Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus by which solar energy may be collected to provide electricity or a combination of heat and electricity are disclosed herein. Examples of solar energy receivers are disclosed that may be used to collect concentrated solar radiation.

Abstract: Provided are solar cells, photovoltaics and related methods for making solar cells, wherein the solar cell is made of ultrathin solar grade or low quality silicon. In an aspect, the invention is a method of making a solar cell by providing a solar cell substrate having a receiving surface and assembling a printable semiconductor element on the receiving surface of the substrate via contact printing. The semiconductor element has a thickness that is less than or equal to 100 ?m and, for example, is made from low grade Si.

Abstract: This invention provides a novel design of a rooftop with structurally and functionally integrated photovoltaic modules that includes photovoltaic modules, which can be commercially available and which are augmented with additional framing including additional structural and functional layers. The modules are mounted on a grid like supporting structure sitting on vertical elevation structures, such as building walls or columns. The design enables cost reduction, fast installation and improved performance of rooftops with photovoltaic power.

Abstract: A solar module, particularly a thin-layer solar module, is described. The solar module has a laminated complex with two substrates between which there is a layer structure which has a front electrode layer, a back electrode layer and an intermediate semiconductor layer for forming a plurality of solar cells connected up in series, two contact elements, at least one top element, two contact pieces, and at least one connection socket. A method for producing the solar module is also described.

Abstract: A frameless solar module having a carrier substrate and a top layer connected thereto, between which there is a layer structure which forms a plurality of solar cells connected in series for the photovoltaic generation of power is described. The carrier substrate and/or the top layer of the frameless solar module is/are provided with mounting holes for mounting the solar module on a module bracket or for connection to at least one further solar module. The mounting holes are produced in a coating-free zone within a photovoltaically active region. Mounting arrangements having such a solar module which contain fixing elements which pass through the mounting holes are also described. Furthermore, a method for producing such a solar module in which the mounting holes are produced in the carrier substrate and/or in the top layer is also described.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to a solar electrical power generation device, including one or more prefabricated solar photovoltaic power source units each unit including an adapter to electrically connect to other units, a movable and adjustable frame supporting at least one of the one or more prefabricated solar photovoltaic power source units and an electrical storage device being capable of storing electrical power generated from the one or more power source units. The frame is movable from between sites and within a site and adjustable to increase or decrease a unit angle in relation to the sun and wherein the device being capable of connecting to a utility grid or serving as a stand-alone electrical power system.

Abstract: A standalone or partially standalone solar photovoltaic structure and methods for assembling the structure are described. The solar photovoltaic structure can employ a hinged photovoltaic roof deck that can be folded for transportation. Described are hinges that can be removed after assembly and act as protective elements to facilitate transportation. Also described is an attachment arrangement for joining purlin or frame members to vertical support columns by locking the frame numbers into column capitals.

Abstract: A photovoltaic (PV) mounting system includes at least one PV module, a pair of metallic rail sections, and a grounding bar connected to each end of the metallic rail sections for grounding the metallic rail sections. The system also includes a wiring harness for electrically connecting several PV modules, a locking cover for covering and protecting the wiring harness, a standard connector box electrically connected to one end of the wiring harness, and a home run cable electrically connected to the connector box. A method for grounding the PV mounting system is also disclosed.

Abstract: A solar assembly for harnessing solar rays and generating electricity is provided. The solar assembly includes a mounting structure with a pair of sub-assemblies spaced from one another in an east-west direction and each having at least one post and a north-south rail. A plurality of east-west rails extend between the north-south rails of adjacent sub-assemblies. A plurality of photovoltaic (PV) arrays are attached to the east-west rails. The north-south rails of the sub-assemblies are curved concave downwardly towards the base such that the PV arrays are disposed at different angles from one another with the upper-most array being disposed at the shallowest angle relative to the base and the lower-most array being disposed at the steepest angle relative to the base.

