Abstract: The invention relates to a holding system (1) for mounting a photovoltaic module (6) to a base (8) by means of ground supports (2, 2a, 44, 44a) which comprise a bearing head (4, 4a, 50, 50a), a ground support body (22) and a bearing surface (28, 48) on the bottom side which counteracts a penetration of the ground supports into the base (8), wherein the ground supports (2, 2a, 46, 46a) comprise on their head side a bearing plate (14, 14?, 14a, 14a?, 54, 54?, 54a, 54a?) that is disposed at a slanted angle (?) in relation to the base (8), and wherein the ground supports (2, 2a, 46, 46a) are provided and prepared such that, in the mounted state, the bearing plates (14, 14?, 14a, 14a?, 54, 54?, 54a, 54a?) of a ground support pair (2, 2a, 46, 46a) are spaced apart from each other vertically in relation to the base (8) and from each other horizontally in adjustment to the photovoltaic module (6) and that they are aligned with each other at least in essence.

Abstract: An alloy composition for a subcell of a solar cell is provided that has a bandgap of at least 0.9 eV, namely, Ga1-xInxNyAs1-y-zSbz with a low antimony (Sb) content and with enhanced indium (In) content and enhanced nitrogen (N) content, achieving substantial lattice matching to GaAs and Ge substrates and providing both high short circuit currents and high open circuit voltages in GaInNAsSb subcells for multijunction solar cells. The composition ranges for Ga1-xInxNyAs1-y-zSbz are 0.07?x?0.18, 0.025?y?0.04 and 0.001?z?0.03.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tracking-type photovoltaic generator. More particularly, the present invention relates to a tracking-type photovoltaic generator in which multiple solar modules are aligned into one or more rows so as to form a group, and the solar modules of the group aligned in the same row may rotate according to the location of the sun by means of the operation of a linear actuator.

Abstract: The invention comprises solar panel modules with a central air passage, which allows air to flow through the modules, potentially powering wind turbines. The modules can be used as roofing material, and can easily replace existing roofing material. Embodiments of the modules can interlock easily, for strength and compactness. Embodiments of the modules can include one solar panel, or two solar panels, one below the other, and each optimized for certain light wavelengths. Embodiments allow the modules to connect easily to the underlying wiring system of a building. The owner of the modules can sell power back to an electrical grid, if enough power is produced. Other variations of the invention include an array of such panels mounted upon a roof or other structure. LED lights, batteries, and insulation in a compact configuration can be part of the invention.

Abstract: Provided are a conductive polymer ink composition including a) a water-based dispersion including a conductive polymer, b) a conductivity enhancer, c) a solvent, and d) a fluorine-based surfactant and a surfactant having a hydrophile-lipophile balance (HLB) of 12 or above, and an organic solar cell including the same.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a device with integrated photovoltaic cells includes supporting a semiconductor substrate on a first handle substrate and doping the semiconductor substrate to form doped alternating regions with opposite conductivity. A doped layer is formed over a first side the semiconductor substrate. A conductive material is patterned over the doped layer to form conductive islands such that the conductive islands are aligned with the alternating regions to define a plurality of photovoltaic cells connected in series on a monolithic structure.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments include multi-plane photovoltaic modules and/or solar panel arrangements, as well as solar farms constituted with such arrangements/modules. In embodiments, a solar panel arrangement may include a first solar panel having a first plurality of solar photovoltaic modules, disposed at a first plane; and a second solar panel having a second plurality of solar photovoltaic modules, disposed at a second plane; vertically offset from the first plane. Similarly, in embodiments, a photovoltaic module may include a first substrate having a first plurality of photovoltaic cells, disposed at a first plane; and a second substrate having a second plurality of photovoltaic cells, disposed at a second plane, vertically offset from the first plane. Other embodiments may be described and claimed.

Abstract: A heat transfer device having a working fluid capable of circulating around a fluid flow path, the circulation around the fluid flow path bringing the working fluid in and out of thermal contact with a heat source, the heat transfer device comprising: a fluid containing portion internally defining a working fluid flow path; a heat source at least partially in thermal contact with the fluid containing portion; a gas substance generator at least partially within the fluid containing portion, and arranged to generate bubbles of vapor capable of driving the working fluid along a portion of the working fluid flow path in thermal contact with the heat source; wherein, in use, the driven working fluid absorbs heat from the heat source and transports the heat away from the heat source; and the driven working fluid returns to the gas substance generator to be recycled about the fluid flow path.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a layer system (1) for thin-film solar cells with an absorber layer (4) that contains a chalcogenide compound semiconductor and a buffer layer (5) that is arranged on the absorber layer (4), wherein the buffer layer (5) contains NaxIn1SyClz with 0.05?x<0.2 or 0.2<x?0.5, 1?y?2, and 0.6?x/z ?1.4.

