Abstract: A selective multilayer filter is configured for spectral separation of solar radiation. The filter is suitable to be disposed on photovoltaic panels for use in energy generation plants. The multilayer filter includes layers of different refractive indices and thicknesses. A method for configuring the selective multilayer filter for spectral separation of solar radiation includes performing a series of steps to configure multilayer filter such that photovoltaic and thermal efficiency is maximized. Also disclosed are the multilayer filter configured using the method and a plant for generating energy by harnessing solar energy, using at least one multilayer filter configured using the method.

Abstract: Systems and methods for forming solar cells with CuInSe2 and Cu(In,Ga)Se2 films are provided. In one embodiment, a method comprises: during a first stage (220), performing a mass transport through vapor transport of an indium chloride (InClx) vapor (143, 223) and Se vapor (121, 225) to deposit a semiconductor film (212, 232, 252) upon a substrate (114, 210, 230, 250); heating the substrate (114, 210, 230, 250) and the semiconductor film to a desired temperature (112); during a second stage (240) following the first stage (220), performing a mass transport through vapor transport of a copper chloride (CuClx) vapor (143, 243) and Se vapor (121, 245) to the semiconductor film (212, 232, 252); and during a third stage (260) following the second stage (240), performing a mass transport through vapor transport of an indium chloride (InClx) vapor (143, 263) and Se vapor (121, 265) to the semiconductor film (212, 232, 252).

Abstract: Hybrid system of parametric solar thermal cylinder (14) and photovoltaic receiver (3), which comprises a thermal absorber receiver (2) through which a heat-carrier fluid circulates, and, additionally at least one spectral separation filter (4), situated between the photovoltaic receiver (3) and the thermal absorber receiver (2), which receives the light reflected from the primary mirror (1) of the parametric cylinder (14) and which permits the selective separation of the solar spectrum, directing a part thereof towards the photovoltaic receiver (3) and the remainder towards the thermal absorber receiver.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sol-gel method for producing an anti-reflective coating from alcoxide-type precursors, that can subsequently be applied to glass or plastic substrates by spraying. The invention also relates to optical and thermoelectrical devices that have been coated with said anti-reflective material. This coating increases the transmittance of the transparent substrates over which it is applied, as a result of which it is useful to apply over high concentration solar modules (HCPV), for both primary lenses and secondary lenses, in conventional silicon or in CSP tubes.

Abstract: A reflective photovoltaic solar concentration system is formed by a primary reflecting mirror (1) changing the direction of the light beams entering the system and redirecting the beams toward a secondary reflecting mirror (2), changing again the direction of the received light beams and redirecting them toward a tertiary optical element (3), which in turn transmits the received light beams to a photovoltaic receiver. The tertiary optical element (3) has a convex-curved input face (4) of circular section, and truncated pyramid section (5) which transmits the received light beams by complete internal reflection to a photovoltaic receiver. The leading end (6) of the truncated pyramid section (5) has, immediately after the input face (4), a circular cross-section (6) which is progressively transformed into a square cross-section until reaching the trailing end (7) of the truncated pyramid section (5).

Abstract: Systems and methods for forming solar cells with CuInSe2 and Cu(In,Ga)Se2 films are provided. In one embodiment, a method comprises: during a first stage (220), performing a mass transport through vapor transport of an indium chloride (InClx) vapor (143, 223) and Se vapor (121, 225) to deposit a semiconductor film (212, 232, 252) upon a substrate (114, 210, 230, 250); heating the substrate (114, 210, 230, 250) and the semiconductor film to a desired temperature (112); during a second stage (240) following the first stage (220), performing a mass transport through vapor transport of a copper chloride (CuClx) vapor (143, 243) and Se vapor (121, 245) to the semiconductor film (212, 232, 252); and during a third stage (260) following the second stage (240), performing a mass transport through vapor transport of an indium chloride (InClx) vapor (143, 263) and Se vapor (121, 265) to the semiconductor film (212, 232, 252).

Abstract: A reflective photovoltaic solar concentration system is formed by a primary reflecting mirror (1) changing the direction of the light beams entering the system and redirecting the beams toward a secondary reflecting mirror (2), changing again the direction of the received light beams and redirecting them toward a tertiary optical element (3), which in turn transmits the received light beams to a photovoltaic receiver. The tertiary optical element (3) has a convex-curved input face (4) of circular section, and truncated pyramid section (5) which transmits the received light beams by complete internal reflection to a photovoltaic receiver. The leading end (6) of the truncated pyramid section (5) has, immediately after the input face (4), a circular cross-section (6) which is progressively transformed into a square cross-section until reaching the trailing end (7) of the truncated pyramid section (5).

Abstract: A concentrated photovoltaic solar system has a Fresnel lens concentrator (1) with a constant facet thickness in a first zone, a the central area of the lens (1), then has a constant facet height in a second zone at the peripheral area of the lens (1), in order to maximize the optical efficiency of the lens (1) and maintain the typical system aberrations under control. The concentrated photovoltaic solar system also includes a secondary optical element 2 with a circular intake face (3) and convex curvature, a section to accommodate a rim (4), and a pyramid section (6), the transverse section changing from a circle into a square in the lower end (7) where the photovoltaic receiver is housed. This system improves optical and thermodynamic efficiency of existing systems, facilitates the production and installation in the photovoltaic module, and reduces manufacturing-related costs.

Abstract: A light collection and concentration system includes a primary light concentrator, a light transport structure, and a light directing structure optically associated with the primary light concentrator. The system may include an optional secondary light concentrator. Each unit-system includes a plurality of the primary light concentrators and a respective plurality of the light directing structures, and only a single light transport structure. A photo-voltaic (PV) cell may advantageously be associated with each unit-system. Solar radiation is focused by the primary concentrators onto respective light directing structures incorporated in a low aspect ratio, sheet-type waveguide light transport structure. Each respective light directing structure intercepts the focused light and deflects it transversely to travel along the length of the light transport structure primarily via total internal reflection (TIR) towards an exit-end of the light transport structure, where it can be input to the PV cell.