Abstract: A multi-layered film, a method of preparing the same and a photovoltaic module are provided. A barrier film having excellent moisture barrier properties can be coated with a fluoropolymer having excellent weather resistance by means of a primer layer including a silane-modified acrylic copolymer, and an interfacial adhesive strength can also be ensured. As a result, a multi-layered film having excellent durability and weather resistance and simultaneously exhibiting a high interfacial adhesive strength to the barrier film can be provided. In preparation of the multi-layered film, the manufacturing cost can also be reduced, productivity can be enhanced, and degradation of product qualities caused by thermal deformation or thermal shock can be prevented. Therefore, the multi-layered film can be effectively used as a backsheet for various photovoltaic modules.

Abstract: Aim of the present invention is to obtain cementitious products having smooth, planar surfaces and low thickness for applications having aesthetic purpose, of integrated architecture or as substrates, for example for a thin-film photovoltaic unit, with controlled curling and surface roughness, manufactured by mould casting of a fluid composition comprising: I. a hydraulic binder; II. one or more aggregates; III. an anti-shrinkage agent; IV. a superplasticizer agent; V. water, wherein the percentage by weight of said hydraulic binder in the composition is lower than that of said aggregates, and wherein said aggregates have a maximum diameter dmax not greater than one third of the thickness of the product, the final product thus having an arithmetic mean surface roughness Ra not greater than 500 nm and curling not greater than 1500 micron.

Abstract: Methods for forming a photovoltaic device include forming a buffer layer between a transparent electrode and a p-type layer. The buffer layer includes a doped germanium-free silicon base material. The buffer layer has a work function that falls within barrier energies of the transparent electrode and the p-type layer. An intrinsic layer and an n-type layer are formed on the p-type layer. Devices are also provided.

Abstract: A photovoltaic device including a protective layer between a window layer and an absorber layer, the protective layer inhibiting dissolving/intermixing of the window layer into the absorber layer during a device activation step, and methods of forming such photovoltaic devices.

Abstract: The present invention provides a flexible dye-sensitized solar cell, comprising: an anode, which is a photoelectrode comprising a substrate covered with an electrophoretically deposited TiO2 film; a cathode; and a gel-electrolyte. Particularly, the present invention provides a solar cell comprising a photoanode prepared by the following steps: (a) preparing a TiO2 suspension fluid comprising TiO2, acetylacetone and anhydrous ethanol; (b) preparing a charge solution comprising iodine, ketone and deionized water; (c) mixing said TiO2 suspension fluid and said charge solution to obtain an electrophoresis suspension; (d) soaking a substrate and a cathode into the electrophoresis suspension and proceeding electrophoresis to obtain an TiO2 deposited substrate, in which said substrate and said cathode are flexible; (e) heating the TiO2 deposited substrate; and (f) compressing the heated TiO2 substrate to obtain the photoanode.

Abstract: Several embodiments of a metallization process are disclosed, which achieve lower contact resistance and higher conductivity than methods currently employed with solar cells. These parameters result in a solar cell having improved performance and efficiency. In one embodiment, two different metals are used to create the metallization layer, where the first metal is selected for superior ohmic contact to the substrate and the second metal is selected based on conductivity. In a second embodiment, a first metal is evaporated or sputtered on the substrate. A second metal is then screen printed on the substrate. A removal step, such as etching is then performed to remove unwanted metal from the substrate.

Abstract: An imprint material which is in a transparent and homogeneous varnish form, is not peeled off in cross-cut tests, in which the adhesion of coating films is evaluated, and forms films that can have a mold release force of 0.5 g/cm or less. An imprint material including: a component (A): a compound containing at least one alkylene oxide unit having carbon atom number of 2, 3 or 4 and at least two polymerizable groups; a component (B): a photopolymerization initiator; a component (C): a solvent that swells or dissolves a surface portion of a film base material to which the imprint material is applied; and a component (D): a silicone compound.

