Abstract: A solar concentrator including a housing defining a vertical axis and including a receiving wall connected to a reflecting wall to define an internal volume and an opening into the internal volume, wherein the reflecting wall defines at least one primary optical element, and wherein at least a portion of the reflecting wall includes a layer of reflective material, the housing further including a cover connected to the receiving wall and the reflecting wall to seal the opening, and at least one receiver mounted on the receiving wall such that a vertical axis of the receiver is disposed at a non-zero angle relative to the vertical axis of the housing, the receiver including at least one photovoltaic cell.

Abstract: A sealing member according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a first plate having a predetermined width with a plate shape, and a second plate with a plate shape connected to both ends of the first plate, wherein the first plate and the second plate have the same plate shape and form a closed line.

Abstract: Provided is a solar cell including a condensing micro lens array. The solar cell includes a lower electrode, a photoactive layer including a top formed with an upper opaque metal grid electrode and a bottom end disposed on the lower electrode, the photoactive layer being formed of III-V compound semiconductors to absorb solar light to generate photo-electric conversion, and the micro lens array disposed to have a certain gap from the top of the photoactive layer and refracting incident solar light toward the photoactive layer.

Abstract: The invention provides a solar energy system. A flexible transparent body includes a top surface, a bottom surface and two edges, wherein the top surface is a light receiving surface for receiving light with a first wave-length. A plurality of solar cells is disposed on at least one of the edges of the flexible transparent body, wherein the solar cells can covert light having a second wave-length into electrical energy. A wavelength converting layer is provided for converting light with the first wave-length to light with the second wave-length.

Abstract: A floating anchor curb includes a frame and a wrap member wrapped around the frame. The frame has an inner ballast volume partially filled with water. A tensioning element is disposed in or on the frame, and is arranged to apply tension on the wrap member.

Abstract: A sheet set for encapsulating a solar battery including a first encapsulating sheet and a second encapsulating sheet which are disposed between a light-incident surface protective member and a back surface protective member, and are used to encapsulate solar battery elements is provided. When the first encapsulating sheet and the second encapsulating sheet are subjected to a heating and pressurization treatment in which the first encapsulating sheet and the second encapsulating sheet are heated and depressurized under defined conditions, a volume resistivity of the first encapsulating sheet measured under defined conditions, is higher than a volume resistivity of the second encapsulating sheet. The first encapsulating sheet is disposed between the light-incident surface protective member and the solar battery elements. The second encapsulating sheet has at least one polar group selected from a carboxyl group, an ester group, a hydroxyl group, an amino group, and an acetal group.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sealing material for a solar cell that seals a solar cell element of a solar cell in a short time in the production of a solar cell module, thereby enabling efficient production of solar cell modules. The sealing material for a solar cell of the present invention has a feature of containing 100 parts by weight of a modified butene-based resin that is produced by graft-modifying a butene-ethylene copolymer having a butene content of 1 to 25% by weight with maleic anhydride and has a total content of the maleic anhydride of 0.1 to 3% by weight, and 0.1 to 15 parts by weight of a silane compound having an epoxy group.

Abstract: The present invention provides a solar cell sealing film in which the shrinkage is prevented when heated. The solar cell sealing film 13A, 13B comprises a resin mixture of an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer and polyethylene, and an organic peroxide. The mass ratio (EVA:PE) of the ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA) to the polyethylene (PE) is 8:2 to 3:7 and the melting point of the resin mixture (temperature at a viscosity of 30,000 Pa·s) is 80 to 105° C.

Abstract: A photovoltaic module employing an array of photovoltaic cells disposed between two optically transparent substrates such as to define a closed-loop peripheral area of the module that does not contain a photovoltaic cell. The module is sealed with a peripheral seal along the perimeter; and is devoid of a structural element affixed to an optically transparent substrate and adapted to mount the module to a supporting structure. The two substrates may be bonded together with the use of adhesive material and, optionally, the peripheral seal can include the adhesive material. The module optionally includes diffraction grating element(s) adjoining respectively corresponding PV-cell(s).

Abstract: A solar cell module includes a solar cell element, a protective member disposed at one side in a thickness direction of the solar cell element, a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer interposed between the solar cell element and the protective member and attached to the protective member, and a support layer formed on the other surface in the thickness direction of the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer and having an elastic modulus at 25° C. measured in a tensile test of 1 MPa to 9×103 MPa.

