Abstract: A thermoelectric pixel includes a micro-platform and a device layer having one or more support layers suspended at a perimeter thereof. The pixel includes structures which reduce thermal conductivity and improve platform planarity. In embodiments providing an infrared sensor, carbon nanotubes are used to enhance infrared absorption into the sensor pixel. In other embodiments, the pixel provides a thermoelectric energy harvester.

Abstract: A plurality of solar cell assembly series of a solar cell panel are so arranged that any two adjacent solar cells in the plurality of solar cell assembly series have a potential difference which does not exceed V volts which is a maximum output voltage of the plurality of solar cell assembly series.

Abstract: System and method of providing a photovoltaic (PV) cell with a complex via structure in the substrate that has a primary via for containing a conductive material and an overflow capture region for capturing an overflow of the conductive material from the primary via. The conductive filling in the primary via may serve as an electrical contact between the PV cell and another PV cell. The overflow capture region includes one or more recesses formed on the substrate back surface. When the conductive material overflows from the primary via, the one or more recesses can capture and confine the overflow within the boundary of the complex via structure. A recess may be a rectangular or circular trench proximate to or overlaying the primary via. The recesses may also be depressions formed by roughening the substrate back surface.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for restoring efficiency of a photovoltaic cell. An illumination module illuminates photovoltaic cells so the cells receive a time integrated irradiance equivalent to at least 5 hours of solar illumination. After illumination, an annealing module anneals the photovoltaic cells at a temperature above 90 degrees Celsius for a minimum of 10 minutes. In one embodiment, the illumination module illuminates the photovoltaic cells for a time integrated irradiance equivalent to at least 20 hours of solar illumination. In another embodiment, the illumination module illuminates the photovoltaic cells for a time integrated irradiance equivalent to at least 16 hours of solar illumination while being heated to at least 50 degrees Celsius. In another embodiment, a solar concentrator irradiates the photovoltaic cells in sunlight for at least 10 hours and increases the irradiance of solar illumination on the cells by a factor of 2 to 5.

Abstract: A solar cell has a metal contact formed to electrically contact a surface of semiconductor material forming a photovoltaic junction. The solar cell includes a surface region or regions of heavily doped material and the contact comprises a contact metallisation formed over the heavily doped regions to make contact thereto. Surface keying features are located in the semiconductor material into which the metallisation extends to assist in attachment of the metallisation to the semiconductor material.

Abstract: Photovoltaic cells, facilities, systems and methods, as well as related compositions, are disclosed. Embodiments involve providing a sensor in association with a photovoltaic facility to form a sensor-pv facility; and providing the sensor-pv facility in a kit adapted for purchase by a consumer to be deployed in a home environment.

Abstract: An analysis chip device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a placing board (17) on which a microchip (14) is placed, and a coupling (20) attached to a cover (11) of the microchip (14). The coupling (20) includes a linear electrode (25), a sleeve (22) including an attach part (28) that is attached to the cover (11) and an air core part (23) in which the electrode (25) is provided, the sleeve (22) having a side surface in which an inlet port (26) is provided, the inlet port (26) communicating with the air core part (23); and a holder (21) including a pipe connection part (27) to which a pipe (32) is connected, the pipe (32) supplying gas to the inlet port (26), the holder (21) holding the sleeve (22) so as to surround the inlet port (26).

Abstract: A solar cell includes a substrate of a first conductive type, a plurality of first electrodes positioned on one surface of the substrate in parallel with one another, and a plurality of back surface field regions which are positioned respectively correspondingly to the plurality of first electrodes, are separated from one another, and are doped with impurities of the first conductive type at a concentration higher than the substrate. Each back surface field region includes discontinuous regions in a longitudinal direction of the first electrodes. An impurity concentration of the discontinuous regions is lower than an impurity concentration of the back surface field region.

Abstract: Methods of fabricating solar cell emitter regions with differentiated P-type and N-type architectures and incorporating a multi-purpose passivation and contact layer, and resulting solar cells, are described. In an example, a solar cell includes a substrate having a light-receiving surface and a back surface. A P-type emitter region is disposed on the back surface of the substrate. An N-type emitter region is disposed in a trench formed in the back surface of the substrate. An N-type passivation layer is disposed on the N-type emitter region. A first conductive contact structure is electrically connected to the P-type emitter region. A second conductive contact structure is electrically connected to the N-type emitter region and is in direct contact with the N-type passivation layer.

Abstract: A solar cell module including a substrate and solar cells mounted on the substrate, the substrate including a base layer, a first insulation layer positioned over the base layer, a second insulation layer positioned over the first insulation layer and defining a surface, a first bus bar layer positioned between the first and second insulation layers, the first bus bar layer including at least one bus bar extending across the substrate, and a second bus bar layer positioned over the second insulation layer, the second bus bar layer including bus bars, wherein the solar cells are mounted on the surface and are electrically interconnected by the bus bars of the second bus bar layer.

