein a thickness of the cover plate in the reinforced region is greater than a thickness of the cover plate in the flat region. The cover plate and the photovoltaic module according to the embodiments of the present disclosure may solve the problem of poor load resistance capability of the cover plate.

Abstract: A stop element for at least one solar module holder, which can be fastened to a substructure by means of fastening means. The stop element comprises: two opposite stop portions and at least one connecting element that connects the two opposite stop portions. One of the two stop portions is coupled to the at least one solar module holder, and the other of the two stop portions is coupled to the fastening means or to a further solar module holder in order to generate a torque on the solar module holder caused by a load.

Abstract: Tunnel junctions for multijunction solar cells are provided. According to an aspect of the invention, a tunnel junction includes a first layer including p-type AlGaAs, a second layer including n-type GaAs, wherein the second layer is a quantum well, and a third layer including n-type AlGaAs or n-type lattice matched AlGaInP. The quantum well can be GaAs or AlxGaAs with x being more than about 40%, and lattice matched GaInAsNSb in the Eg range of from about 0.8 to about 1.4 eV.

Abstract: Presented herein is a voltaic cell containing light harvesting antennae or other biologically-based electron generating structures optionally in a microbial population, an electron siphon population having electron conductive properties with individual siphons configured to accept electrons from the light harvesting antennae and transport the electrons to a current collector, an optional light directing system (e.g., a mirror), and a regulator having sensing and regulatory feedback properties for the conversion of photobiochemical energy and biochemical energy to electricity. Also presented herein is a voltaic cell having electricity-generating abilities in the absence of light. Also presented herein is the use of the voltaic cell in a solar panel.

Abstract: A method of making a photovoltaic module includes the step of obtaining a frontsheet having a glass layer, a light scattering encapsulant layer, and a polymer layer. The light scattering encapsulant layer includes a first region, a plurality of first portions extending from the first region, and at least one area located between the first portions. The first portions of the light scattering encapsulant layer has a first light scattering value and a second portion defined by the area has a second light scattering value different from the first light scattering value. The method includes the steps of obtaining at least one solar cell, an encapsulant, and a backsheet, and laminating the frontsheet, the encapsulant, the at least one solar cell, and the backsheet.

Abstract: A photoelectric conversion element according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes: a first electrode 15a and a second electrode 18 facing each other; and a photoelectric conversion layer 17 provided between the first electrode 15a and the second electrode 18, and including a first quinacridone derivative represented by a formula (1).

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a solar cell, includes providing a silicon substrate, forming an oxide layer on a first surface of the silicon substrate, forming a doped polycrystalline silicon layer on the oxide layer, forming a passivation layer on the doped polycrystalline silicon layer, printing a metal paste on the passivation layer, and forming a metal contact connected to the doped polycrystalline silicon layer by firing the metal paste to penetrate the passivation layer.

Abstract: A voltage matched multijunction solar cell having first and second solar cell stacks that are electrically connected parallel to each other. The first solar cell stack is optimized for absorption of incoming solar light in a first wavelength range and the second solar cell stack is optimized for absorption of incoming solar light in a second wavelength range, wherein the first and the second wavelength range do not or at most only partially overlap each other.

Abstract: Disclosed is a solar cell including a semiconductor substrate, and a dopant layer disposed over one surface of the semiconductor substrate and having a crystalline structure different from that of the semiconductor substrate, the dopant layer including a dopant. The dopant layer includes a plurality of semiconductor layers stacked one above another in a thickness direction thereof, and an interface layer interposed therebetween. The interface layer is an oxide layer having a higher concentration of oxygen than that in each of the plurality of semiconductor layers.

Abstract: Building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) systems provide for solar panel arrays with improved aesthetics and efficiency that can replace a conventional roof surface structure. These BIPV systems can utilize photovoltaic PV roof tiles defined as glass tiles having photovoltaic elements embedded or incorporated into the body of the roof tile. Such PV roof tiles can include one or more lapping features for interfacing with adjacent tiles and features for electrically connecting multiples tiles within a course to an external power optimizer. Such PV roof tiles can utilize stamped glass that is stamped to define these features within an integrated glass tile and can further include texture, striations on the glass tile and/or color matched back layers or various other components to obscure visibility of any embedded solar cells and provide a more pleasing appearance.

Abstract: Methods of manufacturing a semiconductor device, and resulting semiconductor device are described. In an example, the method for manufacturing a semiconductor device include forming a semiconductor region and forming a metal seed region over the semiconductor region. The method can include placing a conductive strip over a first portion of the metal region, where the conductive strip is formed over the semiconductor region. The method can include bonding a contacting portion of the conductive strip to the first portion the metal region. The method can include etching a second portion of the metal region and where the conductive strip inhibits etching of the first portion of the metal region. In an example, the conductive strip can have a coating. In one example, the semiconductor device can be a solar cell.

Abstract: A thermoelectric material including a thermoelectric element including thermoelectric inorganic material represented by Chemical Formula 1; and a conduction path in contact with a surface of the thermoelectric element, wherein the conduction path is formed of a conductive material having electrical conductivity of greater than or equal to about 1,000 Siemens per centimeter BixSb(2-x)Te(3-y-z)SeySz?? Chemical Formula 1 wherein 0<x?2, 0?y?3, 0?z?3, and 0?y+z?3.

Abstract: An apparatus for portable power generation comprises an intermodal container having a front bracket and a top bracket secured to a top thereof. At least one front solar panel assembly is hinged to the top bracket, wherein the at least one front solar panel assembly is pivotable between a stored position proximate to and substantially parallel to the front of the intermodal container and an extended position angularly rotated upward about the top bracket to an angle relative to the front of the intermodal container and at least one top solar panel assembly hinged to the top bracket wherein the at least one top solar panel assembly is pivotable between a stored position proximate to and substantially parallel to the top of the intermodal container and an extended position angularly rotated upward about the top bracket to an angle relative to the top of the intermodal container.

Abstract: A portable PV module array, the modules being connected along adjacent end edges and being foldable relative to each other about the connected end edges between a closed condition and an open condition, whereby: in the closed condition, the PV modules are stacked together in a generally parallel and close facing relationship with the edges of the PV modules in general alignment, and in the open condition, the PV modules are disposed at an angle to each other so that the PV module array defines triangular configuration, and foldable movement of the PV modules from the closed condition to the open condition being restricted against movement beyond the open condition by a flexible connector that connects with a connection point associated with each of the PV modules of the PV module array and that is tensioned in the open condition and that is slack in the closed condition.

Abstract: One embodiment can provide a photovoltaic roof tile. The photovoltaic roof tile can include a transparent front cover, a transparent back cover, and a plurality of polycrystalline-Si-based photovoltaic structures positioned between the front cover and the back cover. A respective polycrystalline-Si-based photovoltaic structure has a front surface facing the front cover and a back surface facing the back cover. The photovoltaic roof tile can further include a paint layer positioned on a back surface of the back cover facing away from the front cover. A color of the paint layer substantially matches a color of the front surface of the respective polycrystalline-Si-based photovoltaic structure.