Abstract: A three-tandem (3T) perovskite/silicon (PVT)-based tandem solar cell (TSC) includes an antireflection coating (ARC), a first transparent conductive oxide layer (TCO), a hole transport layer (HTL), a perovskite (PVT) layer, a second transparent conductive oxide layer (TCO), an electron transport layer (ETL), a plurality of buried contacts, a p-type Si layer, a p-type wafer-based homo-junction silicon solar cell, a n+ silicon layer, a back contact layer. The solar cell further includes a top sub-cell, a bottom sub-cell and a middle contact-based tandem. The top sub-cell includes the PVT layer. The bottom sub-cell includes the silicon solar cell. The middle contact-based tandem includes the second TCO layer to be used as the middle contact-based tandem, as well as a recombination layer for current collection. Further, a conduction and a valence band edge are employed at a front surface of the ETL.

Abstract: A mounting bracket assembly comprising may include an upper region with flat portions on either end that interface with a photovoltaic (PV) module and a lower portion in between the flat portions, and a central portion at least partially surrounding a hole shaped to accommodate a torsion beam. The mounting bracket assembly may also include side portions extending from the ends of the upper region to below the hole shaped to accommodate the torsion beam, and a first outer lining along a periphery of the mounting bracket assembly. The mounting bracket assembly may also include a second outer lining along the hole shaped to accommodate the torsion beam, and multiple ribs extending between the first outer lining and the second outer lining.

Abstract: Improved photovoltaic (PV) assemblies for converting solar radiation to electrical energy and methods of installation thereof are disclosed herein. PV arrays comprising a plurality PV modules are also described herein. A PV assembly can comprise at least one PV module having a front side and a back side opposite the front side. A PV module can comprise a plurality of solar cells encapsulated within a PV laminate. In some embodiments, a PV module includes a frame at least partially surrounding the PV laminate. In such embodiments, frame can comprise an outer surface feature. The PV assembly can further comprise at least one spacing device positioned between adjacent PV modules. A spacing device can comprise a spacer body having a predetermined width for defining a predetermined distance or gap between adjacent PV modules.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus configured for the osmotic injection of water in electrochemical systems are generally described. In certain embodiments, water can be transported from a water-containing liquid in an environment outside the electrochemical cell into the electrochemical cell across an osmotic medium fluidically separating an interior compartment of the electrochemical cell from the environment outside the electrochemical cell. The systems, methods, and apparatus described herein can be, according to certain embodiments, configured to be part of an electrochemical system in which water is consumed (e.g., as a reactant).

Abstract: Narrow bandgap n-type small molecules are attracting attention in the near-infrared organic optoelectronics field, due to their easy tunable energy band with a molecular design flexibility. However, only a few reports demonstrate narrow bandgap non-fullerene acceptors (NFAs) that perform well in organic solar cells (OSCs), and the corresponding benefits of NFA photodiodes have not been well investigated in organic photodetectors (OPDs). Here, the ultra-narrow bandgap NFAs CO1-4F, CO1-4Cl and o-IO1 were designed and synthesized for the achieved efficient near-infrared organic photodiodes such as solar cells and photodetectors. Designing an asymmetrical CO1-4F by introducing two different ?-bridges including alkylthienyl and alkoxythienyl units ultimately provides an asymmetric A-D?-D-D?-A molecular configuration. This enables a delicate modulation in energy band structure as well as maintains an intense intramolecular charge transfer characteristic of the excited state.

Abstract: A photovoltaic cell includes a silicon substrate having two opposite main surfaces. A first main surface of the two main surfaces is covered with a passivation layer stack, including a POx- and Al-including-layer covering the first main surface, and a capping layer which covers the POx- and Al-including-layer. A method for manufacturing a photovoltaic cell is also disclosed.

Abstract: Organic photovoltaic device comprises a first electrode, a first carrier transfer later, an active layer, a second carrier transfer layer and a second electrode. The first electrode is a transparent electrode. The active layer includes at least one electron donor, a first electron acceptor, and a second electron acceptor. Wherein, the electron donor is an organic polymer. The first electron acceptor is a crystalline material, and the self-molecule stacking distance of the first electron acceptor is less than 4 ?. The second electron acceptor is a crystal destruction material, and the second electron acceptor includes a fullerene derivative. The organic photovoltaic device of the present invention not only has a controllable morphology formation but also can enhance fill factor and improve power conversion efficiency.

Abstract: A metallo-dielectric waveguide array used as an encapsulation material for silicon solar cells. The array is produced through light-induced self-writing combined with in situ photochemical synthesis of silver nanoparticles. Each waveguide comprises a cylindrical core consisting of a high refractive index polymer and silver nanoparticles homogeneously dispersed in its medium, all of which are surrounded by a low refractive index common cladding. These waveguide array films are processed directly over a silicon solar cell.

Abstract: Refractive optical element designs are provided for high geometric optical efficiency over a wide range of incident angles. To minimize Fresnel reflection losses, the refractive optical element designs employ multiple encapsulant materials, differing in refractive index. Concentrator photovoltaic subassemblies are formed by embedding a high efficiency photovoltaic device within the refractive optical element, along with appropriate electrical contacts and heat sinks. Increased solar electric power output is obtained by employing a single-junction III-V material structure with light-trapping structures.

