Abstract: A semiconductor substrate and a photovoltaic power module incorporating the semiconductor substrate. The substrate includes one or more bypass diodes formed integrally in the semiconductor substrate, each bypass diode corresponding to a respective one or more photovoltaic cells, and metallised zones being electrically and thermally coupled to the bypass diodes. The substrate enables photovoltaic cells to be placed close together, and has low thermal resistance. Methods of manufacturing the substrate and module are provided.

Abstract: A photovoltaic power module including a reflector, and methods for manufacturing the reflector. The photovoltaic power module includes a plurality of photovoltaic cells arranged in an array, including a photon source facing surface having a plurality of active areas that convert photons to electrical energy and a plurality of inactive areas that do not convert photons to electrical energy. The reflector covers at least one inactive area of a photon source facing surface, for reflecting photons that would otherwise have fallen on the inactive area onto an active area. The output of the photovoltaic power module may therefore be increased.

Abstract: A photovoltaic power module, comprising a substrate provided with a circuit, one or more photovoltaic cells mounted to the substrate and electrically connected to the circuit, and one or more bypass diodes, each corresponding to a respective one or more of the cells, wherein each of the diodes is located between the substrate and the cells and between conducting portions of the circuit.

Abstract: A photovoltaic power module (10), comprising a substrate (12) provided with a circuit, one or more photovoltaic cells (16) mounted to the substrate and electrically connected to the circuit, and one or more bypass diodes (20), each corresponding to a respective one or more of the cells, wherein each of the diodes is located between the substrate and the cells and between conducting portions (14) of the circuit. Solder (18) connects the bypass diode, the conducting portions, and the photovoltaic cell.

Abstract: A tracking system for tracking an object, the system having a first axis and a second axis perpendicular to the first axis. The first axis is at an angle to the vertical such that the object (or equivalently its path) does not intersect the first axis.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a mirror for a dish reflector of a system for generating electrical power from solar radiation is disclosed. The method includes the steps of: (a) shaping a blank of a deformable material to have a concave surface that is a required surface profile for a mirror; and (b) glueing, laminating or otherwise adhering together a back surface of a sheet of reflective glass and the concave surface of the shaped blank to form the mirror.

Abstract: A photovoltaic power module (10), comprising a substrate (12) provided with a circuit, one or more photovoltaic cells (16) mounted to the substrate and electrically connected to the circuit, and one or more bypass diodes (20), each corresponding to a respective one or more of the cells, wherein each of the diodes is located between the substrate and the cells and between conducting portions (14) of the circuit. Solder (18) connects the bypass diode, the conducting portions, and the photovoltaic cell.

Abstract: A tracking system for tracking an object, the system having a first axis and a second axis perpendicular to the first axis. The first axis is at an angle to the vertical such that the object (or equivalently its path) does not intersect the first axis.

Abstract: A photovoltaic power generation system that includes a steerable light receiver with one or more photovoltaic cells for collecting light, and a supplementary light source operable to provide supplementary light under predetermined conditions. The receiver is steerable to a docking position at which the light receiver can receive light from the supplementary light source, whereby the supplementary light source can replace or augment natural light so that the power output of the system can be augmented when levels of natural or ambient light are inadequate.

Abstract: The invention provides a solar tracking system for controlling the alignment of an instrument with respect to the sun, the instrument having a solar radiation receiver and a solar radiation collector for collecting solar radiation and directing the radiation towards the receiver, the system having: at least first and second detectors locatable so as to move with the receiver and receive radiation from the collector, for generating respective first and second output signals according to their respective exposure to solar radiation from the collector; a comparison means for comparing the first and second outputs and producing a comparison signal indicative thereof; and control means for controlling the alignment of the instrument according to the comparison signal.