Abstract: A method for ammonia decomposition is disclosed. The method may comprise providing a catalyst comprising an zirconia support and a layer adjacent to the support. The layer comprises a tetragonal phase comprising zirconium, cerium, and oxygen, an oxide of at least one of an alkali metal and a rare earth metal, and an active metal. The method may comprise bringing the catalyst in contact with ammonia at a temperature of from about 400° C. to 700° C. to generate a reformate stream comprising hydrogen and nitrogen at an ammonia conversion efficiency of at least about 70%. The method may comprise directing the hydrogen to generate electricity. The method may comprise generating heat for a reformer comprising the catalyst by combustion of gases or by electricity generated from hydrogen.

Abstract: A method and system for using a method of pre-equilibrium ballistic charge carrier refraction comprises fabricating one or more solid-state electric generators. The solid-state electric generators include one or more of a chemically energized solid-state electric generator and a thermionic solid-state electric generator. A first material having a first charge carrier effective mass is used in a solid-state junction. A second material having a second charge carrier effective mass greater than the first charge carrier effective mass is used in the solid-state junction. A charge carrier effective mass ratio between the second effective mass and the first effective mass is greater than or equal to two.

Abstract: A geothermal pile for harvesting electricity from a gradient of temperature between ambient air and an underground area is provided. The geothermal pile includes an elongated thermally-conductive body, a thermoelectric cell and an electrical output. The elongated thermally-conductive body has a first end and a second end opposite the first end. The second end is configured to be introduced, in use, into an underground area. The thermoelectric cell is provided at the first end so as to be exposed to ambient air when the second end is introduced into the underground area. The thermoelectric cell is in thermal contact with the second end of the elongated thermally-conductive body and is configured to generate electricity from a gradient of temperature between a first temperature of the ambient air and a second temperature of the underground area. The electrical output is electrically connected to the thermoelectric cell.

Abstract: The present invention is aimed at providing a float aggregate which can be manufactured at low cost and has countermeasures against wind pressure suitable for use on water. According to the present invention, provided is a float aggregate formed by connecting a plurality of floats configured for mounting a solar panel thereon, wherein the solar panel is provided on at least one of the plurality of floats so as to be inclined with respect to a surface of the float and to face a rear side of the float aggregate, the plurality of floats includes a base end float located along an end portion of on a front side of the float aggregate, and the base end float is provided with a windbreak member inclined with respect to a surface of the base end float and to face the front side of the float aggregate.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are related to solar module mounting systems. A system may include an adhesion sheet configured to be secured to a roof of a structure via an adhesive. The system may further include at least one clamp configured for securing at least one solar module to the adhesion sheet. Other embodiments are related to methods of attaching one or more solar modules to a structure.

Abstract: A thermoelectric generator system according to the present disclosure includes first and second thermoelectric generator units, each including tubular thermoelectric generators. Each of the generators has a flow path defined by its inner peripheral surface, and generates electromotive force in an axial direction thereof based on a temperature difference between its inner and outer peripheral surfaces. Each unit further includes: a container housing the generators inside; and electrically conductive members providing electrical interconnection for the generators. The container has fluid inlet and outlet ports through which a fluid flows inside, and openings into which the generators are inserted. A buffer vessel is arranged between the first and second units, and has a first opening communicating with the flow paths of the generators in the first unit and a second opening communicating with the flow paths of the generators in the second unit.

Abstract: In some embodiments, thermoelectric apparatus and various applications of thermoelectric apparatus are described herein. In some embodiments, a thermoelectric apparatus described herein comprises at least one p-type layer coupled to at least one n-type layer to provide a pn junction, and an insulating layer at least partially disposed between the p-type layer and the n-type layer, the p-type layer comprising a plurality of carbon nanoparticles and the n-type layer comprising a plurality of n-doped carbon nanoparticles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a solar cell array configuration comprising a plurality of solar cells provided on at least one substrate, a plurality of contact pads, one contact pad for each of the plurality of solar cells, provided on the at least one substrate, electrical wiring connecting each of the plurality of solar cells with a corresponding one of the plurality of contact pads and a diode electrically connected with at least two of the plurality of solar cells.

Abstract: A system to treat effluent in a septic tank includes filter sections having kerfs. A strainer removes solid debris from the filter for removal without allowing the solid debris to pass. An aerator includes an eight to twelve inch diameter pipe 4 to 6 feet tall matching tank invert height. The aerator has bottom inlet holes, each with an elbow on the outside with a vertical standpipe taking effluent from the clear zone, sending it through the aerator. Air inlet piping is attached to a “T” shaped air diffuser producing bubbles traveling upward through plastic media. Aerator height is field adjusted to approximately 2 inches below static water level. Holes in the upper sidewalls just below the top let air bubbles out sideways. At its top, the aerator has a slotted, sliding, anti-turbulation collar adjusted to be one to two inches above the static water level.

