Abstract: Disclosed herein are solar cell devices comprising a transparent substrate, a solar cell fabricated over the transparent substrate and a polymeric concentrator comprising a concentrating lens with a planar surface, wherein the concentrating lens is optically aligned with the solar cell such that the concentrating lens provides a uniform illumination over an entire surface of the solar cell. Also, disclosed herein are methods of making solar cell devices and in particular polymeric concentrators.

Abstract: A lensed planar reflective surface for automotive auto dimming mirror applications, including a lens and a planar variable attenuating reflective element in spaced relation so as to reflect light transmitted through the lens back through the lens; wherein the planar variable attenuating reflective element comprises: front and rear planar elements; a layer of transparent conductive material disposed on the rear surface of the front planar element; a reflective material disposed on one side of the rear planar element and a perimeter sealing member bonding together the front and rear planar elements in a spaced-apart relationship to define a planar chamber therebetween of uniform thickness, where the planar chamber contains at least one electrochromic material, and where the reflective material is effective to reflect light transmitted through the front planar element and the planar chamber back through the planar chamber and the front planar element. Other embodiments are described and claimed.