Abstract: A grating structure and a solar cell assembly. In one aspect, the grating structure suppresses the zero order transmission to near 0%. In another aspect, the solar cell assembly has improved absorption due to coupling with a grating structure.

Abstract: Disclosed is a UV curable sealing composition for a dye-sensitized solar cell. The UV curable sealing composition includes a polymer bead as a spacer for maintaining an interval between electrodes of the dye-sensitized solar cell.

Abstract: Provided are a glass which is used in an optical element for a concentrating photovoltaic power generation apparatus, has excellent weather resistance, and can be easily processed into a complicated shape; an optical element for a concentrating photovoltaic power generation apparatus using the glass; and a concentrating photovoltaic power generation apparatus. The glass used in an optical element for a concentrating photovoltaic power generation apparatus contains, in % by mass, 30 to 80% SiO2, 0 to 40% B2O3, 0 to 20% Al2O3, not less than 0.1% Li2O, and not less than 0.1% ZrO2.

Abstract: A light harvesting system employing a focusing array and a photoresponsive layer in which a plurality of microstructured areas is formed. Light received by the focusing array is injected transmissively into the photoresponsive layer through the microstructured areas. The injected light is retained in the photoresponsive layer by at least a total internal reflection and is propagated within the layer until it is substantially absorbed.

Abstract: A solar panel module comprises a photovoltaic panel supported on a frame for location on a supporting surface. The frame comprises two generally parallel side walls which taper upwardly from a nose section to a rear section of the frame to provide support for the photovoltaic panel above the roof surface. The frame further comprises connections for attaching it to adjoining frames of the solar panel assembly. The rear section has a curvilinear surface which terminates in a step which extends between the side walls of the frame and is formed in its riser with at least one opening which places the interior of the frame rear section in communication with the external atmosphere.

Abstract: A leaky travelling wave array of optical elements provide a solar wavelength rectenna.

Abstract: A solar-cell submodule sealed by an adhesive filler. A water-vapor-barrier film, a first adhesive filler layer, and a front-surface protection layer are layered on the front surface side of the solar-cell submodule, and a second adhesive filler layer and a back surface protection layer are layered on the back surface side of the solar cell submodule. A light-absorbing layer in the solar cell submodule comprises a CIGS film, and of the front surface protection layer and back surface protection layer, at least the front surface protection layer includes a plastic sheet. The plastic sheet has a heat-shrinkage ratio of not more than 0.04%.

Abstract: A solar cell module is obtained by the following method. In a step of sealing a solar cell module using laminated glass, a solar cell and a translucent intermediate film layer which seals the solar cell are interposed between a front side glass substrate and a rear side glass substrate. A sealing member in which an insertion part and an exterior part are formed by folding a sealing sheet having a bonding surface on one side, is employed in the module peripheral edge. The insertion part is inserted between the front side glass substrate and the rear side glass substrate, and bonding surfaces thereof are bonded to the front side glass substrate and the rear side glass substrate. A bonding surface of the exterior part is bonded to an end face of at least either of the front side glass substrate and the rear side glass substrate.

Abstract: Solar-redshift systems comprise an integral array of redshift modules, each having at least a focusing device, a target, and a quantum-dot vessel. The quantum-dot vessel contains quantum dots that emit light having an emission wavelength. The focusing device directs incident solar radiation through a focusing gap and toward the quantum-dot vessel, or into a slab waveguide and then toward the quantum-dot vessel, causing the quantum dots to emit redshifted light having the emission wavelength. The redshifted light is directed to the target, examples of which include a photovoltaic material or a living photosynthetic organism. The target has increased sensitivity or response to photons having the wavelength of the redshifted light. A trapping reflector component of the quantum-dot vessel prevents loss of redshifted light to the environment outside the solar-redshift system and allows undesirable infrared light to be removed from the system.

Abstract: Method and system for generating electrical energy from a volume of water.

Abstract: A photovoltaic module comprises a photovoltaic element, including a photovoltaic portion having a textured structure formed a light-receiving surface, and a light-receiving surface electrode formed on a part of the light-receiving surface, and a sealing member for sealing the photovoltaic element. Further, the sealing member is configured to include a first resin and a second resin. The first resin has a higher hydrophobic property than the second resin. The second resin is provided on at least some of concavities of the textured structure between the light-receiving surface and the first resin, and has a higher adhesion strength than the first resin with respect to the photovoltaic element.