Abstract: A laminated automotive glazing unit including two glass sheets joined by a thermoplastic interlayer sheet, a system of conductive layers applied to one of the sheets, and including on an edge of the same sheet a substantially opaque masking strip, making contact with the glass sheet, the system of conductive layers covering at least partially the masking strip. The glazing unit further includes busbars for supplying electrical power, the busbars making contact with the layer system in the portion covering the masking strip. The masking strip includes a set of layers that absorb visible radiation, the layers being formed by cathodic sputtering.

Abstract: A power generating brick comprising a brick body with a through hole provided along a vertical direction; a thermoelectric unit disposed in the through hole and comprising a heat collecting assembly, a thermoelectric power generation sheet and a heat sink; wherein, the heat sink is disposed at the lower end of the through hole; the thermoelectric power generation sheet is disposed on the heat sink; the heat collecting assembly is disposed on the thermoelectric power generation sheet; so as to generate electrical energy from a temperature difference between the cold and hot sides of the thermoelectric power generation sheet, and output electrical energy via wires connected to the positive and negative electrodes of the thermoelectric power generation sheet. The power generating brick can be laid on the pedestrian streets, squares, roads and roofs of a city or used as walls of a building.

Abstract: A thermoradiative device for generating power includes a thermoradiative element having a top surface and a bottom surface, wherein the thermoradiative element is a semiconductor material having a bandgap energy Eg. The device includes a thermal conductive element having a first surface and a second surface, wherein the first surface is arranged to face the bottom surface of the thermoradiative element, and the first surface is a structured surface having a periodic structure, wherein the structured surface is separated from the bottom surface with a distance d to establish near-field resonance between the bottom surface and the structured surface. The device further includes supporters configured to bond the thermoradiative element and the thermal conductive element.

Abstract: An electronic device 50 has at least one harvesting unit 52 for harvesting power from ambient energy. At least one circuit 54, including processing circuitry 56, is supplied with power from the harvesting unit 52. Control circuitry 60 is provided to adjust at least one property of the processing circuitry 56 or the at least one harvesting unit 52 to reduce impedance mismatch between an output impedance of the harvesting unit 52 and an input impedance of the at least one circuit 54.

Abstract: The invention relates to an almost opaque decorative glass panel comprising a substrate made of a vitreous material bearing a multilayer stack including at least one light-absorbing functional layer and transparent dielectric coatings such that the light-absorbing functional layer is enclosed between dielectric coatings. The light-absorbing functional layer has a geometric thickness comprised between 25 and 140 nm, and an extinction coefficient k of at least 1.8. The multilayer stack in addition comprises at least one attenuating layer placed between the substrate and the light-absorbing functional layer, having a thickness comprised between 1 and 50 nm, having a refractive index n higher than 1 and an extinction coefficient k of at least 0.5. Furthermore, a transparent dielectric coating the optical thickness of which is comprised between 30 and 160 nm, and the refractive index n of which is higher than 1.

Abstract: An electrical transmission system has solar electrical generation stations mounted directly to existing utility poles along a transmission line. Solar panels and securing brackets define each solar electric generation station. Each station has at least one generally East facing panel, at least one generally South facing panel, and at least one generally West facing panel. A power coupling conducts electricity generated by the solar electric generation station into the transmission lines. In one embodiment, a plurality of spacer members support the separate and distinct solar collector surfaces in a fixed position relative to the utility pole and have a plurality of clamp passages. A plurality of clamps pass through the clamp passages to guide and retain the clamps. In another embodiment, a plurality of adjustable brackets affix with the spacer members adjacent a first end and to the utility pole adjacent a second end distal to the first end.

Abstract: A battery includes: 1) an anode; 2) a cathode; 3) a separator disposed between the anode and the cathode, wherein the separator includes at least one functional layer; and 4) a sensor connected to the at least one functional layer to monitor an internal state of the battery.

Abstract: A solar photovoltaic cell system used for supply of electrical power for various uses. The cell system includes photovoltaic cells received around a tubular shaped, elongated tank. The tank is disposed in front of a concave light reflector. The light reflector is rotatably mounted on a latitude adjustable stand. The stand is also used to hold opposite ends of the tank. The light reflector is used for reflecting increased sun light onto the photovoltaic cells. Electrical energy from the photovoltaic cells is used to power various types of electrical applications.

