Abstract: A solar collector can comprise: a polymeric housing; a polymeric cover attached to the housing defining an internal volume of the solar collector; a solar energy absorber attached to the housing and located within an area defined by the housing and the cover; wherein the housing comprises a flexible sealing member; and wherein the cover comprises a honeycomb structure.

Abstract: A photovoltaic module assembly, comprising: a first layer; a back layer, wherein the back layer comprises a second layer, a third layer, and a support layer located between the second layer and the third layer; and a photovoltaic layer comprising photovoltaic cells, wherein the photovoltaic layer is located between the first layer and the back layer; wherein the support layer comprises a stiffening element.

Abstract: A photovoltaic module assembly can comprise a photovoltaic cell; a transparent first layer comprising a plastic material, wherein the first layer has a first layer first surface and a first layer second surface; a second layer, wherein the second layer has a second layer first surface and a second layer second surface, wherein the photovoltaic cell is between the first layer second surface and the second layer first surface; and a cured layer between the first layer second surface and the second layer first surface, wherein the cured layer is a liquid having a viscosity of less than or equal to 1,500 centipoise before curing.

Abstract: A photovoltaic module assembly, comprising: a first layer; a back layer, wherein the back layer comprises a second layer, a third layer, and a support layer located between the second layer and the third layer; and a photovoltaic layer comprising photovoltaic cells, wherein the photovoltaic layer is located between the first layer and the back layer; wherein the support layer comprises a stiffening element.

Abstract: A solar collector can comprise: a polymeric housing; a polymeric cover attached to the housing defining an internal volume of the solar collector; a solar energy absorber attached to the housing and located within an area defined by the housing and the cover; wherein the housing comprises a flexible sealing member; and wherein the cover comprises a honeycomb structure.

Abstract: A method for controlling stagnation in a solar collector, comprises: providing an solar energy absorbing substrate and a first layer; providing a second layer disposed between the first layer and the solar energy absorbing substrate; coupling an actuator to the solar energy absorbing substrate; and expanding the actuator when the solar collector is exposed to a stagnation temperature to form a gap between the first layer and the second layer.

Abstract: A photovoltaic module assembly, comprising: a first layer; a back layer, wherein the back layer comprises a second layer, a third layer, and a support layer located between the second layer and the third layer; and a photovoltaic layer comprising photovoltaic cells, wherein the photovoltaic layer is located between the first layer and the back layer; wherein the support layer comprises a stiffening element.

Abstract: A photovoltaic module assembly can comprise a photovoltaic cell; a transparent first layer comprising a plastic material, wherein the first layer has a first layer first surface and a first layer second surface; a second layer, wherein the second layer has a second layer first surface and a second layer second surface, wherein the photovoltaic cell is between the first layer second surface and the second layer first surface; and a cured layer between the first layer second surface and the second layer first surface, wherein the cured layer is a liquid having a viscosity of less than or equal to 1,500 centipoise before curing.

Abstract: A luminescent solar concentrator comprises a primary waveguide and at least one photovoltaic cell. The primary waveguide has a curved surface which concentrates light on a perimeter. The photovoltaic cell is oriented at the perimeter so that it can both receive the concentrated light and receive direct light as well. A back sheet may be provided that provides structural support and protection. The perimeter may have the shape of a polygon where a photovoltaic cell is oriented along each edge. Modules and arrays of such units are also disclosed.

Abstract: A luminescent solar concentrator comprises a primary waveguide and at least one photovoltaic cell. The primary waveguide has a curved surface which concentrates light on a perimeter. The photovoltaic cell is oriented at the perimeter so that it can both receive the concentrated light and receive direct light as well. A back sheet may be provided that provides structural support and protection. The perimeter may have the shape of a polygon where a photovoltaic cell is oriented along each edge. Modules and arrays of such units are also disclosed.