Abstract: A hybrid solar cell includes a photovoltaic (PV) cell having an upper grid and lower contact plate with an anode and cathode region in between. A thermoelectric (TE) cell has a top and bottom segmented connector layer with TE elements having pairs of n-doped elements and p-doped elements connected together electrically in series and thermally in parallel by segments of the top or bottom segmented connector layer. An electrically insulating and thermally conducting layer is between the plate and the TE cell. A direct electrical connection is between the cathode region provided by the upper grid or lower plate and segments contacting the n-doped elements, and a direct electrical connection is between the anode region provided by the grid or plate and segments contacting the p-doped elements for the PV cell to power the TE cell and the TE cell to provide active cooling for the PV cell.

Abstract: A hybrid solar cell includes a photovoltaic (PV) cell having an upper grid and lower contact plate with an anode and cathode region in between. A thermoelectric (TE) cell has a top and bottom segmented connector layer with TE elements having pairs of n-doped elements and p-doped elements connected together electrically in series and thermally in parallel by segments of the top or bottom segmented connector layer. An electrically insulating and thermally conducting layer is between the plate and the TE cell. A direct electrical connection is between the cathode region provided by the upper grid or lower plate and segments contacting the n-doped elements, and a direct electrical connection is between the anode region provided by the grid or plate and segments contacting the p-doped elements for the PV cell to power the TE cell and the TE cell to provide active cooling for the PV cell.

Abstract: Methods, systems and apparatus for a solar cell integrating photovoltaic and thermoelectric cell elements to form a hybrid solar cell having increased efficiency and longevity by combining operation of the photovoltaic and thermoelectric elements in at least three different modes of operation to increase electrical output per unit of panel area and to increase cell life, improve performance, and provide operational benefits under different environmental conditions.

Abstract: Methods, systems and apparatus for a solar cell integrating photovoltaic and thermoelectric cell elements to form a hybrid solar cell. The cell has increased efficiency and longevity by combining operations of the photovoltaic and thermoelectric elements in at least three different modes of operation to increase electrical output per unit of panel area and to increase cell life, improve performance, and provide operational benefits under different environmental conditions.