Abstract: Structures useful for forming contacts to materials having low charge carrier mobility are described. Methods for their formation and use are also described. These structures include interdigitated electrodes capable of making electrical contact to semiconducting materials having low electron and/or whole mobility. In particular, these structures are useful for organic semiconducting devices made with conducting polymers and small molecules. They are also useful for semiconducting devices made with nanocrystalline semiconductors.

Abstract: A conductive silver via paste comprising particulate conductive silver, a vanadium-phosphorus-antimony-zinc-based-oxide, a tellurium-boron-phosphorus-based-oxide or a tellurium-molybdenum-cerium-based-oxide and an organic vehicle is particularly useful in providing the metallization of the holes in the silicon wafers of MWT solar cells. The result is a metallic electrically conductive via between the collector lines on the front side and the emitter electrode on the back-side of the solar cell. The paste can also be used to form the collector lines on the front-side of the solar cell and the emitter electrode on the back-side of the solar cell. Also disclosed are metal-wrap-through silicon solar cells comprising the fired conductive silver paste.

Abstract: A silicon substrate includes a texture structure in which quadrangular pyramid-shaped first textures having a (111) plane on slopes are formed on a surface of the silicon substrate having a plane orientation (100) and second textures having etch pits surrounded by three planes of the (100) plane, a (010) plane and a (001) plane are formed on surfaces of the first textures.

Abstract: A photovoltaic device and its method of manufacture are disclosed. The device is formed by forming a window layer over a substrate, forming an absorber layer over the window layer, and annealing the absorber layer using a laser beam to remove contaminants from the surface of the absorber layer and/or to reduce the thickness of the absorber layer.

Abstract: In the present invention, in order to achieve a point contact, a thin film solar cell has a thin film light absorbing layer (3) disposed between a transparent conducive film (4) and a back-side metal electrode layer (2), and at the interface between the back-side metal electrode layer (2) and the light absorbing layer (3), the thin film solar cell is provided with a nanoparticle dispersion layer (5) including nanoparticles (6, 6 . . . ), where at least the surface of the nanoparticles is an insulator.

Abstract: To provide an electrically conductive adhesive, which contains: a curable resin; electrically conductive particles: a curing agent; and a black colorant consisting of titanium black, wherein the electrically conductive particles are silver-coated copper powder, and wherein the electrically conductive adhesive is configured to connect an electrode of a solar battery cell with tab wire.

Abstract: A rectangular conductor for a solar battery and a lead wire for a solar battery, in which warping or damaging of a silicon crystal wafer is hard to occur at the time of bonding a connection lead wire even when a silicon crystal wafer is configured to have a thin sheet structure, can be provided. A conductor 1 having a volume resistivity equal to or less than 50 ??·mm, and a 0.2% yield strength value equal to or less than 90 MPa in a tensile test is formed into a rectangular conductor 10 for a solar battery having a rectangular cross section, and a surface of the rectangular conductor 10 for a solar battery is coated with a solder plating film 13, to provide a lead wire 20 for a solar battery.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a polymer thick film conductive composition comprising (a) a conductive silver-coated copper powder; and (b) an organic medium comprising two different resins and organic solvent, wherein the ratio of the weight of the conductive silver-coated copper powder to the total weight of the two different resins is between 5:1 and 45:1. The invention is further directed to a method of electrode grid and/or bus bar formation on thin-film photovoltaic cells using the composition and to cells formed from the method and the composition.

Abstract: Thin film photovoltaic devices including a transparent substrate defining a front surface area; a photovoltaic thin film stack on the transparent substrate; and, a back panel defining a rear surface area are provided. The photovoltaic thin film stack is positioned between the transparent substrate and the back panel. The front surface area can be less than the rear surface area (e.g., about 90% to about 99.9% of the rear surface area). As such, the back panel can extend farther than the transparent substrate along at least one edge of the device. An encapsulant layer defining an encapsulant surface area can be positioned between the photovoltaic thin film stack and the back panel. The encapsulant surface area can be greater than or equal to the front surface area or can be less than or equal to the rear surface area.

