Lateral Series Connected Array Patents (Class 438/80)
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Patent number: 8530992Abstract: A photodetector is described along with corresponding materials, systems, and methods. The photodetector comprises an integrated circuit and at least two optically sensitive layers. A first optically sensitive layer is over at least a portion of the integrated circuit, and a second optically sensitive layer is over the first optically sensitive layer. Each optically sensitive layer is interposed between two electrodes. The two electrodes include a respective first electrode and a respective second electrode. The integrated circuit selectively applies a bias to the electrodes and reads signals from the optically sensitive layers. The signal is related to the number of photons received by the respective optically sensitive layer.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2011Date of Patent: September 10, 2013Assignee: InVisage Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Hui Tian, Edward Sargent
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Patent number: 8530993Abstract: A photodetector is described along with corresponding materials, systems, and methods. The photodetector comprises an integrated circuit and at least two optically sensitive layers. A first optically sensitive layer is over at least a portion of the integrated circuit, and a second optically sensitive layer is over the first optically sensitive layer. Each optically sensitive layer is interposed between two electrodes. The two electrodes include a respective first electrode and a respective second electrode. The integrated circuit selectively applies a bias to the electrodes and reads signals from the optically sensitive layers. The signal is related to the number of photons received by the respective optically sensitive layer.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2011Date of Patent: September 10, 2013Assignee: InVisage Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Hui Tian, Edward Sargent
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Patent number: 8525287Abstract: A photodetector is described along with corresponding materials, systems, and methods. The photodetector comprises an integrated circuit and at least two optically sensitive layers. A first optically sensitive layer is over at least a portion of the integrated circuit, and a second optically sensitive layer is over the first optically sensitive layer. Each optically sensitive layer is interposed between two electrodes. The two electrodes include a respective first electrode and a respective second electrode. The integrated circuit selectively applies a bias to the electrodes and reads signals from the optically sensitive layers. The signal is related to the number of photons received by the respective optically sensitive layer.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2011Date of Patent: September 3, 2013Assignee: InVisage Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Hui Tian, Edward Sargent
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Publication number: 20130213452Abstract: A solar cell module is provided with a plurality of solar cells and a wiring material. Each solar cell includes a p-side electrode and an n-side electrode arranged on one principal surface thereof. For each pair of adjacent solar cells, the wiring material electrically connects the p-side electrode of one solar cell and the n-side electrode of the other solar cell. Surface layers of the p-side electrodes and the n-side electrodes comprises, respectively, plating layers each containing at least one power-supplied point. The wiring material is bonded to the solar cells at regions each of which at least includes the power-supplied point.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 21, 2013Publication date: August 22, 2013Applicant: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.Inventor: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.
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Patent number: 8513045Abstract: A laser system with multiple laser pulses for removing material from a solar cell being fabricated. The laser system includes a single pulse laser source and a multi-pulse generator. The multi-pulse generator receives a single pulse laser beam from the single pulse laser source and converts the single pulse laser beam into a multi-pulse laser beam. A laser scanner scans the multi-pulse laser beam onto the solar cell to remove material from the solar cell.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2012Date of Patent: August 20, 2013Assignee: SunPower CorporationInventors: John Viatella, Gabriel Harley, Thomas Pass
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Patent number: 8513637Abstract: Arrays of memory cells are described along with devices thereof and method for manufacturing. Memory cells described herein include memory elements comprising programmable resistive material and self-aligned bottom electrodes. In preferred embodiments the area of the memory cell is 4F2, F being the feature size for a lithographic process used to manufacture the memory cell, and more preferably F being equal to a minimum feature size. Arrays of memory cells described herein include memory cells arranged in a cross point array, the array having a plurality of word lines and source lines arranged in parallel in a first direction and having a plurality of bit lines arranged in parallel in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2007Date of Patent: August 20, 2013Assignee: Macronix International Co., Ltd.Inventor: Hsiang-Lan Lung
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Publication number: 20130192657Abstract: A low voltage/power ratio photovoltaic power generation panel includes a plurality of photovoltaic cells, wherein at least a subset of the cells are arranged in an array of “x” columns and “y” rows of cells connected in a two dimensional matrix configuration, wherein the cells in each row are connected in parallel and the cells in each column are connected in series. The cells in the panel are connected by arranging the plurality of cells in a plurality of columns, each column having a number of cells; arranging the plurality of columns in the number of rows; and connecting the plurality of cells together in a two dimensional matrix configuration by connecting the cells in each row together in parallel and the cells in each column in series.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 1, 2013Publication date: August 1, 2013Applicant: TIGO ENERGY, INC.Inventor: TIGO ENERGY, INC.
