Abstract: A motorized covering for a window, including a selectively positionable plurality of slats; a flexible material layer connected to the plurality of slats, the flexible material layer extending generally parallel to the window when the plurality of slats is in the extended position, a plurality of temporary air cells being formed between the plurality of slats, the flexible material layer, and the window when the slats are in the extended position; and a motor system operatively connected to the plurality of slats and the flexible material layer to selectively lower and raise the slats and the flexible material layer, the motor system being configured to lower and raise the plurality of slats and the flexible material layer in response to at least one control signal, the at least one control signal being based on a determination to change an insulation factor for the window.

Abstract: An optical collection apparatus including one or more elongated light transmissive prismatic optical reflector and one or more planar bifacial solar cells. The one or more elongated light transmissive optical reflectors are shaped and positioned to transmit light to the planar bifacial solar cells. In some embodiments, each planar bifacial solar cell has a first photovoltaic side and a second photovoltaic side, where the first photovoltaic side is positioned to receive direct light having been reflected by a corresponding elongated light transmissive optical reflector.

Abstract: An optical collection apparatus includes a plurality of light transmissive optical reflectors and a plurality of planar bifacial solar cells. Each light transmissive optical reflector is configured to transmit indirect light impinging on first and second collection sides thereof. First and second photovoltaic sides of each of the plurality of bifacial solar cells are positioned to collect indirect light impinging thereon. The planar bifacial solar cells are arranged such that at least one light transmissive optical reflector of the plurality of light transmissive optical reflectors is positioned between consecutive ones of the planar bifacial solar cells. Each light transmissive optical reflector of the plurality of light transmissive optical reflectors is configured to reflect direct incoming light impinging on the first collection side thereof towards the first photovoltaic side of a corresponding one of the planar bifacial solar cells. A solar collection and shading system is also contemplated.

Abstract: An optical collection apparatus includes a plurality of light transmissive optical reflectors and a plurality of planar bifacial solar cells. Each light transmissive optical reflector is configured to transmit indirect light impinging on first and second collection sides thereof. First and second photovoltaic sides of each of the plurality of bifacial solar cells are positioned to collect indirect light impinging thereon. The planar bifacial solar cells are arranged such that at least one light transmissive optical reflector of the plurality of light transmissive optical reflectors is positioned between consecutive ones of the planar bifacial solar cells. Each light transmissive optical reflector of the plurality of light transmissive optical reflectors is configured to reflect direct incoming light impinging on the first collection side thereof towards the first photovoltaic side of a corresponding one of the planar bifacial solar cells. A solar collection and shading system is also contemplated.

Abstract: A bifacial photovoltaic solar panel and solar panel assembly. The panel includes at least one transparent layer; bifacial photovoltaic cells positioned and arranged to absorb irradiance incident thereon on both sides; and at least one optical element. To form the assembly, the panel is connected to a mounting assembly. When in use, the mounting assembly obscures at least a portion of the panel second side, some cells receiving less irradiance via the panel second side than other cells due to the mounting assembly obscuration, and the optical element is arranged to direct irradiance incident thereon via the panel first side onto the first sides of the subset of cells whereby at least a portion of irradiance having been prevented from reaching the second sides of the cells by the mounting assembly is compensated for by irradiance reflected by the optical element onto the first sides of the cells.