Abstract: In a solar module of the present invention, the ratio (T2/T1) of a thickness (T2) of a rear surface-side filling material layer at the end surface to a thickness (T1) of a rear surface-side filling material layer in a region where a solar cell (22) is provided is set smaller than the ratio (T4/T3) of a thickness (T4) of a light receiving surface-side filling material layer at the end surface to a thickness (T3) of the light receiving surface-side filling material layer in a region where the solar cell is provided. Consequently, entry of water into a filling material layer from the end surface of the filling material layer is effectively suppressed, and improved humidity resistance is achieved.

Abstract: The present invention aims to provide a light-concentrating film capable of concentrating at least one of direct sunlight and diffuse sunlight with high efficiency; a photovoltaic module having the light-concentrating film; and a transfer mold (die) for producing the light-concentrating film. The present invention relates to a light-concentrating film including alternating fine concavo-convex structure on at least one surface, the film having a concavo-convex height (H) of 0.05 to 15 ?m and a concavo-convex pitch (P) of 0.05 to 50 ?m, the film concentrating at least one of direct sunlight and diffuse sunlight.

Abstract: A photovoltaic device includes a substrate structure and a p-type semiconductor absorber layer, the substrate structure including a CdSSe layer. A photovoltaic device may alternatively include a CdSeTe layer. A process for manufacturing a photovoltaic device includes forming a CdSSe layer over a substrate by at least one of sputtering, evaporation deposition, CVD, chemical bath deposition process, and vapor transport deposition process. The process includes forming a p-type absorber layer above the CdSSe layer.

Abstract: Provided is a polymer solar cell. The polymer solar cell includes a photoactive layer having a network-structured electron donor layer and a silica thin film layer surrounding the electron donor layer. By mixing of electron donor polymers, electron acceptor polymers, and block copolymers, the electron donor polymers form polymer grains through a self-assembly process. In addition, during a heat treatment process, silica precursors included in the block copolymers cross-link to each other to form the silica thin film. Electrons generated in the electron donor layer tunnel through the silica thin film, and holes are blocked by the silica thin film. Accordingly, electron-hole recombination in the electron acceptor layer is prevented.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a CI(G)S-based thin film using a Cu—Se two-component nanoparticle flux, and a CI(G)S-based thin film manufactured by the method are provided. The method for manufacturing the CI(G)S-based thin film, according to the present invention, comprises the steps of: manufacturing Cu—Se two-component nanoparticles and In nanoparticles; manufacturing a slurry comprising the Cu—Se two-component nanoparticles by mixing the Cu—Se two-component nanoparticles, a solvent, and a binder, and manufacturing a slurry comprising the In nanoparticles by mixing the In nanoparticles, a solvent, and a binder; forming a thin film in which a plurality of layers are laminated by alternately coating the slurry comprising the Cu—Se two-component nanoparticles and the slurry comprising the In nanoparticles on a substrate, regardless of order; and heat-processing the thin film which is formed.

Abstract: A co-sensitized dye-sensitized solar cell (DSC) is provided, made from a transparent substrate and a transparent conductive oxide (TCO) film overlying the transparent substrate. An n-type semiconductor layer overlies the TCO, and is co-sensitized with a first dye (D1) and a second dye (D2). A redox electrolyte is in contact with the co-sensitized n-type semiconductor layer, and a counter electrode overlies the redox electrolyte. The first dye (D1) has a first optical absorbance local maxima at a first wavelength (A1) and a second optical absorbance local maxima at a second wavelength (A2), longer than the first wavelength. The second dye (D2) has a third optical absorbance local maxima at a third wavelength (A3) between the first wavelength (A1) and the second wavelength (A2). In one aspect, the first dye (D1) includes a porphyrin material, for example, a metalloporphyrin obtained by complexation with a transition metal such as zinc (i.e. zinc porphyrin (ZnP)).