Abstract: A photovoltaic cell module, a photovoltaic array including at least two modules, and a method of forming the module are provided. The module includes a first outermost layer and a photovoltaic cell disposed on the first outermost layer. The module also includes a second outermost layer disposed on the photovoltaic cell and sandwiching the photovoltaic cell between the second outermost layer and the first outermost layer. The method of forming the module includes the steps of disposing the photovoltaic cell on the first outermost layer, disposing a silicone composition on the photovoltaic cell, and compressing the first outermost layer, the photovoltaic cell, and the second layer to form the photovoltaic cell module.

Abstract: Fabrication methods and structures relating to backplanes for back contact solar cells that provide for solar cell substrate reinforcement and electrical interconnects as well as Fabrication methods and structures for forming thin film back contact solar cells are described.

Abstract: Provided are an additive for an electrolytic composition which can suppress the decrease of a short-circuit current and improve an open circuit voltage as compared to the case when conventional 4-TBpy is used as an additive for an electrolytic composition, and an electrolytic composition using this additive and a dye-sensitized solar cell. The additive for an electrolytic composition for use in a dye-sensitized solar cell contains a pyridine derivative having a pyridine ring into which an alkylsilyl group is introduced, and it is preferable that this pyridine derivative has an alkylsilyl group at the 4-position of the pyridine ring, and it is more preferable that the pyridine derivative is 4-(trimethylsilyl) pyridine.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for managing a solar array. Light is measured using a threshold sensor to generate sensor data. A selected threshold is computed for an electrical output generated by a plurality of solar cells in the solar array based on the sensor data using control logic in a control module.

Abstract: A thermoelectric converter is provided where an n-type boron carbide element is paired with a p-type boron carbide element and placed between a eat sink and a high temperature are, such as the ocean in which a submarine operates, and the interior of that submarine, respectively. Boron carbide elements suitable for use in this invention are deposited from meta carborane (n-type) together with dopants to emphasize n-type character, such as chromocene, and orthocarborane, together with dopants to emphasize p-type character, such as 1,4 diaminobenzene to form the p-type element.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a solar cell panel that includes a front-side cover, a back-side cover, a number of solar cells situated between the front-side cover and the back-side cover, and a number of maximum power point tracking (MPPT) devices situated between the front-side cover and the back-side cover.

Abstract: A flexible, CPV array having high incident light conversion efficiency, the CPV array comprising: a reflective surface; a plurality of photovoltaic cells configurable to collect radiation from the reflective surface; a concentrating lens (optics) configurable to concentrate the incident light onto the reflective surface and onto the plurality of photovoltaic cells; and a conductor adapted to conduct electricity and heat from the plurality of photovoltaic cells, wherein the CPV array is exposed to incident solar radiation to generate electricity without an incident solar tracking mechanism.

Abstract: A system and method for power delivery through a barrier may include a source for directing thermal energy through a first side of a barrier of sufficient intensity to raise the temperature of at least a region of the barrier and propagate therethrough to a second side thereof, and a thermoelectric generator positioned adjacent the second side of the barrier proximate the region to receive the thermal energy from the source and convert the thermal energy into electricity. A method for delivering power through a barrier may include directing thermal energy upon a first side of a barrier, the thermal energy being of sufficient intensity to raise a temperature of at least a region of the barrier and propagate therethrough to a second side thereof, receiving the thermal energy from the source through the barrier adjacent the second side, and converting the thermal energy to electricity adjacent the second side.

Abstract: Disclosed is a solar cell apparatus. The solar cell apparatus includes a solar cell panel; a protective substrate formed on the solar cell panel such that a step difference is formed between the protective substrate and the solar cell panel; and a sealing member at a lateral side of the solar cell panel and on a bottom surface of the protective substrate.

Abstract: A hybrid solar concentrator that utilizes one or more dielectric mirrors to isolate components of the solar spectrum compatible with specific PV band-gaps and to pass longer wavelengths through to a heat receiver, generating both electricity and heat from a single set of dual-axis heliostats.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dye-sensitized solar cell and a fabrication method thereof. The dye-sensitized solar cell according to the present invention comprises: a transparent substrate; a porous semiconductor layer provided on the transparent substrate and comprising a dye sensitizer; a current collecting electrode provided on the porous semiconductor layer and deposited such that a structure having at least one through-hole on the porous semiconductor layer is formed; a catalyst electrode; and an electrolyte material provided between the transparent substrate and the catalyst electrode.