Abstract: A polyester film has excellent resistance to hydrolysis, excellent heat resistance in high temperatures and low humidity, and mechanical strength. The polyester film satisfies a stress heat resistant coefficient f(125)?3 and a wet thermo retention (=100×S(120)/S(0)) of 30% or more. f(125) is a value obtained by substituting t=125° C. in an approximation represented by f(t); t represents a temperature (° C.) at thermo processing; f(t) represents a stress heat resistant coefficient f at the thermo temperature t and represents an approximation to a straight line obtained by linear approximation by a least squares method of values plotted from a relationship between the thermo temperature t and a logarithm (log T(t)) of time T at which a rupture stress is 50% when t is 150° C., 160° C., 170° C., or 180° C.; T(t) is a time (hr) at which the maximum stress in a tensile test after thermo processing at t° C.

Abstract: Dispersive optical systems and methods are disclosed, as well as energy generation systems utilizing such systems in combination with photovoltaic cells. A dispersive optical system includes an optical element, a layer of high-dispersion microprisms, and a layer of low-dispersion microprisms. The optical element is configured to focus a light beam. The layer of high-dispersion microprisms is configured to refract the light beam. The layer of low-dispersion microprisms is configured to refract the light beam. The dispersive optical system is configured to optically concentrate and disperse input light incident thereupon into an output comprising a plurality of bands of light each having a different wavelength. A method of optical dispersion includes focusing a light beam with an optical element, refracting the light beam with a layer of high-dispersion microprisms, and refracting the light beam with a layer of low-dispersion microprisms.

Abstract: A transparent luminescent solar concentrator is provided. In another aspect, a luminescent solar concentrator absorbs outside of visible light and emits outside of visible light. A further aspect of a luminescent solar concentrator employs nanocrystal clusters embedded in a polymeric matrix. In still another aspect, a unique ligand and luminophore host pairing is used for a solar concentrator.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a photovoltaic module comprising a photovoltaic semiconductor (1) and one or more layers (2), which contain a synthetic polymer (A) and a hindered amine light stabilizer (B). The hindered amine light stabilizer (B) is for example a compound of the formula I wherein m is=1, Y is O, A is C1-C19 alkylcarbonyl and Z1 is C1-C18 alkyl, C5-C7 cycloalkyl or C2-C12 alkyl substituted with hydroxyl.

Abstract: A low profile solar collector having a number of light collecting lenses that fit closely together as an array on a flexible sheet. The lenses may focus light onto optical conveyance mechanisms which convey light from the lenses to a light-to-electrical converter or converters at an edge of the sheet. The lenses may alternatively focus light onto a light-to-electrical converter or converters. Conductors may convey electricity from the light-to-electrical converters to an electrical connection block at an edge of the sheet. The flexible sheet may be rolled, folded, or form fitted onto a non-planar surface. Two or more low profile solar collectors having a number of collecting lenses may be combined to form a larger sheet for solar collection. The electrical outputs of the collectors may be connected to provide one or more outputs as desired.

Abstract: Disclosed is a terminal box with improved tab wire connection strength with limited warping and breakage of a translucent insulation substrate. A solar cell module is provided with: a solar cell with a cathode and an anode positioned on one surface thereof; a pair of power extraction tab wires which are connected onto the cathode and anode of the solar cell with a conductive adhesive layer interposed therebetween; and a pair of terminal box tab wires which are disposed on one surface of the solar cell with an insulating adhesive layer interposed therebetween, one end thereof being positioned on the cathode and the anode and which connect a terminal box with the pair of power extraction tab wires. The power extraction tab wires on the cathode and the anode are connected to the one end of the terminal box tab wires with the conductive adhesive layer interposed therebetween.

Abstract: An excellent surface protective material having moisture proofness that is not deteriorated for a prolonged period of time is provided for a highly moisture proof surface protective material for a solar cell, containing a moisture proof film that comprises a substrate having on one surface thereof an inorganic thin film layer and has a water vapor permeability of less than 0.1 g/m2·day. The surface protective material for a solar cell contains: a moisture proof film that comprises a substrate having on one surface thereof an inorganic thin film layer and has a water vapor permeability of less than 0.1 g/m2·day, a weatherproof film on a side of the inorganic thin film layer of the moisture proof film; and a back surface film that has a melting point of 80° C. or more and 180° C. or less on the opposite side of the moisture proof film from the inorganic thin film layer.