Abstract: A dye-sensitized solar cell (DSC) is provided with energy-donor enhancement. A transparent conductive oxide (TCO) film is formed overlying a transparent substrate, and an n-type semiconductor layer is formed overlying the TCO. The n-type semiconductor layer is exposed to a dissolved dye (D1) having optical absorbance local maximums at a first wavelength (A1) and second wavelength (A2), longer than the first wavelength. The n-type semiconductor layer is functionalized with the dye (D1), forming a sensitized n-type semiconductor layer. A redox electrolyte is added that includes a dissolved energy-donor material (ED1) in contact with the sensitized n-type semiconductor layer. The energy-donor material (ED1) is capable of non-radiative energy transfer to the dye (D1), which is capable of charge transfer to the n-type semiconductor.

Abstract: Metal chalcogenides, and methods of making and using metal chalcogenides, are disclosed herein. Metal chalcogenides can be prepared by heating suitable copper, zinc, and/or tin compounds selected from the group consisting of chalcogenocarbamates, dichalcogenocarbamates, mercaptides, thiiocarbonates, trithiocarbonates, and combinations thereof (e.g., copper, zinc, and/or tin dichalcogenocarbamates) under conditions effective to form metal can be used, for example, to prepare solar cells.

Abstract: A system and a method for actuating a sealing element (101) of a check valve (100) are shown wherein the sealing element (101) is forced to a non-sealing position corresponding to an opening degree of the valve (100) equal to or higher than a first predefined opening degree when the increase of the opening degree with respect to the sealing position (T) is equal to or higher than a predefined threshold. In this way, the problem of vibration or “chattering” of the sealing element of the valve is efficiently prevented.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a connecting device for connecting an external function device to an arrangement and for cutting off flow paths by accommodating a clamping device, wherein a pressure-measuring unit and/or a length-measuring unit is adjusted for detecting a clamping force and/or a distance such that it is possible to monitor the status of the clamping device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a water inlet arrangement for the use in fish tanks in aquaculture, including a pipe to feed water into the tank, the pipe having a plurality of openings and, for a better adjustment of the flow, a surrounding second element having a plurality of openings and/or a fixed or adjustable shield are provided.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to droplet actuators with local variation in gap height and methods of their use to facilitate droplet splitting and merging operations. The droplet actuators have increased gap-height regions that track droplet transport paths such that droplets can be transported along the paths with reduced risk of merging with droplets on adjacent paths.

Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment, a controller in a fluid delivery system controls magnitudes of pressure in a first volume and a second volume. The first volume is of a known magnitude. The second volume is of an unknown magnitude and varies. The controller estimates a temperature of gas in the first volume and a temperature of gas in the second volume based on measurements of pressure in the first volume and measurements of pressure in the second volume. The controller then calculates a magnitude of the second volume based on measured pressures of the gases and estimated temperatures of gases in the first volume and the second volume.

Abstract: It is an object to provide a water vapor pressure lowering agent which is safe, is easily mixed with seal water, and is usable even in a cold region. The water vapor pressure lowering agent includes urea, a surfactant, purified glycerol, and water or alkaline reducing water, and the purified glycerol is obtained by purifying waste glycerol containing ethanol, an oil or fat, water, and a carbide by distillation. In a method for preventing seal breakage in a drain trap T by using the water vapor pressure lowering agent, the vapor pressure lowering agent is introduced such that a liquid level is equal to or higher than a seal water maintenance lower limit in a seal water portion of the drain trap T.

Abstract: A portable air pump apparatus and method that includes an elongated elongated cylinder portion having a first air channel for transporting compressed air, and an air discharge portion having a connection head, a finger or thumb grip portion, a rotatable thumb-lock lever, and a second air channel extending vertically therethrough the air discharge portion and engagable with an inflation valve of an inflatable object. The second air channel is in communication with the first air channel of the elongated cylinder portion. The rotatable thumb-lock may be rotated within a predetermined range of movement defined substantially by a non-engaged position and an engaged position.

