Abstract: A system for field measurement and calibration of photovoltaic reference devices, including a reference device electronics unit that measures the electrical output of a photovoltaic reference module and provides data to determine the solar irradiance received by the reference module as a function of its electrical output; and a calibrator unit that is used to routinely recalibrate the reference device electronics unit and the reference module, wherein the calibrator unit contains one or more calibrated photovoltaic reference cell(s).

Abstract: An electronic component comprising an electrically conductive chip carrier comprising an electrically insulating core structure at least partially covered with electrically conductive material, at least one electronic chip each having a first main surface attached to the chip carrier, and a sheet-like redistribution structure attached to a second main surface of the at least one electronic chip and configured for electrically connecting the second main surface of the at least one electronic chip with the chip carrier.

Abstract: The present invention provides a green light iridium (III) complex and a method of preparing the same, which has a formula as follows: wherein m is 2 or 3; at least one of Ar1, Ar2, Ar3, Ar4, and Ar5 is a group containing fluorophenyl unit, which has a formula as follows: wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, R5 are H, CH3, or FCF3, and at least one of R1, R2, R3, R4, R5 is F or CF3. The green light iridium (III) complex of the present invention has higher light emitting efficiency; the method of preparing the same has tender reaction conditions, simple synthesis steps and easy to handle. Due to the fluorophenyl unit capable of transporting electrons introduced therein, carrier current mobility and exciton transporting equilibrium are increased to contribute better exciton recombination so as to enhance performance of an organic electroluminescent device.

Abstract: An alternating current conversion method and system are disclosed that can adapt to varying voltages of the direct current sources. An exemplary system includes a first and second connection arrangements for the voltage sources such that the direct current can be supplied to the DC/AC converter selectively in the first connection arrangement or the second connection arrangement. The selection between the first and second connection arrangements is made on the basis of the voltage levels of the voltage sources such that a proper voltage is supplied to the DC/AC converter. The numbers of the voltage sources in the connection arrangements are selected such that the first and second connection arrangements have different numbers of the voltage sources connected in series, the voltage sources being also grouped in parallel groups.

Abstract: The formation of solar cell contacts using a laser is described. A method of fabricating a back-contact solar cell includes forming a poly-crystalline material layer above a single-crystalline substrate. The method also includes forming a dielectric material stack above the poly-crystalline material layer. The method also includes forming, by laser ablation, a plurality of contacts holes in the dielectric material stack, each of the contact holes exposing a portion of the poly-crystalline material layer; and forming conductive contacts in the plurality of contact holes.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an inverted organic photovoltaic cell comprising a polymerizable fullerene interlayer adapted to enhance the device performance and lifetime. The polymerizable fullerene derivative comprises a fullerene core, a bridging functional group and a polymerizable functional group. The fullerene core can be either C60 or C70, and the bridging functional group comprises a cyclic hydrocarbon or a heterocyclic ring. The polymerizable functional group comprises a thermally polymerizable functional group or a photochemically polymerizable functional group.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a solar cell, comprising steps of: a) providing a semiconductor substrate having a light-receiving side and a back side, wherein a passivation layer is formed on the back side; b) forming a silver conductor pattern on the back side of the semiconductor substrate; c) forming an aluminum conductor pattern on the back side of the semiconductor substrate, at least part of the aluminum conductor pattern being superimposed on at least part of the silver conductor pattern; and d) firing the silver conductor pattern and the aluminum conductor pattern at the same time, thereby forming an electric contact between the semiconductor substrate and the aluminum conductor pattern by way of fire through in a region where the silver conductor pattern and the aluminum conductor pattern are superimposed.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an improved renewable energy and rechargeable LED lighting unit having a roadway/street light pole with a polygonal frame member configuration disposed there about. A plurality of solar panels affixed to the polygonal configuration. The solar panels include a plurality of electrical modules that are affixed directly to an interior wall of at least one of the solar panels without interfering with the polygonal frame member when attached. A two-part closure plate arrangement are attached directly to the polygonal frame member and completely enclose and seal the plurality of electrical modules between the frame member and the at least one of the solar panels.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a photovoltaic device includes depositing a p-type layer at a first temperature and depositing an intrinsic layer while gradually increasing a deposition temperature to a final temperature. The intrinsic layer deposition is completed at the final temperature. An n-type layer is formed on the intrinsic layer.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for making a solar cell assembly. An apparatus in accordance with the present invention comprises a substrate, at least a first solar cell, coupled to a first side of the substrate, the first side of the substrate to be exposed to light such that the at least first solar cell generates a current when exposed to the light, and a bypass diode, formed on a second side of the substrate, the second side of the substrate being substantially opposite the first side of the substrate, such that the bypass diode is monolithically integrated with the at least first solar cell.

