Abstract: A roofing element includes a solar cell array positioned in an opening in a top surface of a roofing material. The solar cell array has a plurality of low series resistance, solar cells, where the low series resistance is based on a metallization-wrap-through solar cell architecture. Each solar cell has a cell aspect ratio, and the solar cells are electrically connected in an electrical string configuration by a low resistance cell-to-cell bonding method. The opening of the roofing material has an aperture area, and the amount of aperture area covered by the solar cell array defines an aperture fill. The cell aspect ratio and the electrical string configuration are tailored to achieve a specified total current and total voltage for the solar cell array while optimizing the aperture fill.

Abstract: A system may include a solar cell, a support defining an opening over the solar cell and comprising a retention feature, and an optical element disposed within the opening. The optical element may include a location feature engaged with the retention feature of the support. In some aspects, the optical element includes an upper surface to receive concentrated light and a lower surface through which light passes to the solar cell, and the location feature is disposed between the upper surface and the lower surface. The retention feature may be a lip defining the opening over the solar cell, and/or the location feature may consist of a notch defined by an edge of the optical element.

Abstract: A solar thermal energy collector manifold is provided. The manifold is connected to solar collector tubes for collecting solar energy. A fluid is used to transfer the heat collected from the collector tubes. The manifold includes an inlet path for receiving the fluid, a fluid flow path for transferring the fluid to the solar collector tubes, and an outlet path for outputting the heated fluid. To facilitate the flow paths, the manifold includes a plate with depressions.

Abstract: A solar thermal energy collector manifold is provided. The manifold is connected to solar collector tubes for collecting solar energy. A fluid is used to transfer the heat collected from the collector tubes. The manifold includes an inlet path for receiving the fluid, a fluid flow path for transferring the fluid to the solar collector tubes, and an outlet path for outputting the heated fluid. To facilitate the flow paths, the manifold includes a plate with depressions.

Abstract: A solar thermal energy collector with integrated flowpath is provided. The insert can be connected to a solar collector manifold for collecting solar energy. The insert with integrated flowpaths can be surrounded by an evacuated chamber. A fluid can be used to transfer the heat collected from the insert. The insert includes first and second flowpaths for conveying the heat transfer fluid. The fluid flowpath is continuous and integral to the insert. The fluid flowpath may be comprised of a group of chambers designed for efficient transfer of thermal energy. Methods of manufacture of inserts with continuous flowpaths are provided. These may include methods for the extrusion of inserts with integral flowpaths from a single piece of material.

Abstract: A solar thermal energy collector manifold is provided. The manifold is connected to solar collector tubes for collecting solar energy. A fluid is used to transfer the heat collected from the collector tubes. The manifold includes an inlet path for receiving the fluid, a fluid flow path for transferring the fluid to the solar collector tubes, and an outlet path for outputting the heated fluid. To facilitate the flow paths, the manifold includes a plate with depressions.

Abstract: An apparatus may include an integrated circuit package substrate comprising a first surface and a second surface, a solar cell coupled to the first surface of the integrated circuit package substrate, and a light-transmissive element coupled to the second surface of the integrated circuit package substrate. The integrated circuit package substrate and the light-transmissive element form a hermetic seal or a semi-hermetic seal around the solar cell.

Abstract: A system includes a leadframe comprising a first conductive element, a solar cell electrically coupled to the first conductive element and comprising an active area, and mold compound disposed on the leadframe and the solar cell. The mold compound defines a first aperture over at least a portion of the active area and a second aperture over at least a portion of the first conductive element.

Abstract: A system may include a solar cell, a support defining an opening over the solar cell and comprising a retention feature, and an optical element disposed within the opening. The optical element may include a location feature engaged with the retention feature of the support. In some aspects, the optical element includes an upper surface to receive concentrated light and a lower surface through which light passes to the solar cell, and the location feature is disposed between the upper surface and the lower surface. The retention feature may be a lip defining the opening over the solar cell, and/or the location feature may consist of a notch defined by an edge of the optical element.

Abstract: A system may include a substrate, and a solar cell including a top side and a bottom side, the top side having an active area and the bottom side coupled to the substrate. A frame may be coupled to the substrate, the frame defining an upper opening above the active area and a lower opening above the active area and between the active area and the upper opening. The lower opening may be smaller than the upper opening in at least one dimension, and an optical element may be disposed within the upper opening. In some aspects, the lower opening is defined by a portion of the frame extending substantially parallel to the top side of the solar cell.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved solar concentrator array utilizing a monolithic array of primary mirrors with a metal layer deposited on its backside for electrical purposes and for dissipating heat. The array of primary mirrors may be formed by glass slumping. The size of the primary mirrors is chosen to accommodate design aspects related to performance, manufacturing processes, cost, and thermal management. An electrical package, which in one embodiment is a molded leadframe, provides the electrical circuitry between a solar cell and the metal layer. The electrical package may be configured with features such as an aperture or side edges to enhance manufacturability of the solar concentrator array. An array of secondary mirrors may be integrally formed with a front panel of the solar concentrator.