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Patent number: 8497153Abstract: A process for making a back-contact solar cell module is provided. Electrically conductive wires of an integrated back-sheet are physically and electrically attached to the back contacts of the solar cells of a solar cell array through openings in a polymeric interlayer dielectric layer using an electrically conductive binder before thermal lamination of the module.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2012Date of Patent: July 30, 2013Assignee: E I du Pont de Nemours and CompanyInventors: Thomas D. Lantzer, Dilip Natarajan, Steven Alcus Threefoot
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Patent number: 8497154Abstract: A method for manufacturing a solar cell system includes the following steps. First, a number of P-N junction cell preforms are provided. The number of the P-N junction cell preforms is M. The M P-N junction cell preforms is named from a first P-N junction cell preform to a Mth P-N junction cell preform. Second, the M P-N junction cell preforms are arranged along a straight line. Third, an inner electrode preform is formed between each two adjacent P-N junction cell preforms, wherein at least one inner electrode is a carbon nanotube array. Axial directions of the carbon nanotubes in the carbon nanotube array are parallel to the straight line.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 2012Date of Patent: July 30, 2013Assignees: Tsinghua University, Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yuan-Hao Jin, Qun-Qing Li, Shou-Shan Fan
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Publication number: 20130189810Abstract: Nanostructures and photovoltaic structures are disclosed. A nanostructure according to one embodiment includes an array of nanocables extending from a substrate, the nanocables in the array being characterized as having a spacing and surface texture defined by inner surfaces of voids of a template; an electrically insulating layer extending along the substrate; and at least one layer overlaying the nanocables. A nanostructure according to another embodiment includes a substrate; a portion of a template extending along the substrate, the template being electrically insulative; an array of nanocables extending from the template, portions of the nanocables protruding from the template being characterized as having a spacing, shape, and surface texture defined by previously-present inner surface of voids of the template; and at least one layer overlaying the nanocables.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 19, 2012Publication date: July 25, 2013Applicants: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, Q1 NANOSYSTEMS, INC.Inventors: Q1 Nanosystems, Inc., THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
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Publication number: 20130186453Abstract: Described herein is a photovoltaic module and method of manufacturing a photovoltaic module to isolate potentially stress-damaged portions of cells from non-stress-damaged portions thereof. The module has a plurality of columnar photovoltaic cells, and at least one isolation scribe at a first edge of an active area of the photovoltaic module and extending across a photovoltaic cell in a direction perpendicular to a length of the columnar cells, where the at least one isolation scribe is deep enough to electrically isolate portions of the photovoltaic cell on opposite sides of the at least one isolation scribe.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 13, 2012Publication date: July 25, 2013Applicant: FIRST SOLAR, INCInventor: FIRST SOLAR, INC
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Patent number: 8492191Abstract: A method for manufacturing a see-through solar battery module includes disposing a first mask above a transparent substrate, forming a plurality of metal electrode layers alternately arranged on the transparent substrate, disposing a second mask above the transparent substrate, forming a photoelectric transducing layer on each metal electrode layer by the second mask, removing a part of each photoelectric transducing layer along a first direction to expose a part of each metal electrode layer, forming a transparent electrode layer on each photoelectric transducing layer and each metal electrode layer, and removing a part of each transparent electrode layer and a part of each photoelectric transducing layer to expose a part of each metal electrode layer so as to make the plurality of metal electrode layers and the transparent electrode layer in series connection along a second direction respectively.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2012Date of Patent: July 23, 2013Assignee: Axuntek Solar EnergyInventors: Shih-Wei Lee, Ching-Ju Lin, Wei-Min Huang, Jung-Tai Tsai, Chio-An Tseng, Shih-Chi Wu
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Publication number: 20130180567Abstract: A thin-film solar cell includes a cell having a transparent electrode layer, a photoelectric conversion layer, and a back electrode layer stacked on a transparent insulation substrate. A plurality of cells are connected in series to constitute a cell string. A bus bar is arranged on the back electrode layer of an end cell constituting the cell string. The thin-film solar cell has a photoelectric conversion layer on a series-connection direction end of the transparent electrode layer. In plan view, a series-connection direction end of the back electrode layer at an end of the cell string and the series-connection direction end of the transparent electrode layer at the end of the cell string do not overlap, while the bus bar and the transparent electrode layer at the end cell constituting the cell string overlap at least partially. A method of fabricating the thin-film solar cell is provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 27, 2011Publication date: July 18, 2013Applicant: Sharp Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Tohru Takeda, Kazuhito Nishimura