Abstract: An optical device (1) is provided. The optical device comprising a switchable layer (2) at least one alignment layer (6) a light guiding system (5), whereas the switchable layer (2) comprises a luminescent material (3) for absorbing and emitting light, whereby the alignment of the luminescent material (3) is changeable and the light guiding system (5) guides the emitted light, whereby the switchable layer (2) is in contact with the at least one alignment layer (6) and the luminescent material (3) exhibits anisotropic properties, whereby the optical device (1) comprises a light energy-converting means (7), wherein the light guiding system (5) is in physical contact with the energy converting means (7).

Abstract: Disclosed are a solar cell module and a method of fabricating the same. The solar cell module includes a support substrate including a lateral side, at which a 1st bending portion is formed, and a rear side at which a 2nd bending portion is formed, a solar cell on the support substrate, and a protective layer on the support substrate and the solar cell.

Abstract: A solar cell module for ensuring the thickness of an adhesive material and enhancing adhesion strength is provided by devising a configuration of an adhesion surface of a support member. The solar cell module is equipped with an elongated support member (20) and a solar cell main body having a laminated glass structure. The solar cell main body includes a light-receiving glass, a backside glass, and a solar cell for photoelectrically converting sunlight, the solar cell being laid between the light-receiving glass and the backside glass. The support member (20) is fixedly bonded on a surface of the backside glass by an adhesive material. The support member (20) has a recess (25) formed in an adhesion surface (21a) of the support member (20) to be bonded to the backside glass.

Abstract: An encapsulating material for solar cell is made of a resin composition containing a crosslinkable resin, and satisfies the following 1) and 2). 1) When the encapsulating material for solar cell is immersed in acetone at 23° C. for one hour after a crosslinking treatment in which the encapsulating material for solar cell is heated and depressurized at 150° C. and 250 Pa for three minutes, and then is heated and pressurized at 150° C. and 100 kPa for 15 minutes, an acetone-absorbing ratio is in a range of 3.5 weight % to 12.0 weight % with respect to the weight of the above-described crosslinking-treated encapsulating material for solar cell. 2) A volume resistivity of the above-described crosslinking-treated encapsulating material for solar cell, which is based on JIS K6911 and measured at a temperature of 100° C. with an applied voltage of 500 V, is in a range of 1.0×1013 ?·cm to 1.0×1018 ?·cm.

Abstract: A solar cell module is provided comprising a first substrate (1a), a thin-film solar cell (2) comprising a metal electrode layer, a photoelectric conversion layer, and a light-transmissive electrode layer disposed on the first substrate (1a), a transparent second substrate (1b) opposed to the solar cell on the first substrate, a light-transmissive silicone gel layer (3) interposed between the first and second substrates, and a seal (4?) of a water vapor non-permeable, rubber-based thermoplastic sealing material surrounding the outer periphery of the silicone gel layer. The module has long-term reliability and high efficiency.

Abstract: A low-cost solar collector employs a concave reflecting surface and a convex reflecting surface configured as a cylindrical Cassegrain optical system with planar symmetry to concentrate sunlight for photovoltaic solar panels. The collector achieves high concentration factors exceeding 20× and maintains focus of concentrated sunlight on the photovoltaic cells using a simple mechanical means to rotate the collector. A plurality of solar collectors is arranged in parallel in a conventional solar panel form factor and driven by a single drive system to maintain the sun continuously in the plane of symmetry of each of the solar collectors that comprise the solar panel. This reduces the area of photovoltaic cells required to convert a given quantity of light energy to electrical energy. Cost of electrical energy generated is reduced significantly because the cost per unit area of the solar collectors is much less than the cost of photovoltaic cells.

Abstract: A solar power camouflage system and apparatus are disclosed. The system includes a number of solar panels coupled to a net. The panels colored to produce a camouflage effect. A maximum power point tracking device coupled to the solar panels to manage to maintain the optimal voltage and current drawn through the panels. An energy storage device is coupled to the maximum power point tracking device. A power interface is coupled to said energy storage device to deliver power to other electrical devices.

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention relates to a method for integrating a solar power unit that generates a power signal, into a building structure. The method comprises the steps of attaching a frame of the solar power unit to the building block, installing the solar panel on the attached frame, and securing the solar panel to the attached frame with the front cover.

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: The light concentrator having a primary optical element which has an optical axis and a core comprising a rigid body which is co-linear with the optical axis and configured to support the primary optical element.

Abstract: A solar collector utilizes an inflated tubular film which concentrates sunlight onto a solar receiver. The film incorporates refractive elements in a pattern which focuses light in one or two dimensions to create foci in the form of lines, spots, or other shapes. The film may be replaceable. The film may include layers of material to optimize optical, structural, thermal, and durability characteristics.