Abstract: Disclosed is a multilayered weatherable film for a solar cell, which has superior elongation change rate, strength change rate and haze and thus is suitable for use in a solar cell, and includes a hard layer having a polyester or copolyester polymer resin and a soft layer having polybutylene terephthalate containing polytetramethylene ether glycol, which are regularly or irregularly laminated in a multilayer form.

Abstract: Disclosed are new compound semiconductors which may be used for solar cells or as thermoelectric materials, and their application. The compound semiconductor may be represented by a chemical formula: InxCo4Sb12-zSez, where 0<x?0.25 and 0.4<z?2.

Abstract: A photoelectric conversion element is provided and includes: an electrically conductive thin layer; an organic photoelectric conversion layer; and a transparent electrically conductive thin layer. The organic photoelectric conversion layer contains: a compound represented by formula (I); and a fullerene or a fullerene derivative. Formula (I): In the formula, Z1 represents an atomic group necessary for forming a 5- or 6-membered ring, L1, L2 and L3 each independently represents an unsubstituted methine group or a substituted methine group, D1 represents an atomic group, and n represents an integer of 0 or more.

Abstract: An organic photoelectric conversion material for a photoelectric conversion element is provided, the organic photoelectric conversion material represented by formula 1 and having a molecular weight of 250 or greater but not greater than 800: wherein, A represents an electron withdrawing atomic group; R1, R2 and R3 each independently represents a hydrogen atom or a substituent; L represents a divalent ? conjugated substituent; D represents an electron donating aromatic substituent; and X represents O, S, or N—Ra in which Ra represents a hydrogen atom or a substituent.

Abstract: A solar panel system includes a plurality of the panels connected together in one or more panel strings. An embodiment includes a signal generator module connected to the photovoltaic panel strings injecting a multiple radio frequency signal onto each of the strings and a detector module analyzing a frequency response echo from the panel strings. The signal generator may include a string coupling module communicating with a controller. The detector module analyzes the echo to obtain an analog fingerprint for each panel string and determine whether the fingerprint for each panel string is within an acceptable range. The detector module initiates an alarm when one of the fingerprints is outside the acceptable range. During night time, when no current is being produced by the photovoltaic cells, a DC or AC source may be connected to the panel strings to inject a signal onto the strings for the same purpose.

Abstract: A method of producing a metal chalcogenide dispersion usable in forming a light absorbing layer of a solar cell, the method including: a metal chalcogenide nano particle formation step in which at least one metal or metal compound selected from the group consisting of a group 11, 12, 13, 14 or 15 metal or metal compound, a water-containing solvent and a group 16 element-containing compound are mixed together to obtain metal chalcogenide nano particles; and an addition step in which a compound (1) represented by general formula (1) is added to the metal chalcogenide nano particles, thereby obtaining a metal chalcogenide dispersion (wherein R1 to R4 each independently represents an alkyl group, an aryl group or a hydrogen atom; provided that at least one of R1 to R4 represents a hydrocarbon group).

Abstract: A photoelectric conversion device includes circuit portions disposed on a substrate, a first electrode electrically connected to one of the circuit portions, an optically transparent second electrode opposing the first electrode, and a photoelectric conversion portion disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode. The photoelectric conversion portion has a multilayer structure including a light absorption layer made of a p-type compound semiconductor film having a chalcopyrite structure, an amorphous oxide semiconductor layer, and a window layer made of an n-type semiconductor film.