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Publication number: 20130180571Abstract: In a thin-film photovoltaic cell, a first electrode layer, a semiconductor layer, and a third electrode layer are formed on a main surface of an insulating substrate. A second electrode layer and a fourth electrode layer are formed on another surface of the substrate. In a main surface side processed portion, the first electrode layer, semiconductor layer, and third electrode layer are removed, and in another surface side processed portion, the second electrode layer and fourth electrode layer are removed. Acceleration and deceleration regions for forming a crooked structure of the other surface side processed portion, or intersection portions of processing lines configuring the crooked structure, are disposed in locally electrically isolated regions in the first electrode layer before the formation of the semiconductor layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 16, 2011Publication date: July 18, 2013Applicant: FUJI ELECTRIC CO., LTD.Inventor: Nobuyuki Masuda
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Patent number: 8482093Abstract: A photodetector is described along with corresponding materials, systems, and methods. The photodetector comprises an integrated circuit and at least two optically sensitive layers. A first optically sensitive layer is over at least a portion of the integrated circuit, and a second optically sensitive layer is over the first optically sensitive layer. Each optically sensitive layer is interposed between two electrodes. The two electrodes include a respective first electrode and a respective second electrode. The integrated circuit selectively applies a bias to the electrodes and reads signals from the optically sensitive layers. The signal is related to the number of photons received by the respective optically sensitive layer.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2011Date of Patent: July 9, 2013Assignee: InVisage Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Hui Tian, Edward Sargent
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Publication number: 20130171762Abstract: A solar cell system making method includes steps of making a round P-N junction preform by (a) stacking a P-type silicon layer and a N-type silicon layer on top of each other, and (b) forming a P-N junction near an interface between the P-type silicon layer and the N-type silicon layer; stacking the plurality of P-N junction preforms along a first direction and forming an electrode layer between each adjacent two of the plurality of P-N junction preforms; and forming a first collection electrode on a first of the plurality of P-N junction preforms and forming a second collection electrode on a last of the plurality of P-N junction preforms to form a cylindrical solar cell system. Further, a step of cutting the cylindrical solar cell system can be performed.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 8, 2012Publication date: July 4, 2013Applicants: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD., TSINGHUA UNIVERSITYInventors: YUAN-HAO JIN, QUN-QING LI, SHOU-SHAN FAN
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Publication number: 20130167906Abstract: An organic photovoltaic module is disclosed, including a plurality of devices, wherein neighboring devices are separated by a gap, and each of the devices include a bottom electrode, a first carrier transporting layer, an active layer, a second carrier transporting layer and a top electrode. An insulating layer is disposed on the devices and filled into the gap, wherein the insulating layer includes a first opening exposing the bottom electrode and a second opening exposing the top electrode. A metal trace layer is filled into the first opening and the second opening to connect the devices in series or in parallel.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 22, 2012Publication date: July 4, 2013Applicant: INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH INSTITUTEInventors: Mei-Ju Lee, Chao-Feng Sung
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Patent number: 8476727Abstract: A photodetector is described along with corresponding materials, systems, and methods. The photodetector comprises an integrated circuit and at least two optically sensitive layers. A first optically sensitive layer is over at least a portion of the integrated circuit, and a second optically sensitive layer is over the first optically sensitive layer. Each optically sensitive layer is interposed between two electrodes. The two electrodes include a respective first electrode and a respective second electrode. The integrated circuit selectively applies a bias to the electrodes and reads signals from the optically sensitive layers. The signal is related to the number of photons received by the respective optically sensitive layer.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2011Date of Patent: July 2, 2013Assignee: InVisage Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Hui Tian, Edward Sargent
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Patent number: 8455294Abstract: A method for making the image sensor structure, for avoiding or mitigating lens shading effect. The image sensor structure includes a substrate, a sensor array disposed at the surface of the substrate, a dielectric layer covering the sensor array, wherein the dielectric layer includes a top surface having a dishing structure, an under layer filled into the dishing structure and having a refraction index greater than that of the dielectric layer, a filter array disposed on the under layer corresponding to the sensor array, and a microlens array disposed above the filter array. A top layer may be additionally disposed to cover the filter array and the microlens array is disposed on the top layer.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2012Date of Patent: June 4, 2013Assignee: United Microelectronics Corp.Inventor: Cheng-Hung Yu