Abstract: Disclosed is a transmissive optical concentrator comprising an elliptical collector aperture and a non-elliptical exit aperture, the concentrator being operable to concentrate radiation incident on said collector aperture. The body of said concentrator may have a substantially hyperbolic external profile. Also disclosed is a photovoltaic cell employing such a concentrator and a photovoltaic building unit comprising an array of optical transmissive concentrators, each having an elliptical collector aperture; and an array of photovoltaic cells, each aligned with an exit aperture of a concentrator, wherein the area between adjacent collector apertures is transmissive to visible radiation.

Abstract: A low cost design for a concentrated photovoltaic (CPV) solar cell device is developed with a 3-D solar cell structure that eliminates the need for sun-ray tracking and with improved electricity conversion efficiency for cooling solar cells. The 3-D solar cell structure can be built with conventional monocrystalline or polycrystalline silicon or with multi-junction III-V solar material, joining two or more solar cell segments perpendicular to a base solar cell. This structure is able to collect all incident sunlight from sunrise to sunset.

Abstract: A solar concentrator and photoelectric conversion structure is described. The solar concentrator and photoelectric conversion structure includes a glass concentrator and at least one photoelectric conversion layer. The glass concentrator forms a light incident surface and a plane. The plane includes a plurality of concentrating elements. Each concentrating element includes a hollow taper and a hollow pillar. The hollow taper includes a first opening. The hollow pillar includes a second opening and a third opening on opposite sides, in which the second opening is correspondingly connected to the first opening. The photoelectric conversion layer deposited onto inner side surfaces of the hollow tapers and the hollow pillars of the concentrating elements. The photoelectric conversion layer includes at least one p-type material and at least one n-type material.

Abstract: Methods for fabricating a photovoltaic module, and the resulting photovoltaic module, are provided and include selecting a photovoltaic cell operable to convert photons to electrons, selecting a light transparent superstrate material having a superstrate absorption coefficient and a superstrate refractive index, and selecting an encapsulant having an encapsulant absorption coefficient and an encapsulant refractive index, wherein an absorption coefficient relationship between the superstrate absorption coefficient and the encapsulant absorption coefficient and a refractive index relationship between the superstrate refractive index and the encapsulant refractive index are selected such that there is a gain in efficiency, and assembling the photovoltaic module using the selected materials.

Abstract: The present invention provides a solar cell sealing film whereby generation of gas is decreased. The solar cell sealing film comprises a resin mixture of an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer and a polyethylene, and an organic peroxide. The mass ratio (EVA:PE) of the ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA) to the polyethylene (PE) is 8:2 to 3:7, the content of the organic peroxide is 0.1 to 1.0 parts by mass based on 100 parts by mass of the resin mixture, and the gel rate after crosslinking is 20 to 80% by mass.

Abstract: Flexible optically transparent nano structured polymer material is based on the composition that includes the derivatives of polyurethanes, hardening agent, antistatic additive and modifiers. The structure of polymer includes nano and micro-domains and clusters of various sizes and configurations that are located in a certain order in the volume of the polymer and play the role of micro lenses that provide the concentration of the light and to concentration of light on the optical device and strengthen wave of optical radiation. The transparent polymer laminated, encapsulated or coated of incident light-facing surface of optical devices including the photovoltaic modules and imparts higher conversion efficiencies to photovoltaic modules, a high optical transparency, is resistant to the humidity and destructive effects of UV, has a good adhesion to the surface of the optical devices, and a good stability to deformation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a solar cell encapsulant sheet comprising at least one ethylene-based resin selected from the group consisting of an ethylene-?-olefin copolymer, an ethylene homopolymer and an ethylene-unsaturated ester copolymer, 0.001 parts by mass to 5 parts by mass of at least one compound selected from the group consisting of silicon dioxide and zeolite, and 0.001 parts by mass to 5 parts by mass of a silane coupling agent, relative to 100 parts by mass of the ethylene-based resin respectively.

Abstract: The present invention provides a photovoltaic device comprising metal and a poly(vinyl butyral) layer that incorporates a suitable amount of 1H-benzotriazole. When electrical bias is applied to the photovoltaic device, 1H-benzotriazole forms a barrier layer at the metal/poly(vinyl butyral) interface, which, for example, unexpectedly virtually eliminated the yellowing of poly(vinyl butyral) in photovoltaic devices comprising silver components.

Abstract: The present invention achieves a solar cell protective material containing a moisture-resistant film with a moisture vapor permeability of less than 0.1 g/m2/day, but not decreasing the moisture resistance for a long term, preventing delamination, and having excellent flexibility and excellent moisture resistance. The present invention provides a solar cell protective material having an effect in preventing the performance degradation of a solar cell and improving the durability of a solar cell. The solar cell protective material includes a fluorine-based resin film; a pressure sensitive adhesive layer; and a moisture-resistant film having a base material and an inorganic layer on at least one side of the base material, the moisture-resistant film having a moisture vapor permeability of less than 0.