Abstract: Volume compensation in photovoltaic device is provided. The photovoltaic device has an outer transparent casing and a substrate that, together, define an inner volume. At least one solar cell is on the substrate. A filler layer seals the at least one solar cell within the inner volume. A container within the inner volume has an opening in fluid communication with the filler layer. A diaphragm is affixed to the opening thereby sealing the interior of the container from the filler layer. The diaphragm is configured to decrease the volume within the container when the filler layer thermally expands and to increase the volume within the container when the filler layer thermally contracts. In some instances, the substrate is hollowed and the container is formed within this hollow. The container can have multiple openings, each sealed with a diaphragm. There can be multiple containers within the photovoltaic device.

Abstract: A display module is provided, which includes a first and a second substrates, a transparent type solar cell, a display device, an electric power storage device, a driving circuit and a power supply transfer switch. In the display module, the first substrate, the transparent type solar cell, the display device and the second substrate are successively arranged according to an incident direction of a light source. The transparent type solar cell has a visible light transmittance of 10%-40% and a color temperature (Tc) larger than 2400K. The electric power storage device is connected to the transparent type solar cell for storing electric power there from, and the driving circuit is connected to the display device for driving the same. The power supply transfer switch is used for transferring the electric power into the electric power storage device or the driving circuit.

Abstract: Example embodiments relate to a solar cell configured to scatter incident light to be penetrated so as to increase a light progress path and includes a polymer-dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) layer on at least one of a first and a second electrodes.

Abstract: A leaky travelling wave array of optical elements provide a solar wavelength rectenna.

Abstract: The present invention provides a high performance backsheet (alternatively referred to backing sheet) for photovoltaic applications and methods for manufacture of the same. The high performance backsheet includes a compounded thermoplastic polyolefin or compounded ethylene vinyl acetate (“EVA”). The compounded thermoplastic polyolefin or EVA may be used by itself as one layer, or incorporated into a layer, or as a layer in multilayer laminate. The compounded thermoplastic polyolefin or EVA is useful in eliminating the necessity of using polyester in the backing sheet.

Abstract: A photoelectric conversion element includes a photoelectric conversion layer, an anti-reflection film, a light scattering layer, and a transparent thin layer. The anti-reflection film is provided on a light-receiving surface side of the photoelectric conversion layer. The light scattering layer is made of a plurality of metal nano-particles that are two-dimensionally arranged to be opposite to the light-receiving surface of the photoelectric conversion layer. The transparent thin layer is provided between the photoelectric conversion layer and the light scattering layer. A thickness dlow of the transparent thin layer is represented by the following equation.

Abstract: The basic solar module (3) comprises a frame (31) that can be placed directly or indirectly on the ground, means (32) for processing solar radiation that are mounted on the frame, the frame comprising, which being situated between the ground and the frame, a rotating cylindrical rounded surface of which one axis of revolution is a swinging axis about which the frame can swing relative to the ground.

Abstract: A method of assembling a solar array includes forming at least one substrate member that includes an upper surface and a lower surface. The lower surface is contoured with a shape that at least partially conforms to at least a portion of a contoured roof. The upper surface includes at least one elevated portion and a plurality of substantially planar regions. The at least one elevated portion is offset a predetermined height above at least one other portion of the substrate member. Each of the plurality of substantially planar regions is a distance above the at least one elevated portion and is oriented to receive at least one photovoltaic laminate. The method also includes coupling the at least one substrate member to at least a portion of the contoured roof.

Abstract: The present invention shows a solar cell element comprising a semiconductor substrate layer (2) with precisely one first doping, a layer structure (1) which is disposed on the front-side of the substrate layer (2) and is adjacent to the substrate layer, said layer structure having at least one doping complementary to the first doping, a rear-side metallization (3) which is disposed on the rear-side of the substrate layer which is situated opposite the layer structure (1) and is adjacent to the substrate layer, and a first (4) and a second (6) front-side metallization, the first front-side metallization (4) contacting the layer structure (1) electrically and the second front-side metallization (6), electrically insulated from the first front-side metallization and the layer structure (1), being disposed on the front-side of the substrate layer adjacent to the substrate layer.

Abstract: A composite photovoltaic cell comprised of a substrate overlaid with metallic nanoparticles sensitized with quantum dots. Using flexible or rigid substrates in conjunction with metallic nanoparticles and quantum dots a highly efficient photovoltaic cell can be formed by using localized surface plasmon resonance. The localized surface plasmon resonance of the metallic nanoparticles enhances the absorption of photons and is further sensitized by quantum dots.

Abstract: A compact photovoltaic generation assembly exhibiting improved photovoltaic efficiency and an extended operating life as compared to conventional photovoltaic systems is described. The assembly can also include a power supply for use at times when light energy is not readily available.