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Publication number: 20130133712Abstract: Thin film photovoltaic devices are generally provided having three terminals. In one embodiment, the thin film photovoltaic device can include a first submodule defined by a first plurality of photovoltaic cells between a first dead cell and a first terminal cell; a second submodule defined by a second plurality of photovoltaic cells between a second dead cell and a second terminal cell; and a joint bus bar electrically connected to the first dead cell and the second dead cell. The first dead cell is adjacent to the second dead cell, with the first dead cell being separated from the second dead cell via a separation scribe. Methods are also generally provided for forming a thin film photovoltaic device.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 30, 2011Publication date: May 30, 2013Applicant: PRIMESTAR SOLAR, INC.Inventors: Scott Daniel Feldman-Peabody, Luke W. Jacobson, Robert A. Garber, Fred Harper Seymour, Troy Alan Berens
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Patent number: 8445315Abstract: The present invention relates to a thin-film solar battery module manufacturing method and a thin-film solar battery module that are capable of securing dielectric breakdown voltage characteristics of high reliability. An important aspect of the invention relates to forming isolation trenches along peripheral regions of a transparent substrate and thereafter selectively removing electrode and semi-conductor layers to arrive at the thin film solar battery module.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2009Date of Patent: May 21, 2013Assignee: Ulvac, Inc.Inventors: Hiroto Uchida, Yuko Taguchi, Masashi Ueda, Michihiro Takayama
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Publication number: 20130122639Abstract: A method of manufacturing electrically interconnected solar cell assemblies, including the steps of: positioning at least a first interconnect element (64) in an alignment feature of a top carrier and facing a top surface of a first photovoltaic cell (60); adhering the first interconnect element to a location on the top surface of the first cell, wherein a length of the first interconnect element extends beyond a trailing edge (68) of the first cell; and adhering a portion of the length of the first interconnect element that extends beyond a trailing edge of the first cell to the bottom surface of a second cell (62). In one aspect, a system is provided for assembling solar cell strings, including cell transfer equipment, a bottom pallet including grooves, multiple top pallets including grooves, an adhesive dispensing system, a ribbon supply mechanism, and a system for moving ribbons and top pallets.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 29, 2011Publication date: May 16, 2013Inventors: Marty W. Degroot, Narayan Ramesh, Minoru Sakuma, Dustin M. Charamut, Michael E. Mills, David J. Perkon
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Patent number: 8441090Abstract: A photodetector is described along with corresponding materials, systems, and methods. The photodetector comprises an integrated circuit and at least two optically sensitive layers. A first optically sensitive layer is over at least a portion of the integrated circuit, and a second optically sensitive layer is over the first optically sensitive layer. Each optically sensitive layer is interposed between two electrodes. The two electrodes include a respective first electrode and a respective second electrode. The integrated circuit selectively applies a bias to the electrodes and reads signals from the optically sensitive layers. The signal is related to the number of photons received by the respective optically sensitive layer.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2011Date of Patent: May 14, 2013Assignee: InVisage Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Hui Tian, Edward Sargent
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Publication number: 20130104960Abstract: A back-contact solar cell module includes an array of back-contact solar cells electrically connected in series by elongated electrically conductive wires incorporated into the solar module behind the solar cells. A process form making such back-contact solar modules is also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 26, 2012Publication date: May 2, 2013Inventor: E I Du Pont De Nemours and Company
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Publication number: 20130104958Abstract: An integrated back sheet for a back-contact solar cell module and a back-contact solar cell module made with such an integrated back-sheet are provided. Processes for making such integrated back-sheets and back-contact solar cell modules incorporating such integrated back-sheets are also provided. Elongated electrically conductive wires that extend at least two times the length of solar cells in the back-contact cell module are mounted on a layer of the integrated back-sheet. The elongated conductive wires of the integrated back-sheet electrically connect to solar cell back contacts when the back-sheet is used in a back-contact photovoltaic module.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 26, 2012Publication date: May 2, 2013Applicant: E I DU PONT DE NEMOURS AND COMPANYInventor: E I DU PONT DE NEMOURS AND COMPANY