Abstract: A solar energy system for collecting light includes at least one stretchable lightguide film configured to optically couple light into a lightguide condition in the at least one stretchable lightguide film. Also disclosed is a method for collecting light with a lightguide film that includes stretching or contracting the lightguide film having one or more coupling features to optically couple light into the lightguide film.

Abstract: Disclosed are a solar cell apparatus and a method of fabricating the same. The solace cell apparatus includes a solar cell on a support substrate; a polymer resin layer on the solar cell; a protective panel on the polymer resin layer; and a composite protective layer at each lateral side of the support substrate, the solar cell, the polymer resin layer, and the protective panel.

Abstract: A solar module includes an encapsulant and solar cells in the encapsulant. The encapsulant includes a colored encapsulant on one side of the solar cells and a transparent encapsulant on the other side of the solar cells. An interface between the colored encapsulant and the transparent encapsulant is located more on the one side than a main surface of the other side of the solar cells and located more on the other side than a center in a thickness direction of the solar cells.

Abstract: A solar cell module according to an embodiment includes a solar cell device and a support structure supporting the solar cell device. The solar cell device is a belt-like solar cell device including first portions arranged in one direction such that major surfaces thereof face each other, and a second portion interposed between the first portions. The edges of the first portions that correspond to a pair of long sides of the solar cell device are parallel to each other. Two adjacent first portions incline forwardly and backwardly with respect to the one direction. The second portion includes one or more planar or curved surfaces to connect the two adjacent first portions to each other.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for controlling the propagation of electromagnetic radiation on conductive surfaces via the presence of coupled subwavelength conductor-dielectric unit plasmonic resonators. In some embodiments, the dimensions of the unit plasmonic resonators are selected to produce modal overlap and coupling between surface plasmons of adjacent conductive surfaces. The properties of the unit plasmonic resonators may be spatially graded to produce the slowing down and/or trapping of electromagnetic waves. Methods are provided for calculating resonant modes of structures that involve intra-resonator plasmonic coupling. Various example implementations of such devices and structures are provided.

Abstract: A solar cell module includes a solar cell and a sealing material. The solar cell includes a photoelectric conversion body, a transparent conductive oxide layer, and an electrode. The transparent conductive oxide layer is disposed on a first main surface of the photoelectric conversion body. The electrode is disposed on the transparent conductive oxide layer. The sealing material seals the solar cell. A portion of the sealing material located on the electrode contains an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer. The electrode contains a basic compound. Therefore, even when moisture enters sealing material to generate acetic acid, the basic compound neutralizes the acetic acid to prevent the acetic acid from dissolving transparent conductive oxide layers.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to multiple quantum well (MQW) structures for intrinsic regions of monolithic photovoltaic junctions within solar cells which are substantially lattice matched to GaAs or Ge. The disclosed MQW structures incorporate quantum wells formed of quaternary InGaAsP, between barriers of InGaP.

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention relates to a solar power unit comprising a frame, configured to be integrated into a building structure, for supporting a solar panel, the solar panel for generating a power signal, and a front cover for securing the solar panel to the frame.

Abstract: An apparatus for tracking a portable asset includes a solar panel, an electronics assembly integrated into an enclosure, and a heat spreading assembly adjacent the solar panel, the heat spreading assembly located to form an air gap separating the heat spreading assembly from the electronics assembly such that heat generated by the solar panel is dissipated in the air gap before reaching the electronics assembly.

Abstract: A solar cell module includes a solar cell, a light-receiving surface member arranged on a light-receiving surface side of the solar cell, a rear surface member arranged on a rear surface side of the solar cell, a transparent filler layer arranged between the solar cell and the light-receiving surface member, and a colored filler layer arranged between the solar cell and the rear surface member. The colored filler layer exists on at least part of a portion of the light receiving surface of the solar cell, the portion located over a non-power generation region.

Abstract: A solar cell module includes an encapsulant and a solar cell in the encapsulant. The encapsulant includes a light-receiving side encapsulant at a light-receiving surface side of the solar cell, and a colored rear side encapsulant at a rear surface side of the solar cell. The rear side encapsulant contains an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer. An interface between the rear side encapsulant and the light-receiving side encapsulant is in contact with a side surface of the solar cell. In a part of an area where no solar cell is provided, the rear side encapsulant bulges to the light-receiving surface side.