Abstract: A three-tandem (3T) perovskite/silicon (PVT)-based tandem solar cell (TSC) includes an antireflection coating (ARC), a first transparent conductive oxide layer (TCO), a hole transport layer (HTL), a perovskite (PVT) layer, a second transparent conductive oxide layer (TCO), an electron transport layer (ETL), a plurality of buried contacts, a p-type Si layer, a p-type wafer-based homo-junction silicon solar cell, a n+ silicon layer, a back contact layer. The solar cell further includes a top sub-cell, a bottom sub-cell and a middle contact-based tandem. The top sub-cell includes the PVT layer. The bottom sub-cell includes the silicon solar cell. The middle contact-based tandem includes the second TCO layer to be used as the middle contact-based tandem, as well as a recombination layer for current collection. Further, a conduction and a valence band edge are employed at a front surface of the ETL.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a cap assembly for a secondary battery and a secondary battery. The cap assembly includes a cap plate, an electrode terminal, a fixing member, a sealing member and a connecting member, wherein: the cap plate has an electrode lead-out hole; the fixing member is fixed to the cap plate through the connecting member; the electrode terminal includes a terminal board, wherein an outer peripheral surface of the terminal board is surrounded at least in part by the fixing member to fix the electrode terminal to the fixing member, the terminal board is located at a side of the cap plate and covers the electrode lead-out hole, and the outer peripheral surface of the terminal board protrudes out of an inner wall of the electrode lead-out hole; and the sealing member is disposed between the terminal board and the cap plate to seal the electrode lead-out hole.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a photovoltaic device (1). The device comprises a solar cell unit (2) comprising a porous light-absorbing layer (3) at a top side (2a), of a porous first conducting layer (4), a porous substrate (5) of an insulating material. The solar cell unit comprises a conducting medium. The photovoltaic device comprises a first conductor (7) in electrical contact with the first conducting layer (4), a second conductor (8) in electrical contact with the second conducting layer (6), and an encapsulation (9) encapsulating the solar cell unit. The encapsulation comprises a top sheet (9a) and a bottom sheet (9b). The first and second conductors (7, 8) are arranged between the encapsulation (9) and the solar cell unit (2) at the bottom side (2b) of the solar cell unit (2).

Abstract: A solar thermoelectric power generation system includes roofing products such as shingles with solar heat reflective areas and roofing products with solar heat absorptive areas. Thermoelectric power generating elements are provided in thermal contact with the solar heat reflective areas and the solar heat absorptive areas.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods for forming sol-gels, sol-gel films and substrates, such as vehicle components, having a sol-gel film disposed thereon. At least one method of forming a sol-gel includes mixing a metal alkoxide, an acid stabilizer, and an organic solvent to form a first mixture having about 10 wt % or less water content based on the total weight of the first mixture. The method includes mixing an organosilane with the first mixture to form a second mixture having about 10 wt % or less water content based on the total weight of the second mixture.

Abstract: A method of forming a multijunction solar cell that includes an InGaAs buffer layer and an InGaAlAs grading interlayer disposed below, and adjacent to, the InGaAs buffer layer. The grading interlayer achieves a transition in lattice constant from one solar subcell to another adjacent solar subcell.

Abstract: A solar cell includes a substrate having a front surface and a back surface; an emitter formed on the front surface of the substrate; a plurality of first electrodes positioned on the emitter and extended in first direction; a plurality of first bus lines positioned on the emitter and extended in second direction crossing to the first direction; a plurality of back surface field regions formed on the back surface of the substrate and extended in the first direction; a plurality of second electrodes positioned on the plurality of back surface field regions and extended in the first direction; and, a plurality of second bus lines extended in the second direction.

Abstract: Operations for integrating thermoelectric devices in Fin FET technology may be implemented in a semiconductor device having a thermoelectric device. The thermoelectric device includes a substrate and a fin structure disposed on the substrate. The thermoelectric device includes a first connecting layer and a second connecting layer disposed on opposing ends of the fin structure. The thermoelectric device includes a first thermal conductive structure thermally and a second thermal conductive structure thermally coupled to the opposing ends of the fin structure. The fin structure may be configured to transfer heat from one of the first thermal conductive structure or the second thermal conductive structure to the other thermal conductive structure based on a direction of current flow through the fin structure. In this regard, the current flow may be adjusted by a power circuit electrically coupled to the thermoelectric device.

Abstract: A solar cell according to the present disclosure includes a first electrode, a second electrode, a photoelectric conversion layer located between the first electrode and the second electrode, and a semiconductor layer located between the first electrode and the photoelectric conversion layer, in which at least one selected from the group consisting of the first electrode and the second electrode is translucent, and the semiconductor layer contains a compound containing Na, Zn, and O.

Abstract: A thermoelectric conversion element includes: a thermoelectric member that is columnar; an insulator formed around the thermoelectric member; and a metal layer formed continuously on an edge surface of the thermoelectric member and an edge surface of the insulator. An edge portion of the thermoelectric member and an edge portion of the insulator define a gap covered with the metal layer. The inner portion of the gap covered with the metal layer is a void.

Abstract: Disclosed is a solar cell. The solar cell includes a semiconductor substrate, conductivity-type regions located in or on the semiconductor substrate, electrodes conductively connected to the conductivity-type regions, and insulating films located on at least one of opposite surfaces of the semiconductor substrate, and including a first film and a second film located on the first film, the second film has a higher carbon content than that of the first film, a refractive index of the second film is equal to or less than a refractive index of the first film, and an extinction coefficient of the second film is equal to or greater than an extinction coefficient of the first film.