Abstract: A photovoltaic power module (10), comprising a substrate (12) provided with a circuit, one or more photovoltaic cells (16) mounted to the substrate and electrically connected to the circuit, and one or more bypass diodes (20), each corresponding to a respective one or more of the cells, wherein each of the diodes is located between the substrate and the cells and between conducting portions (14) of the circuit. Solder (18) connects the bypass diode, the conducting portions, and the photovoltaic cell.

Abstract: A photovoltaic cell module for a receiver of solar radiation-based electrical power generating system is disclosed. The module includes an assembly for extracting heat from the photovoltaic cells. The assembly includes a coolant chamber positioned behind and in thermal contact with the exposed surface of the photovoltaic cells. The coolant chamber includes an inlet for a coolant and an outlet for heated coolant. The assembly also includes a plurality of beads, rods, bars or balls of high thermal conductivity material in the coolant chamber that are in thermal contact with the photovoltaic cells and each other and together have a large surface area for heat transfer and define a three dimensional labyrinth that can conduct heat therethrough away from the photovoltaic cell or cells.

Abstract: A tracking system for tracking an object, the system having a first axis and a second axis perpendicular to the first axis. The first axis is at an angle to the vertical such that the object (or equivalently its path) does not intersect the first axis.

Abstract: A photovoltaic power generation system that includes a steerable light receiver with one or more photovoltaic cells for collecting light, and a supplementary light source operable to provide supplementary light under predetermined conditions. The receiver is steerable to a docking position at which the light receiver can receive light from the supplementary light source, whereby the supplementary light source can replace or augment natural light so that the power output of the system can be augmented when levels of natural or ambient light are inadequate.