Abstract: A photoelectric conversion element includes a photoelectric conversion layer to include a first metal layer, a semiconductor layer, and a second metal layer, all of which are laminated. In addition, at least one of the first metal layer and the second metal layer is a nano-mesh metal having a plurality of through holes or a dot metal having a plurality of metal dots arranged separately from each other on the semiconductor layer. The photoelectric conversion layer includes a long-wavelength absorption layer containing an impurity which is different from impurities for p-type doping and n-type doping of the semiconductor layer. The long-wavelength absorption layer is within a depth of 5 nm from the nano-mesh metal or the dot metal.

Abstract: A piezoelectric photovoltaic cell is disclosed. The cell may include a photovoltaic portion, including a sensitized semiconductor material. The cell may also include a piezoelectric portion, including a piezoelectric material.

Abstract: A frame for mounting a plurality of solar tracking units is provided. The frame comprises a plurality of leg assemblies interconnected by trusses to provide a stable structure that is ballasted by the frame's own weight, rather than relying on external ballast such as concrete blocks. Each leg assembly is provided with a shaft with a mounting end for mounting a solar tracking unit. Each solar tracking unit includes an armature assembly and at least one motor for controlling the orientation and position of a solar panel mounted thereon. Solar tracking assemblies, each comprising the frame and plurality of solar tracking units, can be assembled in an array using connectors spacing the assemblies, thus providing enhanced stability. Each of the assemblies can be provided with a local control unit for controlling each individual solar tracking unit, and a global control unit may be used to control the local control units.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved thin film solar cell, wherein at least one additional resistive transparent conductive oxide (TCO) layer is incorporated into the solar cell. The additional resistive TCO electrically separates the conductive TCO layers acting as electrodes of such a cell and thus decreases or prevents performance losses. Furthermore, methods for the production of such solar cells are disclosed.

Abstract: Tandem photovoltaic cells having a recombination layer, as well as related systems, methods, and components, are disclosed.

Abstract: As consistent with various embodiments, an electronic device includes a carbon nanotube film having a plurality of carbon nanotubes. In certain embodiments, a coating, such as an inorganic coating, is formed on a surface of carbon nanotube. The nanotube film supports the device and facilitates electrical conduction therein. The coated nanotube is amenable to implementation with devices such as thin film batteries, a battery separator, thin film solar cells and high-energy Lithium ion batteries.

Abstract: A solar cell includes a semiconductor substrate, an emitter region positioned at the semiconductor substrate, a first electrode which is positioned on the semiconductor substrate and is connected to the emitter region, a second electrode which is positioned on the semiconductor substrate and is connected to the semiconductor substrate, and a second electrode current collector which is positioned on the semiconductor substrate and is connected to the second electrode. An overlap distance between the second electrode and the second electrode current collector in a first direction corresponding to an extension direction of a conductive film positioned on the second electrode current collector is less than an overlap distance between the second electrode and the second electrode current collector in a second direction crossing the first direction.

Abstract: A substrate 1 for a photoelectric conversion device includes a first transparent conductive layer 5 formed on at least a part of the surface region of a transparent substrate 3, the first transparent conductive layer 5 having at least an opening portion 7 exposing the substrate 3.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system of networked PV panels, wherein each panel is coupled to a small capacity battery capable of storing electricity produced by the panels, wherein each battery is configured to randomly and isolatedly discharge its stored electricity into the power grid at a time before the battery reaches its capacity.

Abstract: A material is manufactured from a single piece of semiconductor material. The semiconductor material can be an n-type semiconductor. Such a manufactured material may have a top layer with a crystalline structure, transitioning into a transition layer, further transitioning into an intermediate layer, and further transitioning to the bulk substrate layer. The orientation of the crystalline pores of the crystalline structure align in layers of the material. The transition layer or intermediate layer includes a material that is substantially equivalent to intrinsic semiconductor. Also described is a method for manufacturing a material from a single piece of semiconductor material by exposing a top surface to an energy source until the transformation of the top surface occurs, while the bulk of the material remains unaltered. The material may exhibit photovoltaic properties.

