Abstract: An energy conversion system comprises a solar cell adapted to receive solar energy and convert the solar energy into electrical energy. The energy conversion system also comprises a solar concentrator adapted to receive solar energy and direct the solar energy to the solar cell. The solar concentrator has a lens that comprises at least one line focus section comprising an off-axis configuration, at least one spherical section adjacent to the at least one line focus section, the at least one spherical section comprising an off-axis configuration, and an unpatterned section adjacent to the at least one line focus section and the at least one spherical section.

Abstract: There is disclosed a photoelectric conversion device comprising a substrate 1 serving as a lower electrode; first conductivity-type crystalline semiconductor particles 3 deposited on the substrate; second conductivity-type semiconductor layers 4 formed on the crystalline semiconductor particles 3; an insulator layer 2 formed among the crystalline semiconductor particles; and an upper electrode layer 5 formed on the second conductivity-type semiconductor layers 4, wherein the second conductivity-type semiconductor layers 4 each have a smaller thickness at or below an equator of each of the crystalline semiconductor particles than at a zenith region thereof, and the second conductivity-type semiconductor layers 4 include an impurity element with a concentration gradient decreasing with proximity to the crystalline semiconductor particles.