Abstract: Methods and systems for cleaning a capless refueling system in a vehicle are disclosed. In one example approach, a method comprises, in response to a leak detected following a refueling event, cleaning the capless refueling system using engine vacuum.

Abstract: In some implementations, an injection system that injects sealant into a pipe, pressure component or valve while containing the pipe, pressure component or valve repair that significantly reduces or eliminates release of hazardous material from inside the pipe, pressure component valve or injection system and thus significantly reduces emission of the hazardous material from inside the pipe, pressure component or valve into the environment and protecting the repair technicians.

Abstract: In some implementations, an injection system that injects sealant into a pipe, pressure component or valve while containing the pipe, pressure component or valve repair that significantly reduces or eliminates release of hazardous material from inside the pipe, pressure component valve or injection system and thus significantly reduces emission of the hazardous material from inside the pipe, pressure component or valve into the environment and protecting the repair technicians.

Abstract: In some implementations, an injection system that injects sealant into a pipe, pressure component or valve while containing the pipe, pressure component or valve repair that significantly reduces or eliminates release of hazardous material from inside the pipe, pressure component valve or injection system and thus significantly reduces emission of the hazardous material from inside the pipe, pressure component or valve into the environment and protecting the repair technicians.

Abstract: In some implementations, an injection system that injects sealant into a pipe, pressure component or valve while containing the pipe, pressure component or valve repair that significantly reduces or eliminates release of hazardous material from inside the pipe, pressure component valve or injection system and thus significantly reduces emission of the hazardous material from inside the pipe, pressure component or valve into the environment and protecting the repair technicians.

Abstract: The combination of an underground valve, for a supply line and having an underground actuator through which a state of the valve can be changed to control flow within the supply line, and a conduit assembly defining an access passage through which above ground access can be gained to the valve actuator. The conduit assembly further has a cap that can be selectively changed between: a) a first state wherein the cap blocks an entry opening; and b) a second state wherein above ground access can be gained to the valve actuator through the entry opening and access passage. A part of the cap and another part of the conduit assembly interact and are relatively moved as the cap is changed between the first and second states. At least one of: a) the part of the cap; and b) the another part of the conduit assembly is made from a non-metal material.

Abstract: A gas breaker includes a case with a chamber defined therein. The case includes an inlet path and an outlet path which is located corresponding to the inlet path. A board is pivotably located in the chamber and has a sealing member on the first end thereof for sealing the outlet path, and an extension extending from the second end of the board. The extension is engaged with a hook on a hook plate pivotably located in the chamber. When earthquake happens, the hook plate swings due to the earthquake so as to separate the hook and the extension. The sealing member on the first end of the board seals the outlet path to cut off the gas so that the gas cannot enter the gas line of the house.

Abstract: An inflation device system incorporates and internal valve. The incorporation of an internal valve allows for more precise application and measurement of gas pressure with in an object to which the inflation device is inserted. The valve may be a Schrader valve.

Abstract: The combination of: a) an underground valve for a supply line and having an underground actuator through which the state of the valve can be changed to control flow within the supply line; and b) a conduit assembly embedded in ground material and defining an access passage through which above ground access can be obtained to the valve actuator. The conduit assembly has a cap that can be selectively changed between: a) a first state wherein the cap blocks the entry opening; and b) a second state wherein above ground access can be gained to the valve actuator. The conduit assembly has an upper conduit part and a lower conduit part. The upper and lower conduit parts are interconnected and configured so that they move axially guidingly against and relative to each other so as to vary an effective combined axial length of the upper and lower conduit parts in response to forces generated by the ground material.

Abstract: A system for controlling the flow of a fluid from a source to a load includes a source. An on/off type of control valve communicates with the source. A micro-electric mechanical system communicates with the on/off type of control valve. A consuming device communicates with the micro-electric mechanical system. An electronic controller that communicates with the consuming device and the source. The electronic controller measures a change in a parameter of the micro-electric mechanical system that results from the flow of fluid through the micro-electric mechanical system to sense a flow of fluid through a micro-electric mechanical system.