Abstract: A demand prediction unit predicts a time series of demand values related to a predetermined prediction period using a predictive model. The predictive model is a learned model learned to output a demand value of an energy source by inputting an operation plan value of a plant and a predicted value related to an environment of the plant. An optimizing unit specifies operating indices of a plant that satisfy a plurality of demand values and satisfy a desired condition for each time related to the predicted time series of demand values. A presentation unit presents information related to the time series of operating indices related to the prediction period.

Abstract: A photovoltaic device that can prevent performance degradation caused by electrodeposition generated as a result of moisture penetration. In the photovoltaic device, two or more intermediate insulation portions that electrically insulate solar cell unit cells positioned adjacently in the X-direction are formed on the substrate center side of side insulation portions so as to extend in the Y-direction in a parallel arrangement across the X-direction, a conductive portion that electrically connects solar cell unit cells positioned adjacently in the X-direction is provided in a position partway along each of the intermediate insulation portions, and the solar cell unit cells where the conductive portion is positioned are electrically insulated from a solar cell unit cell positioned adjacently in the X-direction by another of the intermediate insulation portions positioned distant from the conductive portion in the X-direction.

Abstract: A solar panel has a substrate (1) and a plurality of photovoltaic cells (5). The substrate (1) has a first side (1a), a second side (1b), a third side (1c) and a fourth side (1d). The plurality of photovoltaic cells (5) are provided on the substrate (1), arranged parallel to the first side (1a), and connected in series one after another. The plurality of photovoltaic cells (5) have a first trench (15a) located adjacent to the first side (1a) and parallel to the first side (1a) and a second trench (15b) located adjacent to the second side (1b) and parallel to the second side (1b), while do not have a trench located adjacent to the third side (1c) and parallel to the third side (1c) and a trench located adjacent to the fourth side (1d) and parallel to the fourth side (1d).

Abstract: A plurality of electrode bars are arranged in parallel with each other, and side electrode bars are connected to the corresponding opposite ends of the electrode bars, thereby forming a ladder-like RF discharge electrode. Power supply points are arranged axisymmetrically with respect to a reference line, which is a bisector which bisects one side of the RF discharge electrode, while being spaced a predetermined distance from the reference line, thereby suppressing voltage distribution on the ladder electrode, which has an effect on uniformity of discharge distribution, to a sufficiently low level of nonuniformity. Thus, uniform distribution of film deposition rate can be obtained, thereby enabling uniform deposition even in large-area applications.