Abstract: A layer for use in a photovoltaic module may include an interlayer and one or more corrosion barriers adjacent to an electrically conductive layer.

Abstract: A solar conversion system with a solar collector that is shaped to focus reflected sunlight along an area with a substantially constant flux density. The area shape can be resemble a rectangular, square, circular, or other shape. Included with the system is a solar conversion module having a photovoltaic cell that is alignable with the area. The cell converts the focused reflected sunlight into electrical energy when aligned with the area.

Abstract: A removable cover system for protecting solar cells from exposure to moisture during fabrication processes. The cover system includes a cover having a configuration that complements the configuration of a solar cell substrate to be processed in an apparatus where moisture is present. A resiliently deformable seal member attached to the cover is positionable with the cover to engage and seal the top surface of the substrate. In one embodiment, the cover is dimensioned and arranged so that the seal member engages the peripheral angled edges and corners of the substrate for preventing the ingress of moisture beneath the cover. An apparatus for fabricating a solar cell using the cover and associated method are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to photovoltaic power systems, photovoltaic concentrator modules, and related methods. In particular, the present invention features concentrator modules having interior points of attachment for an articulating mechanism and/or an articulating mechanism that has a unique arrangement of chassis members so as to isolate bending, etc. from being transferred among the chassis members. The present invention also features adjustable solar panel mounting features and/or mounting features with two or more degrees of freedom. The present invention also features a mechanical fastener for secondary optics in a concentrator module.

Abstract: A multilayer film structure comprising a top encapsulation layer A, a tie Layer B between top Layer A and bottom Layer C and a bottom layer C, the multilayer film structure characterized in that tie Layer B comprises a crystalline block composite resin or a block composite resin and bottom Layer C comprises a polyolefin having at least one melting point greater than 125° C.

Abstract: An approach and device for generating electrical power from solar panels where electromagnetic radiation is filtered and concentrated at solar cells mounted on lightweight material that allows the dissipation of heat.

Abstract: A solar power collecting device including a parabolic concentrating unit, a light-guide pillar positioned on the parabolic concentrating unit, a solar cell positioned on the light-guide pillar and a transmissive protection cap for covering the light-guide pillar and the solar cell is disclosed.

Abstract: A photoelectric conversion element comprising: a photoelectric conversion layer; and a light reflection layer including a metal film provided on one of main surface sides of the photoelectric conversion layer, wherein penetration parts penetrating from one main surface of the metal film to the other main surface are provided in a plurality of portions in the metal film.

Abstract: A concentrated solar cell has a sealing portion (12) provided on a receiver substrate (102) so as to cover a solar cell element (101) provided on the receiver substrate (102), and an optical member (13) that is provided on the sealing portion (12) and concentrates sunlight on the solar cell element (101). The optical member (13) is configured so as to include an optical refraction portion (131) having a curved face for refracting and concentrating sunlight, a concentrated light emission portion (133) that is arranged in close contact with the sealing portion (12) such that the sunlight concentrated by the optical refraction portion (131) is emitted toward the solar cell element (101), and an optical base portion (132) arranged between the optical refraction portion (131) and the concentrated light emission portion (133).

Abstract: Provided are a back sheet for a solar cell module, and a solar cell module comprising same. The back sheet for a solar cell module comprises: a heat-dissipating metal layer; an upper anticorrosion layer formed on the upper surface of said heat-dissipating metal layer; a lower anticorrosion layer formed on the lower surface of said heat-dissipating metal layer; and a surface layer formed on said upper anticorrosion layer and adhered to a charging sheet of the solar cell module. The back sheet for a solar cell module according to the present invention has superior heat-dissipating properties and thus may efficiently dissipate (discharge) heat generated in a solar cell, thereby increasing the amount of power generation (photoconversion efficiency) of the solar cell. In addition, the back sheet of the present invention is inexpensive and may improve adhesive force and the like.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide a solar cell sealing film which has improved insulation properties and durability of adhesive properties under high-temperature environments, and solar cell using the sealing film. A solar cell sealing film consisting of a composition comprising ethylene-polar monomer copolymer and a cross-linker, wherein the composition further contains silane-coupling agent A and silane-coupling agent B, the silane-coupling A having three alkoxysilyl groups in its molecule, and the silane-coupling agent B having one alkoxysilyl group in its molecule; and a solar cell obtained by sealing photovoltaic elements in the solar cell sealing film(s).