Abstract: A solar cell module includes a solar cell, a light-receiving surface member on a light-receiving side of the solar cell, a rear surface member on a rear side of the solar cell, and a sealing material between the light-receiving surface member and the rear surface member. The rear surface member has higher permeability of acetic acid than that of the light-receiving surface member. The sealing material seals the solar cell and includes a light-receiving side sealing material on the light-receiving side of the solar cell and a rear side sealing material on the rear side of the solar cell. The light-receiving side sealing material does not contain an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer. The rear side sealing material contains the ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer.

Abstract: An optical element and associated methods for generating an optical element and apparatus comprising the optical element, wherein the optical element comprises a first surface (10), a second surface (15), and a side wall structure (25) between the first and second surfaces. The side wall structure has an internally reflecting profile such that optical radiation incident on the first surface at an angle less than or equal to an acceptance angle and then incident on the side wall structure is internally reflected to the second surface by the side wall structure. In a first cross section of the optical element, the side wall structure has a first internally reflecting profile and/or the first surface has a first cross sectional profile.

Abstract: A frame structure for solar cell module: comprises: two short sidebars, two long sidebars and four corner connectors in a manner that each short sidebar is connected to the two long sidebars at two opposite ends using two of the four corner connectors. Each long sidebar is comprised of a first extension wall, a second extension wall, a third extension wall and a first connection wall in a manner that the first, the second and the third extension walls are disposed perpendicular to the first connection wall while being connected to a side of the first connection wall that is orientated facing toward another long sidebar, and simultaneously allowing the first and the second extension walls to be connected respectively to the two ends of the first connection wall and the third extension wall to be disposed at a position between the first and the second extension walls.

Abstract: A solar collection system is described that includes an elongate central truss angled upward from ground horizontal and mounted on a plurality of ground support legs, a collector subsystem mounted at one end of the central truss, a cross truss perpendicular to the central truss and mounted at an end of the central truss opposite the collector subsystem, and a reflector subsystem mounted on the cross truss. The collector subsystem includes a truncated trapezoid-shaped housing with a front side facing the reflector subsystem, the front side including a glassed-in opening fronting a V-shaped core heat mechanism enclosed within the housing interior that captures reflected photon energy from the reflector subsystem which heats a fluent medium within the V-shaped core heat mechanism for output to an external source for thermal power operations.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sealing material for a solar cell that seals a solar cell element of a solar cell in a short time in the production of a solar cell module, thereby enabling efficient production of solar cell modules. The sealing material for a solar cell of the present invention has a feature of containing 100 parts by weight of a modified butene-based resin that is produced by graft-modifying a butene-ethylene copolymer having a butene content of 1 to 25% by weight with maleic anhydride and has a total content of the maleic anhydride of 0.1 to 3% by weight, and 0.1 to 15 parts by weight of a silane compound having an epoxy group.

Abstract: A concentrator photovoltaic apparatus for controlling internal condensation includes a light receiving module including one or more photovoltaic cells in a waterproof enclosure, at least one primary lens sealed to the waterproof enclosure for concentrating sunlight, a waterproof breather membrane regulating the pressure of the air located inside the enclosure, and a regenerative desiccant in a thermally decoupled dryer tube or thermally coupled to an internal surface of the enclosure. Smaller breather membrane vents and/or positive time delays between the temperature of the desiccant and the temperature of the enclosure may prolong an adsorption phase of the desiccant, which may substantially contribute to efficiency, reliability, and autonomous control of condensation.

Abstract: Provided is an optical element for a light-concentrating solar power generation device having excellent weather resistance and also excellent thermal shock resistance and crack resistance, a method for producing the same, and a light-concentrating solar power generation device including the optical element. An optical element for a light-concentrating solar power generation device, the optical element being made of a glass material having a compressive stress at a surface thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to photovoltaic devices. The present invention relates more particularly to photovoltaic roofing products in which a photovoltaic element is joined to a roofing substrate. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a photovoltaic roofing element comprising: an encapsulated photovoltaic element having a top surface and a bottom surface, a top layer material at its top surface and a bottom layer material at its bottom surface; a roofing substrate having a top surface; and a tie layer system disposed between the encapsulated photovoltaic element and the roofing substrate and joining the bottom surface of the encapsulated photovoltaic element to the top surface of the roofing substrate.

Abstract: A solar cell module includes a solar cell, a light-receiving side protection member, aback side protection member, and an encapsulant. The light-receiving side protection member is made of a glass plate or a ceramic plate. The back side protection member is made of a resin sheet. The encapsulant contains an antioxidant. The encapsulant includes: a back side encapsulant and a light-receiving side encapsulant. A content rate of the antioxidant in the back side encapsulant is higher than a content rate of the antioxidant in the light-receiving side encapsulant.