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Publication number: 20130084673Abstract: A method for manufacturing a see-through solar battery module includes disposing a first mask above a transparent substrate, forming a plurality of metal electrode layers alternately arranged on the transparent substrate, disposing a second mask above the transparent substrate, forming a photoelectric transducing layer on each metal electrode layer by the second mask, removing a part of each photoelectric transducing layer along a first direction to expose a part of each metal electrode layer, forming a transparent electrode layer on each photoelectric transducing layer and each metal electrode layer, and removing a part of each transparent electrode layer and a part of each photoelectric transducing layer to expose a part of each metal electrode layer so as to make the plurality of metal electrode layers and the transparent electrode layer in series connection along a second direction respectively.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 15, 2012Publication date: April 4, 2013Applicant: AXUNTEK SOLAR ENERGYInventors: Shih-Wei Lee, Ching-Ju Lin, Wei-Min Huang, Jung-Tai Tsai, Chio-An Tseng, Shih-Chi Wu
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Publication number: 20130081670Abstract: An improved photocell offering efficient power generation from broadband incident radiation, the photocell includes a first diode formed in single crystal silicon and one or more further diodes each formed in a single crystal Group II-VI semiconductor. In a preferred embodiment, a tandem photocell is provided that incorporates a first diode formed in single crystal silicon, a second diode formed in a Group II-VI semiconductor, an optional buffer layer and a highly doped layer of silicon acting as an optional tunnel junction between the two diodes. The device can additionally include a layer of silicon deposited at the rear of the structure to maximise current collection of longer wavelength light, and top and bottom (front and back) electrical contacts. In use, light impinges on the top (front) surface of the photocell and is absorbed (in turn) by diodes.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 24, 2010Publication date: April 4, 2013Applicant: QINETIQ LIMITEDInventors: Timothy Ashley, Neil Thomson Gordon, Janet Elizabeth Hails
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Publication number: 20130068286Abstract: Nanowire-based photovoltaic energy conversion devices and related fabrication methods therefor are described. A plurality of photovoltaic (PV) nanowires extend outwardly from a surface layer of a substrate, each PV nanowire having a root end near the substrate surface layer and a tip end opposite the root end. For one preferred embodiment, a canopy-style tip-side electrode layer contacts the tip ends of the PV nanowires and is separated from the substrate surface layer by an air gap layer, the PV nanowires being disposed within the air gap layer. For another preferred embodiment, a tip-side electrode layer is disposed upon a layer of optically transparent, electrically insulating solid filler material that laterally surrounds the PV nanowires along a portion of their lengths, wherein an air gap is disposed between the solid filler layer and the substrate surface layer. Methods for fabricating the nanowire-based photovoltaic energy conversion devices are also described.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 23, 2010Publication date: March 21, 2013Inventors: Shih-Ping Wang, Nobuhiko Kobayashi, Yu-Min Houng
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Patent number: 8399286Abstract: A method of making a semiconductor device includes providing a web substrate, forming a first semiconductor layer of a first conductivity type over the web substrate, forming a second semiconductor layer of a second conductivity type over a first side of the first semiconductor layer, forming a first electrode layer over the second semiconductor layer, forming a handle web substrate over the first electrode layer, delaminating the web substrate from the first semiconductor layer after the step of forming the handle web substrate, where at least one opening extends through the first and the second semiconductor layers, and forming a second electrode layer over a second side of the first semiconductor layer such that the first and second electrode layers are in electrical contact with each other.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2009Date of Patent: March 19, 2013Assignee: MiaSoleInventor: Timothy Kueper
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Patent number: 8394650Abstract: A laminated module or panel of solar cells and a laminating method for making same comprise a top layer of melt flowable optically transparent molecularly flexible thermoplastic and a rear sheet of melt flowable insulating molecularly flexible thermoplastic both melt flowing at a temperature between about 80° C. and 250° C. and having a low glass transition temperature. Solar cells are encapsulated by melt flowing the top layer and rear sheet, and electrical connections are provided between front and back contacts thereof. Light passing through the transparent top layer impinges upon the solar cells and the laminated module exhibits sufficient flexural modulus without cross-linking chemical curing. Electrical connections may be provided by melt flowable electrically conductive molecularly flexible thermoplastic adhesive or by metal strips or by both.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2011Date of Patent: March 12, 2013Assignee: Amerasia International Technology, Inc.Inventor: Kevin Kwong-Tai Chung