Abstract: A self-assembly nano-composite solar cell comprises a substrate, a first electrode layer, a composite absorption layer and a second electrode layer. The first electrode layer is formed on the substrate. The composite absorption layer is formed over the first electrode layer and includes a plurality of vertical nano-pillars, a plurality of gaps each formed between any two adjacent nano-pillars, and a plurality of bismuth sulfide nano-particles filled into the gaps and attached to the nano-pillars. The second electrode layer is formed over the composite absorption layer. Through etching and soaking in solutions, the composite absorption layer with nano-pillars and bismuth sulfide nano-particles is fabricated to form a self-assembly nano-composite solar cell having high power conversion efficiency.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for automatically or remotely rendering a solar array safe during an emergency or maintenance. A watchdog unit is disclosed for monitoring a signal from a central controller. If the signal is lost, interrupted, or becomes irregular, or if a shutdown signal is received, then the watchdog unit can shutdown one or more solar modules. Shutting down a solar module can mean disconnecting it from a power bus of the solar array or lowering the solar module voltage to a safe level.

Abstract: A photoelectric conversion element includes: an electrically conductive thin layer; an organic photoelectric conversion layer containing a compound having a partial structure represented by formula (I) and a fullerene or a fullerene derivative; and a transparent electrically conductive thin layer: X represents O, S or N—R10, R10 represents a hydrogen atom or a substituent, Rx and Ry represent a hydrogen atom or a substituent, with at least one representing an electron-withdrawing group, Rx and Ry may combine to form a ring, R represents a bond (—), a hydrogen atom or a substituent, with at least one being the bond, nr represents an integer of 1 to 4, R's may be the same or different when nr is 2 or more, and R's at the 2- and 3-positions or R's at the 5- and 6-positions may combine with each other to form a ring.

Abstract: An integral solar module power conditioning system includes one or more solar module support frames. Each frame includes a plurality of plug-and-play electrical connectors integrated therewith. A microinverter or microinverter connector is also integrated with each frame. Each frame is configured to receive a respective solar electric module and to carry electrical power through a plurality of solar electric modules and corresponding microinverters connected together via a plurality of solar module support frames connected together via the plurality of integrated plug-and-play electrical connectors.

Abstract: It is an object to provide a photoelectric conversion device with high photoelectric conversion efficiency that improves reliability by increasing contact force between a light absorbing layer and an electrode layer. The photoelectric conversion device includes an electrode layer, and a light absorbing layer located on the electrode layer. The light absorbing layer contains a compound semiconductor. The light absorbing layer comprises a first layer close to the electrode layer and a second layer located on the first layer. The first layer has a void ratio lower than that of the second layer.

Abstract: A power supply system (SYS) and a photovoltaic device (PVE) intended therefor and comprising a plurality of DC voltage-generating photovoltaic modules (PVM) are proposed, wherein the photovoltaic modules (PVM) for generating a DC voltage (Udc*) exceeding the withstand voltage or dialectric strength (Umodmax) of the photovoltaic modules (PVM) and suitable for the high-voltage DC transmission are connected in parallel or in series to one another, wherein the power supply system (SYS) comprises a converter substation (UFS) that can be connected to a power supply network (SVN) installed for users, and includes a high-voltage DC transmission power line (HGUE) so as to transmit in the high voltage range the DC voltage (Udc*) generated by the photovoltaic device (PVE) to the converter substation (UFS).

Abstract: Disclosed are a titanium dioxide nano ink having such a strong dispersibility as to be applicable by inkjet printing and having adequate viscosity without requiring printing several times, and a titanium dioxide nano particle modified by a surface stabilizer included therein. Inkjet printing of the titanium dioxide nano ink enables printing of a minute electrode. In addition, efficiency of a solar cell may be maximized since occurrence of pattern cracking is minimized.