Abstract: Covering and method for promoting local rainfall are provided. The covering has a skin to cover a field that can get thermal energy. An edge part of the skin is installed at a surface of the field, and the inner part of the skin surrounded by the edge part can be lifted up from the surface to form a space to store air. The covered air receives thermal energy and the skin prevents air convection and reduces thermal energy loss, thereby generating a temperature difference between the inside and outside of the skin. By utilizing buoyancy resulted from the air temperature difference to lift up the inner part of the skin, a huge space is formed to contain a large amount of air. Thereafter, the covered air continues to receive thermal energy, causing huge thermal energy to be stored in the covered air, which is then used to promote rainfall.

Abstract: A thermionic energy converter includes an anode, a cathode spaced from the anode to define a gap therebetween and an operating environment of hydrogen wherein the anode and the cathode are disposed in the hydrogen operating environment so that molecular hydrogen is incorporated into the gap and the anode and the cathode are substantially exposed to the molecular hydrogen. Exposure of diamond samples to a hydrogen plasma reduces the resistance of the bulk diamond film. Hydrogen enhances electron transport through the bulk of the diamond and improves the thermionic emission current. Impregnation of a diamond electrode with hydrogen enhances bulk electron transport of the diamond due to hydrogen lying in the interstitial space between the carbon atoms. Hydrogen increases the bulk conductivity of diamonds films by interact with the diamond surface to form polarized C—H bonds reducing the electron affinity and in turn, reducing the work function.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are related to solar module mounting systems. A system may include an adhesion sheet configured to be secured to a roof of a structure via an adhesive. The system may further include at least one clamp configured for securing at least one solar module to the adhesion sheet. Other embodiments are related to methods of attaching one or more solar modules to a structure.

Abstract: A solar module includes a laminate structure having at least two solar cells. Each of the solar cells has an individual reinforcement laminated to one face of each of the solar cells. The solar cells are spaced apart from each other and the individual reinforcements are spaced apart from each other such that a gap is defined between each of the solar cells. The solar module includes flexible conductors that extend through the gap between the solar cells and electrically connect the solar cells to each other.

Abstract: Disclosed are a photovoltaic system and its rapid shutdown method. The photovoltaic system includes a photovoltaic array including a photovoltaic array panel and a shutdown device, a junction box and an inverter, the shutdown device is electrically connected to the photovoltaic array panel and is connected to the inverter; the photovoltaic system further includes a shutdown device controller, which is coupled to the high voltage wires, and is configured for receiving a first detection signal reflecting a state of the AC side of the inverter, determining whether the AC side of the inverter is in a power-off state, outputting a first power-off signal when the AC side of the inverter is in the power-off state, and transferring the first power-off signal to the shutdown device; and the shutdown device receives the first power-off signal and prohibits the electric energy from transferring to the inverter.

Abstract: A voltage conversion device can selectively switch between and perform voltage control and current control of a voltage conversion unit in a suitable manner in which output characteristics of a power source are reflected. A control unit (10) of the voltage conversion device (1) selectively switches the control mode of the voltage conversion unit (3) to a current control mode or a voltage control mode on the basis of current-voltage characteristics of the power source (2) and performs a control process of each control mode. The power source (2) has current-voltage characteristics such that the output voltage changes according to the output current and such that a rate of change of the output voltage with respect to a change of the output current changes according to the output current.

Abstract: A flexible thermoelectric element and a method for manufacturing the same is provided. The thermoelectric element is disposed between a high temperature portion and a low temperature portion and includes a plurality of p-type materials and n-type materials formed at a predetermined interval and is folded at sections of the p-type materials and sections of the n-type materials to form folding components. An insulating filler is coated between the p-type materials and the n-type materials that are folded. A module is formed by folding the flexible thermoelectric element, and separate cutting and alignment of the thermoelectric element are omitted at portions that contact with the high and low temperature portions.

Abstract: An embodiment includes a system, comprising: a circuit; an energy harvesting device configured to convert energy from the circuit to electrical energy; an energy storage device configured to store the electrical energy; and a power supply configured to supply power from the energy storage device, and multi-sensor module including such a system.

Abstract: The present device is a thermophotovoltaic (TPV) cell adapted to charge the battery of an electronic device efficiently and cost-effectively. This is accomplished by specifically layering N-Type and P-type semiconductors in several layers while also introducing extrinsic doping agents that add to the conductivity of the oxides used for generating energy using ambient thermal energy. As such, electrical energy can effectively be drawn from a single heat reservoir.