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Publication number: 20130052773Abstract: A method for producing thin-film solar modules, comprising the following steps: providing flexible thin-film solar cells as separate segments in a container or on a web wound up to a roll, the flexible thin-film solar cells bearing with a first side against the web, wherein each of the flexible thin-film solar cells is designed to have a first electric pole and a second electric pole; transferring the flexible thin-film solar cells from the web to a first film web such that the first pole of a first flexible thin-film solar cell is positioned next to the second pole of a second thin-film solar cell; and applying electrically conductive contact strips to the first and second poles of the flexible thin-film solar cells in longitudinal and/or transverse direction relative to the conveying direction of the first film web.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 19, 2011Publication date: February 28, 2013Applicant: MUEHLBAUER AGInventor: Volker Brod
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Publication number: 20130037076Abstract: A solar panel and an electrode structure thereof and a manufacturing method thereof are provided. The electrode structure comprises a first conductive structure and a second conductive structure. The first conductive structure is electrically connected to a plurality of first pole contacts of a first solar cell. The second conductive structure is connected to the first conductive structure, and the first and the second conductive structures are substantially extended along a line. The second conductive structure is electrically connected to a plurality of second pole contacts of a second solar cell.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 9, 2012Publication date: February 14, 2013Applicant: Gloria Solar Co., Ltd.Inventors: Keh-Yao WANG, Kuo-Shih Liu
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Publication number: 20130032193Abstract: The present invention is a dye-sensitized solar cell module provided with a pair of mutually opposed electrodes, partitions that connect the pair of electrodes and form a plurality of cell spaces together with the pair of electrodes, and an electrolyte filled into the cell spaces, wherein one electrode of the pair of electrodes has oxide semiconductor portions that face each of the plurality of cell spaces and are loaded with a photosensitizing dye, at least one electrode of the pair of electrodes is composed of at least two layers, the thickest layer is a metal substrate having a thickness of 100 ?m or less or a resin film having a thickness of 500 ?m or less, and the electrode containing the metal substrate or the resin film has a bending portion that bends so as to protrude towards the opposing electrode.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 11, 2012Publication date: February 7, 2013Inventor: Kenichi OKADA
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Publication number: 20130025645Abstract: A thin film photovoltaic module having a plurality of interconnected submodules and a manufacturing method thereof have been disclosed in the present invention. Each submodule has a front electrode layer, a semiconductor layer, and a back electrode layer which have separating lines in each case for forming series-connected photovoltaic cells. The outer cells of two adjacent submodules are united into a single common tap cell for current collection. The separating lines of the two adjacent submodules are disposed mirror-asymmetrically with respect to a perpendicular bisector of the common tap cell. According to the present invention, the thin film photovoltaic module can prevent leakage current and power drop.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 27, 2011Publication date: January 31, 2013Inventors: Yang-Yang Zhou, Jia-Wei Ma
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Publication number: 20130014800Abstract: A photovoltaic device includes first and second photovoltaic cells, with each of the first and second photovoltaic cells having a substrate, a lower electrode disposed above the substrate along a deposition axis and that includes a conductive light transmissive layer, one or more semiconductor layers disposed above the substrate along the deposition axis, and an upper electrode disposed above the one or more semiconductor layers along the deposition axis. The semiconductor layers convert incident light into an electric current. The first and second photovoltaic cells are separated by first and second separation gaps. The first separation gap extend along the deposition axis through the lower electrode from the substrate and the second separation gap extends from a deposition surface of the light transmissive layer of the lower electrode and through a remainder of the lower electrode and the one or more semiconductor layers along the deposition axis.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 13, 2011Publication date: January 17, 2013Applicant: ThinSilicon CorporationInventors: Jason Stephens, Kunal Girotra, Guleid Hussen
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Publication number: 20130014799Abstract: Nanostructures and photovoltaic structures are disclosed. A nanostructure according to one embodiment includes an array of nanocables extending from a substrate, the nanocables in the array being characterized as having a spacing and surface texture defined by inner surfaces of voids of a template; an electrically insulating layer extending along the substrate; and at least one layer overlaying the nanocables. A nanostructure according to another embodiment includes a substrate; a portion of a template extending along the substrate, the template being electrically insulative; an array of nanocables extending from the template, portions of the nanocables protruding from the template being characterized as having a spacing, shape and surface texture defined by previously-present inner surfaces of voids of the template; and at least one layer overlaying the nanocables.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 22, 2006Publication date: January 17, 2013Inventors: Ruxandra Vidu, Brian Argo, John Argo, Pieter Stroeve, Jie-Ren Ku