Abstract: Inverted metamorphic multijunction solar cells having a heterojunction middle subcell and a graded interlayer, and methods of making same, are disclosed herein. The present disclosure provides a method of manufacturing a solar cell using an MOCVD process, wherein the graded interlayer is composed of (InxGa1-x)yAl1-yAs, and is formed in the MOCVD reactor so that it is compositionally graded to lattice match the middle second subcell on one side and the lower third subcell on the other side, with the values for x and y computed and the composition of the graded interlayer determined so that as the layer is grown in the MOCVD reactor, the band gap of the graded interlayer remains constant at 1.5 eV throughout the thickness of the graded interlayer.

Abstract: Described herein is an energy harvesting device and a method for its fabrication for the harvesting of solar energy. Solar energy is absorbed using a photosensitive material which is coated upon a flexible membrane, which is suspended over a metal signal line of an RF MEMS structure. By controlling the discharge sequence the stored electrical charge can be transferred as high voltage pulses to an external load or rechargeable batteries. The output voltage can be adjusted by controlling the on/off frequency of operation of the switch.

Abstract: A device for the support of photovoltaic modules such that the tilt angles of the photovoltaic modules can be varied to modify the exposure of the photovoltaic modules to sunlight for the purpose of generating solar electricity. The device allows for the reversible attachment and detachment of photovoltaic modules, serves as the storage for the photovoltaic modules when the photovoltaic modules are detached, and is easily portable by a single person.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing see-through thin film solar cells includes the steps of: placing a patterned photo mask above a first substrate which has a photoelectric conversion film formed on the surface thereof; and ablating the photoelectric conversion film via a laser beam passing through the patterned photo mask to form at least one hollow-out zone with different transmittance. By incorporating the laser beam with the photo mask in the manufacturing process, the problem of shortened laser lifespan caused by frequent switching of the laser for ablating patterns that occurs to the conventional technique can be resolved. Through controlling the thickness of the patterned photo mask, grey scale patterns can be displayed and resolution thereof can also be increased, thereby improve the added value of the thin film solar cells.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for preparing a sheet for a sealing member of a solar cell, wherein the sheet has significantly low thermal shrinkage and high flexibility, and a superior capability of discharging bubbles during the manufacture of a solar cell module. The method for preparing a sheet for a sealing member of a solar cell according to the present invention comprises the following steps: (a) preparing a thermal adhesive resin having an olefin-based resin as a main component; (b) pulverizing the thermal adhesive resin and dispersing the resin powder; and (c) heating the thermal adhesive resin powder at a temperature lower than the melting temperature of the resin powder so as to prepare a sheet having a plurality of voids.

Abstract: In an example, a solar energy system includes multiple PV modules, multiple reflectors, and a racking assembly. Each of the reflectors is positioned opposite a corresponding one of the PV modules. The racking assembly mechanically interconnects the PV modules and the reflectors to form an interconnected system. The racking assembly defines gaps within the racking assembly and between adjacent PV modules and reflectors. The interconnected system includes multiple contact points associated with the gaps. The gaps and contact points configure the interconnected system to accommodate surface unevenness of an installation surface up to a predetermined surface unevenness.

Abstract: One embodiment relates to an arrangement of photovoltaic modules configured for transportation. The arrangement includes a plurality of photovoltaic modules, each photovoltaic module including a frame. A plurality of individual male alignment features and a plurality of individual female alignment features are included on each frame. Adjacent photovoltaic modules are interlocked by multiple individual male alignment features on a first module of the adjacent photovoltaic modules fitting into and being surrounded by corresponding individual female alignment features on a second module of the adjacent photovoltaic modules. Other embodiments, features and aspects are also disclosed.