Abstract: In embodiments, apparatuses, methods and systems associated with battery charging are disclosed herein. In various embodiments, a reference current selector may receive a battery voltage sense input and output a reference current level signal, a power point check detector may receive a power supply sense input and output a power point check signal, and a controller coupled to the reference current selector and the power point check detector may receive a battery current sense input and switch a control output based at least in part on the reference current level signal, the battery current sense input, and the power point check signal. Other embodiments may be described and/or claimed.

Abstract: A light emitting element includes a first electrode, a second electrode overlapping the first electrode, and an emission layer between the first electrode and the second electrode. The emission layer includes a quantum well that includes a first layer and a second layer, each having a different band gap. The first layer includes magnesium, and the second layer includes zinc. The first layer and the second layer are amorphous.

Abstract: A photovoltaic system includes solar cells and an inverter configured to convert direct current generated by the solar cells to alternating current. The photovoltaic system includes a maximum power point (MPP) tracking module configured to perform MPP tracking for the photovoltaic system. The MPP tracking module is configured to detect shading of the solar cells and to modify its MPP tracking to prevent tracking of local MPPs. The MPP tracking module may be incorporated in the inverter.

Abstract: A photoelectric conversion element includes a ferroelectric layer; a first electrode and a second electrode provided on a surface or a surface layer portion of the ferroelectric layer; a common electrode provided on a surface or a surface layer portion of an opposite side to a side of the ferroelectric layer on which the first electrode and the second electrode are provided; and a pair of lead-out electrodes extracting electric power from the ferroelectric layer, in which the first electrode and the second electrode are arranged alternately in a predetermined direction.

Abstract: A method of managing power between the multiple components of a hybrid electrical energy storage system (HESS) that includes providing at least two power storage elements, and at least one renewable power source. The method further includes managing the power flow among the at least two power storage elements with a fuzzy logic controller. The fuzzy logic controller uses a hardware processor that is configured to increase or decrease current to each of the at least two power storage elements using a fuzzy rule base that is dependent upon at least one of a state of charge for each of the at least two power storage elements, and a requested power demand of the hybrid electrical storage system.

Abstract: An integrated circuit may include a substrate and a dielectric layer formed over the substrate. A plurality of p-type thermoelectric elements and a plurality of n-type thermoelectric elements may be disposed within the dielectric layer. The p-type thermoelectric elements and the n-type thermoelectric elements may be connected in series while alternating between the p-type and the n-type thermoelectric elements.

Abstract: An integrated circuit may include a substrate and a dielectric layer formed over the substrate. A plurality of p-type thermoelectric elements and a plurality of n-type thermoelectric elements may be disposed within the dielectric layer. The p-type thermoelectric elements and the n-type thermoelectric elements may be connected in series while alternating between the p-type and the n-type thermoelectric elements.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to an energy efficient thermal protection assembly. The thermal protection assembly can comprise three or more thermoelectric unit layers capable of active use of the Peltier effect; and at least one capacitance spacer block suitable for storing heat and providing a delayed thermal reaction time of the assembly. The capacitance spacer block is thermally connected between the thermoelectric unit layers. The present disclosure further relates to a thermoelectric transport and storage devices for transporting or storing temperature sensitive goods, for example, vaccines, chemicals, biologicals, and other temperature sensitive goods. The transport or storage device can be configured and provide on-board energy storage for sustaining, for multiple days, at a constant-temperature, with an acceptable temperature variation band.

Abstract: A solar cell panel and method of forming a solar cell panel. The method includes a: forming an electrically conductive bus bar on a top surface of a bottom cover plate; forming an electrically conductive contact frame proximate to a bottom surface of a top cover plate, the top cover plate transparent to visible light; and placing an array of rows and columns of solar cell chips between the bottom cover plate and the top cover plate, each solar cell chip of the array of solar cell chips comprising an anode adjacent to a top surface and a cathode adjacent to a bottom surface of the solar cell chip, the bus bar electrically contacting each cathode of each solar cell chip of the array of solar cell chips and the contact frame contacting each anode of each solar cell chip of the array of solar cell chips.

Abstract: An energy conversion device generates electrical power responsive to a flow of thermal power. An energy radiator is in thermal communication with the energy converter and includes an input side for receiving the flow from the energy converter and an output side that is tuned for selectively emitting at least a portion of the thermal flow in a bandwidth at which the atmosphere of Earth is substantially transparent and/or with a sufficiently small radiation angle such that the portion of the thermal flow can be radiated to outer space. In one system, the energy conversion device held at least near an ambient temperature. In another system, the energy conversion device is maintained below an ambient temperature.