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Patent number: 8354294Abstract: A method, apparatus and material produced thereby in an amorphous or crystalline form having multiple elements with a uniform molecular distribution of elements at the molecular level.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2010Date of Patent: January 15, 2013Inventors: L. Pierre de Rochemont, Alexander J. Kovacs
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Patent number: 8338218Abstract: A manufacturing method of a photoelectric conversion device module, wherein an insulating layer and a first electrode are formed over a base substrate; a plurality of single-crystal semiconductor substrates having a first conductivity type including embrittlement layers formed inside are attached; the plurality of single-crystal semiconductor substrates are separated at the embrittlement layers so that a plurality of stacked bodies including the insulating layer, the first electrode and a first single-crystal semiconductor layer is formed; a second single-crystal semiconductor layer is formed over the stacked bodies to form a first photoelectric conversion layer; a second photoelectric conversion layer including a non-single-crystal semiconductor layer is formed; a second electrode is formed; and selective etching is conducted to form photoelectric conversion cells which are element-separated, and a connecting electrode is formed to connect the second electrode of one photoelectric conversion cell and the firType: GrantFiled: June 10, 2009Date of Patent: December 25, 2012Assignee: Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd.Inventor: Akihisa Shimomura
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Patent number: 8338903Abstract: The surrounding length of a junction separation portion can be shortened to improve an insulating resistance in order to provide a solar cell with highly efficiency. In a photoelectric transducer of the type where a light-receiving surface electrode is wired to another electrode on a back surface via a through electrode passing through a semiconductor substrate of a first conductive type, the photoelectric transducer comprises: a junction separation portion made around the through electrode on a back surface of the semiconductor substrate; a dielectric layer formed for covering the junction separation portion, the through electrode penetrating the dielectric layer; and a back electrode provided on the dielectric layer and coupled to the through electrode which is connected to the light-receiving surface electrode.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2008Date of Patent: December 25, 2012Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Tsutomu Yamazaki, Satoshi Okamoto, Jumpei Imoto
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Publication number: 20120318329Abstract: Disclosed is an integrated thin film photovoltaic module that includes: a first cell and a second cell, all of which are formed respectively by stacking on a substrate a lower electrode, a photoelectric conversion layer, and an upper electrode, wherein the lower electrode of the first cell and the lower electrode of the second cell are separated by a lower electrode separation groove, and wherein a plurality of through holes are formed to be spaced from each other in the photoelectric conversion layer of the second cell in order to connect the upper electrode of the first cell with the lower electrode of the second cell.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2011Publication date: December 20, 2012Inventors: La-Sun JEON, Seung-Yeop Myong
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Publication number: 20120318319Abstract: A photovoltaic module comprises a first group of solar cells; a second group of solar cells; a first interconnection member extending across a first surface of the first group of solar cells and across a first surface of the second group of solar cells to connect the first and second groups of solar cells in parallel; and a second interconnection member extending across a second surface of the first group of solar cells and across a second surface of the second group of solar cells.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 5, 2011Publication date: December 20, 2012Applicant: SoloPower, Inc.Inventors: Mustafa Pinarbasi, Burak Metin
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Publication number: 20120318318Abstract: A photovoltaic module comprises a first bypass diode and a first group of solar cells connected to the first bypass diode. The first group of solar cells comprises a first solar cell, a second solar cell connected in series to the first solar cell, and a third solar cell connected in parallel to the first solar cell.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 17, 2011Publication date: December 20, 2012Applicant: SoloPower, Inc.Inventors: Burak Metin, Deepak Nayak, Mustafa Pinarbasi
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Publication number: 20120313142Abstract: According to an aspect of the invention, an imaging device includes a plurality of photoelectric conversion elements and a read-out portion. The photoelectric conversion elements are arranged above a substrate. The read-out portion reads out signal corresponding to charges which are generated from each of the photoelectric conversion elements. Each of the photoelectric conversion elements includes a first electrode that collects the charge, a second electrode that is disposed opposite to the first electrode, a photoelectric conversion layer that generates the charges and disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode, and an electron blocking layer that is disposed between the first electrode and the photoelectric conversion layer. Distance between the first electrodes of adjacent photoelectric conversion elements is 250 nm or smaller. Each of the electron blocking layers has a change in surface potential of ?1 to 3 eV from a first face to a second face.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 24, 2011Publication date: December 13, 2012Applicant: FUJIFILM CORPORATIONInventors: Hideyuki Suzuki, Kiyohiko Tsutsumi
