Abstract: Methods and apparatus for supplying power to an electrical line or grid by using high-frequency alternating current (HFAC) are provided herein. In some embodiments, an apparatus for collecting and transmitting electrical power to an AC line operating at a line frequency may include a plurality of high frequency AC power sources; a high frequency AC bus, connected to each of the high frequency AC sources; and a line frequency converter, the input of which is connected to the high frequency AC bus and the output of which is connectable to the AC line.

Abstract: Formation of stretchable photovoltaic devices and carriers is described. In some examples, a formation method includes: forming a stretchable carrier including a stretchable part having a given length, the given length being operable to change in response to a force being applied to the stretchable carrier; depositing a photovoltaic cell over a surface of the stretchable carrier; and interconnecting the photovoltaic cell to output terminals.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a thin film of a copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS)-type material are disclosed. The method includes providing first and second targets in a common sputtering chamber. The first target includes a source of CIGS material, such as an approximately stoichiometric polycrystalline CIGS material, and the second target includes a chalcogen, such as selenium, sulfur, tellurium, or a combination of these elements. The second target provides an excess of chalcogen in the chamber. This can compensate, at least in part, for the loss of chalcogen from the CIGS-source in the first target, resulting in a thin film with a controlled stoichiometry which provides effective light absorption when used in a solar cell.

Abstract: A method for forming a high purity, copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS) bulk material is disclosed. The method includes sealing precursor materials for forming the bulk material in a reaction vessel. The precursor materials include copper, at least one chalcogen selected from selenium, sulfur, and tellurium, and at least one element from group IIIA of the periodic table, which may be selected from gallium, indium, and aluminum. The sealed reaction vessel is heated to a temperature at which the precursor materials react to form the bulk material. The bulk material is cooled in the vessel to a temperature below the solidification temperature of the bulk material and opened to release the formed bulk material. A sputtering target formed by the method can have an oxygen content of 10 ppm by weight, or less.

Abstract: A stretchable photovoltaic device, a stretchable photovoltaic module and a carrier for facilitating formation of a stretchable photovoltaic device and/or module are provided. The stretchable photovoltaic device includes a stretchable part, at least one photovoltaic cell and a surface over which that at least one photovoltaic cell is disposed. The stretchable part has a given length that is operable to change in response to a force being applied to the device. The given length may, for example, elongate when the force causes the device to elongate. Alternative and/or additionally, the given length may compress when the force causes the device to compress.

Abstract: Formation of stretchable photovoltaic devices and carriers is described. In some examples, a formation method includes: forming a stretchable carrier including a stretchable part having a given length, the given length being operable to change in response to a force being applied to the stretchable carrier; depositing a photovoltaic cell over a surface of the stretchable carrier; and interconnecting the photovoltaic cell to output terminals.