Abstract: Provided are a photoelectric conversion device capable of controlling an absorbance of the red region at a wavelength of 600 nm or more, and an imaging device having an improved color reproduction by using the photoelectric device. Provided are a photoelectric conversion device that includes a pair of electrodes, and a photoelectric conversion layer disposed between the pair of electrodes, in which the photoelectric conversion layer contains a p-type semiconductor compound and two or more different kinds of unsubstituted fullerenes, and an imaging device that includes the photoelectric conversion device.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an order vacancy compound (OVC) is provided. The method includes the following steps. A trivalent ion, a hexavalent ion and one of a univalent ion and a bivalent ion for an electrodeposition process are provided to form a solar energy absorbing film. The OVC is formed by performing an electrochemical etching process on the solar energy absorbing film.

Abstract: Disclosed is a sheet for use as a packaging material having a low percentage thermal shrinkage, outstanding flexibility and outstanding properties as a packaging material for solar cells. The sheet for use as a packaging material for solar cells according to the present invention is a resin sheet having air spaces obtained by the hot-melt bonding of a portion of a dispersed hot-bonding resin powder, wherein the apparent density of the sheet is no less than 20(%) and no more than 70(%) of the net density of the hot-bonding resin, such that the sheet is adequately flexible.

Abstract: The subject of the invention is a transparent substrate, especially made of glass, which is provided with an electrode, especially for a solar cell, comprising a conductive layer based on molybdenum Mo with a thickness of at most 500 nm, especially at most 400 nm or at most 300 nm or at most 200 nm.

Abstract: Plasmonic nanocavity arrays and methods for enhanced efficiency in organic photovoltaic cells are described. Plasmonic nanocavities offer a promising and highly tunable alternative to conventional transparent conductors for photovoltaic applications using both organic and inorganic materials systems.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to roofing products. The present invention relates more particularly to roofing products for use with photovoltaic elements, and to photovoltaic systems that include one or more photovoltaic elements joined to a roofing substrate. In one embodiment, a roofing product includes a flexible roofing substrate having a top surface, the top surface having one or more granule-coated zones thereon capable of acting as a receptor zone or an exposure zone, each zone being adapted to receive one or more photovoltaic elements; and an adhesive suitable for securing photovoltaic elements to one or more of the granule-coated zones, the adhesive capable of forming a bond to the granules and the top surface of the flexible roofing substrate and to the bottom surface of the photovoltaic elements.

Abstract: A photoelectrochemical cell (1) includes an electrolyte container (3) containing an ionic liquid (2), and a partitioning membrane (4) dividing an interior of the electrolyte container (3) into two being a CO2 capturing chamber (7) and a CO2 releasing chamber (8), having side walls opposing each other, with the partitioning membrane (4) in between, either as a carbon electrode (5) and the other as a photoelectrode (6). A redox mediator (B) has different bonding forces to carbon dioxide, as it appears as an oxidant Box and a reductant Bred, of which that one which has a greater bonding force serves as an intermediary chemical species carrying carbon dioxide to one of the paired electrodes (5, 6). Over the CO2 releasing chamber (10), an upper wall portion (10) is formed, which has a CO2 take-out port (10A) formed therein, for making use of oxidation and reduction of the redox mediator to achieve separation and concentration of carbon dioxide, converting photo energy of sunlight into electric power.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for providing an integrated electrochemical and solar cell. In one embodiment of the invention, an electrochemical cell with a self supporting ceramic cathode layer is electrically connected to a solar cell. In another embodiment of the invention, an electrochemical cell with a self supporting anode is provided. The present invention also contemplates methods of manufacturing the integrated electrochemical and solar cell wherein such methods provide weight savings and streamlined manufacturing procedures through the use of self supporting cathodes and anodes.

Abstract: An electrolyte composition containing an ionic liquid and conductive particles, an electrolyte composition containing an ionic liquid and oxide semiconductor particles and optionally containing conductive particles, and an electrolyte composition containing an ionic liquid and insulating particles are provided. Furthermore, a photoelectric conversion element comprising: a working electrode, the working electrode comprising an electrode substrate and an oxide semiconductor porous film formed on the electrode substrate and sensitized with a dye; a counter electrode disposed opposing the working electrode; and an electrolyte layer made of these electrolyte compositions is provided.