Abstract: A CIGS type compound solar cell excellent in both productivity and conversion efficiency is provided. The CIGS type solar cell includes a CIGS light absorbing layer, a buffer layer and a transparent electrode layer provided in this order on a substrate. The buffer layer is made of a mixed crystal compound containing ZnO, MgO and ZnS being present at specific ranges respectively.

Abstract: A dielectric, structure and a method of forming a dielectric structure for a rear surface of a silicon solar cell are provided. The method comprises forming a first dielectric layer over the rear surface of the silicon solar cell, and then depositing a layer of metal such as aluminum over the first dielectric layer. The metal layer is then anodized to form a porous layer and a material layer is deposited over a surface of the porous layer such that the material deposits on the surface of the porous layer without contacting the silicon surface.

Abstract: A dye-sensitized solar cell having improved photoelectric conversion characteristic includes a metal oxide layer having dye-adsorbed metal oxide nanoparticles, wherein the metal oxide nanoparticles are formed by electrospinning a mixed solution of a metal oxide precursor and a polymer into ultrafine composite fibers, and thermally compressing and sintering the ultrafine composite fibers.

Abstract: A thermoelectric generation unit according to the present disclosure includes a plurality of thermoelectric generation tubes. Each thermoelectric generation tube generates an electromotive force in an axial direction based on a temperature difference between its inner peripheral surface and outer peripheral surface. The thermoelectric generation unit includes a container housing the plurality of thermoelectric generation tubes inside, a plurality of electrically conductive members providing electrical interconnection for the plurality of thermoelectric generation tubes, and a plurality of electrically conductive ring members each receiving an end of a thermoelectric generation tube so as to be in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the thermoelectric generation tube. Each electrically conductive ring member electrically connects the thermoelectric generation tube to a corresponding electrically conductive member.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is provided multiple embodiments of a concentrated photovoltaic (CPV) module or package. In each embodiment of the present invention, the CPV module includes a mounting device or holder for use in maintaining an optical member or optical light guide of the module in a prescribed position relative to the solar cell or receiver die thereof.

Abstract: A multi junction solar cell is provided with a non-alloyed ohmic contact metallization stack by inversion of the top semiconductor layer from n-type to p-type and including the utilization of a tunnel junction. Alternatively, the non-alloyed ohmic contact can be achieved by changing the top semiconductor layer from a higher bandgap material to a lower bandgap material.

Abstract: A solar cell and a method of manufacturing the same are disclosed. The solar cell includes a substrate of a first conductive type; an emitter layer of a second conductive type opposite the first conductive type on the substrate; a first electrode electrically connected to the emitter layer; a passivation layer on the substrate; a second electrode conductive layer on the passivation layer, the second electrode conductive layer including at least one second electrode electrically connected to the substrate through the passivation layer; and a second electrode current collector electrically connected to the second electrode conductive layer.

Abstract: Organic and organic/inorganic hybrid bulk heterojunction photovoltaic devices with improved efficiencies are disclosed. The organic photovoltaic device comprises a photoactive polymer:fullerene C60-carbon nanotube (polymer:C60-CNT) composite as a component of the active layer. Under light irradiation, photoinduced charge separation at the polymer:C60 interface is followed by electron transfer from C60 onto CNTs for efficient electron transport towards an electrode. The organic/inorganic hybrid photovoltaic device comprises quantum dots and carbon nanotubes. Power conversion efficiency enhancement methods of polymer-CNT based photovoltaics are also provided.

Abstract: A solar array integration system (AIS) and methods for mounting solar energy capture devices are provided. Such systems are useful for applications such as mounting photovoltaic (PV) modules to a suitable surface such as a rooftop. In one embodiment, the AIS includes a first row of tilted solar modules, a center spoiler coupled to the first row of tilted solar modules, the center spoiler is configured to deflect frontal airflow over the first row of tilted solar modules, and a second row of tilted solar modules, the second row of tilted solar modules being coupled to each other by an aerodynamic spar. The aerodynamic spar includes a deflector configured to deflect frontal airflow over the second row of tilted solar modules. The deflector may include a wedge-shaped profile. AIS can also include a third row of tilted solar modules, with an end spoiler coupled to the third row of tilted solar modules, and wherein the end spoiler is configured to deflect side airflow over the third row of tilted solar modules.

Abstract: Methods of fabricating solar cells are described. A porous layer may be formed on a surface of a substrate, the porous layer including a plurality of particles and a plurality of voids. A solution may be dispensed into one or more regions of the porous layer to provide a patterned composite layer. The substrate may then be heated.