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Patent number: 8329494Abstract: A method for manufacturing a solar cell including a substrate, a first electrode layer, a semiconductor layer, and a second electrode layer, includes forming a first sacrificial layer on a portion of a surface of the substrate; forming the first electrode layer on the substrate and on the first sacrificial layer; and dividing the first electrode layer by removing the first sacrificial layer and a portion of the first electrode layer formed on the first sacrificial layer.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2010Date of Patent: December 11, 2012Assignee: Seiko Epson CorporationInventors: Atsushi Denda, Hiromi Saito
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Publication number: 20120298185Abstract: A light-transmitting solar cell module includes a light-transmitting portion that allows light to pass through from a front surface to a rear surface of a power generation portion. A portion of the light-transmitting portion is covered by an insulating non-transparent member.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 16, 2010Publication date: November 29, 2012Inventors: Kazushi Yamamoto, Hidetaka Mizumaki, Shingo Johgan
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Publication number: 20120291853Abstract: A see-through solar battery module includes a transparent substrate, a plurality of striped metal electrodes formed on the transparent substrate along a first direction, and a plurality of striped photoelectric transducing layers respectively formed on the corresponding striped metal electrode and the transparent substrate along the first direction. Two lateral sides of each striped photoelectric transducing layer do not contact the transparent substrate. The see-through solar battery module further includes a plurality of striped transparent electrodes respectively formed on the transparent substrate, the corresponding striped metal electrode, and the corresponding striped photoelectric transducing layer along the first direction, so that the plurality of striped metal electrodes and the plurality of striped transparent electrodes are in series connection along a second direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 11, 2011Publication date: November 22, 2012Inventors: Shih-Wei Lee, Ching-Ju Lin, Wei-Min Huang, Chi-Hung Hou, Yen-Chun Chen
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Publication number: 20120295395Abstract: A method for producing an array a thin-film solar cell with a cell level integrated bypass diode, the includes forming at least three series-connected solar cells; totally separating a bypass diode from a selected parent solar cell; connecting the semiconducting material of the first type of the photovoltaic junction layer of the bypass diode with the semiconducting material of the second type of any one chosen solar cell in the array; and connecting the semiconducting material of the second type of the photovoltaic junction layer of the bypass diode with the semiconducting material of the first type of any other chosen solar cell in the array so that the bypass diode is connected in parallel and in opposition to both the one chosen solar cell and the other chosen solar cell.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 16, 2011Publication date: November 22, 2012Applicant: E.I. DU PONT DE NEMOURS AND COMPANYInventors: MEIJUN LU, Lap-Tak Andrew Cheng
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Patent number: 8314498Abstract: An integrated circuit for use, for example, in a backside illuminated imager device includes circuitry provided on a first side of a substrate, a first conductive pad connected to the circuitry and spaced from the first side of the substrate, a second conductive pad spaced from a second side of the substrate, an electrically conductive interconnect formed through the substrate to interconnect the first and second conductive pads, and a dielectric surrounding the second conductive pad and at least a portion of the interconnect. Methods of forming the integrated circuit are also described.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2010Date of Patent: November 20, 2012Assignee: Aptina Imaging CorporationInventors: Kevin Hutto, Ross Dando, Swarnal Borthakur, Richard Mauritzson
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Patent number: 8314324Abstract: Flexible laminated thin film photovoltaic systems that include flexible support structures having a upper surface and a lower surface, at least one thin film photovoltaic module laminated to the upper surface of the flexible support structure, the at least one thin film photovoltaic module including lead wires and a flexible wiring conduit system attached to the lower side of the flexible support structure though which the lead wires of the at least one thin film photovoltaic module are routed. The peripheral edges of the thin film photovoltaic modules and adjacent surrounding portions of the flexible support structure are laminated with flexible strip members which prevent the peripheral edges of the thin film photovoltaic modules from peeling off the flexible support structure.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2008Date of Patent: November 20, 2012Assignee: Shadeplex, LLCInventors: Brian Tell, Jeffery Peelman
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Publication number: 20120285512Abstract: A solar cell array is described which can be designed in particular as a thin-film solar module. A production method for a solar cell array is further described.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 27, 2011Publication date: November 15, 2012Inventors: Jan Boris Philipp, Thomas Happ