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus by which solar energy may be collected to provide heat, electricity, or a combination of heat and electricity are disclosed herein.

Abstract: A system for generating electrical power from solar radiation utilizing a thin film III-V compound multijunction semiconductor solar cell mounted on a support in a non-planar configuration is disclosed herein.

Abstract: A solar apparatus includes a solar cell, a frame including a main body and a hollow rib, a pair of first support racks, and a pair of second support racks. The main body surrounds the edge of the solar cell. The hollow rib protrudes over the circumference of the main body. The first support racks are located on a first side of the frame, and each of the first support racks includes a first engaging clamp for coupling to the hollow rib of the frame. The second support racks are located on a second side of the frame facing away from the first side, and each of the second support racks includes a second engaging clamp for coupling to the hollow rib of the frame.

Abstract: A solar cell module and a manufacturing method thereof are provided. A solar cell device including a light receiving surface and a non-light-receiving surface opposite to the light-receiving surface is provided. A first protective film and a cover plate are formed on the light-receiving surface, wherein the first protective film is located between the solar cell device and the cover plate. A thermal radiation material layer is screen printed and a second protective is formed on the non-light-receiving surface. A backplane is formed on the non-light-receiving surface, wherein the second protective film is located between the solar cell device and the backplane.

Abstract: An improved backsheet used in the construction of solar panels is disclosed. A method of manufacturing the backsheet and solar panel comprising the backsheet, including coextrusion processes are also disclosed. Additionally, a photovoltaic solar panel module comprising the backsheet of the invention is disclosed. The backsheet of the instant invention may comprise an exterior layer having inner and outer surfaces, a middle layer, having inner and outer surfaces, and an interior layer having inner and outer surfaces. In one embodiment of the invention, the outer surface of the middle layer may be adjoined to the inner surface of the exterior layer, and the inner surface of the middle layer may be adjoined to the outer surface of the interior layer. The exterior layer, middle layer, and interior layer may be adjoined via a co-extrusion process, thereby eliminating the need for the use of adhesives for bonding the layers of the backsheet together.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a photoelectrical and photo-thermal sunlight tile which has a waterproof performance as in ordinary tiles as well as a function of conducting photoelectrical and photo-thermal conversion. The sunlight tile comprises a solar energy converting assembly which converts light radiation of the solar energy into electrical energy and thermal energy and converts thermal radiation of the sunlight into thermal energy, whereby a utilization efficiency of the solar energy is substantially improved, a conversion loss rate is minimized and a conversion utilization rate is maximized.

Abstract: Provided is a solar cell including a substrate of a first conductivity type, a first electrode, a dielectric layer, a region of a second conductivity type, and a second electrode. The substrate of the first conductivity type has a front surface and a back surface opposite to each other. The first electrode is disposed on the front surface. The dielectric layer has charges. The dielectric layer is disposed on the front surface and positioned at both sides of the first electrode. The region of the second conductivity type is disposed between the substrate of the first conductivity type and the first electrode, wherein the region of the second conductivity type is disposed only below the first electrode. The second electrode is disposed on the back surface.

Abstract: Spherical gradient index (GRIN) lens that can achieve perfect imaging and maximum concentration is provided. Various refractive index profiles for the GRIN lens allow the lens to be manufactured by the currently available materials and fabrication techniques. Systems and methods for photovoltaic solar concentration are provided in which the optic tracks the sun and the photovoltaic cell remains stationary. The optic of such systems and methods can include perfect imaging spherical GRIN lens to provide high flux concentration.

Abstract: A solar cell module structure is disclosed, which at least comprises a frame and a solar cell. The frame is composed of four sidebars that are mounted respectively at four sides of the solar cell. Each of the two opposite ends of each sidebar is formed with a 45-degree angle cut while each sidebar is composed of a top tongue plate, a bottom tongue plate, and a junction plate in a manner that the top tongue plate is arranged parallel to or near parallel to the bottom tongue plate while allowing the junction plate to connected and disposed perpendicular to the top and bottom tongue plates in respective. In addition, the solar cell is arranged at a position enclosed between the junction plate and the top and bottom tongue plates while being disposed at a distance respectively from the three plates.

Abstract: Device structures, apparatuses, and methods are disclosed for photovoltaic cells that may be a single junction or multijunction solar cells, with at least one layer comprising a group-IV semiconductor in which part of the cell comprises a second layer comprising a III-V semiconductor or group-IV semiconductor having a different composition than the group-IV semiconductor of the first layer, such that a heterostructure is formed between the first and second layers.