Abstract: A semiconductor structure is described containing a deflector between a first nanoscale device and a second nanoscale device. The deflector is designed to deflect near-field radiation from emanating from the first nanoscale device to the second nanoscale device. In some embodiments, this may be accomplished using at least one nanoscale element located between the first and second nanoscale device, where the nanoscale element is tuned to the proper plasmon-polariton frequency to deflect the near field radiation.

Abstract: Electrochemical systems for harvesting heat energy, and associated electrochemical cells and methods, are generally described. The electrochemical cells can be configured, in certain cases, such that at least a portion of the regeneration of the first electrochemically active material is driven by a change in temperature of the electrochemical cell. The electrochemical cells can be configured to include a first electrochemically active material and a second electrochemically active material, and, in some cases, the absolute value of the difference between the first thermogalvanic coefficient of the first electrochemically active material and the second thermogalvanic coefficient of the second electrochemically active material is at least about 0.5 millivolts/Kelvin.

Abstract: A method and device produce thermoelectric power and thermoelectric modules. In one embodiment, a thermoelectric module comprises N-type carbon nanotube film and P-type carbon nanotube film.

Abstract: A light converter for the photovoltaic conversion of light, having a support, a first semiconductor body, and a second semiconductor body. A first surface and a second surface are designed as receiving surfaces for light. An electrically conductive connector having a first arm and a second arm is provided, and the first arm is arranged on the first surface and interconnected with the first surface, and the second arm is arranged below the second rear surface and interconnected with the second rear surface. The second arm is at least partially embedded in a conductive material, the conductive material being arranged between the second rear surface and a second conductive track, and the second conductive track is formed as part of the support.

Abstract: Selective solar absorbent coating and manufacturing method, with solar absorption and low emissivity properties. The coating comprises a substrate (1) of metal, dielectric or ceramic material, at least one highly reflective metal layer (2) in mid-far infrared applied to the substrate itself which provides low emissivity properties, a multi-layer structure of alternating dielectric and metallic layers (3) of subnanometric thickness applied to the reflective metal layer and at least one dielectric layer (4) that acts as an anti-reflective layer for the solar spectrum. The coating is applicable as a selective absorbent coating in absorbent tubes for parabolic-trough solar collectors, in solar panels for hot water, heating or domestic cooling, both in the form of absorbent tubes and absorbent sheets, in capture systems in tower solar thermoelectric power plants, and in capture systems in Stirling disk systems.

Abstract: The invention relates to a suitable control method for a system of photovoltaic concentration modules, which can be used to maintain the correct orientation of the modules in order to track the sun without requiring the use of positioning sensors. The sun is tracked by performing angular movements in relation to each of the degrees of freedom at given intervals, measuring the power or current supplied by the energy collection module(s). The estimation of the sun's position and the strategy for subsequent movements are determined as a function of the reading.

Abstract: A solar cell panel is discussed, which includes a plurality of solar cells, each solar cell including a substrate having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, and a plurality of first electrodes extending in a first direction; an interconnector that is positioned in a second direction crossing the plurality of first electrodes and electrically connects adjacent ones of the plurality of solar cells to one another; and a conductive adhesive film including a resin and a plurality of conductive particles dispersed in the resin, the conductive adhesive film being positioned between the plurality of first electrodes and the interconnector in the second direction crossing the plurality of first electrodes to electrically connect the plurality of first electrodes to the interconnector.

Abstract: A solar thermoelectric generator (STEG) is disclosed. A STEG includes a thermoelectric generator (TEG) configured to convert light energy from solar light into electrical energy, and a heat transfer structure coupled to the TEG where a portion of the heat transfer structure is configured to be embedded in the earth. The TEG includes a first side and a second side, wherein the solar light is incident on the first side of the TEG and the heat transfer structure is configured to provide cooling for the second side of the TEG using geothermal cooling. The use of geothermal cooling to provide cooling for the second side of the TEG increases the temperature difference across the TEG of the STEG, thereby increasing the net generation efficiency of the STEG.

Abstract: Solar thermoelectric generators (STEGs) are solid state heat engines that generate electricity from concentrated sunlight. A novel detailed balance model for STEGs is provided and applied to both state-of-the-art and idealized materials. STEGs can produce electricity by using sunlight to heat one side of a thermoelectric generator. While concentrated sunlight can be used to achieve extremely high temperatures (and thus improved generator efficiency), the solar absorber also emits a significant amount of black body radiation. This emitted light is the dominant loss mechanism in these generators. In this invention, we propose a solution to this problem that eliminates virtually all of the emitted black body radiation. This enables solar thermoelectric generators to operate at higher efficiency and achieve said efficient with lower levels of optical concentration. The solution is suitable for both single and dual axis solar thermoelectric generators.

Abstract: A solar cell element according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a semiconductor substrate that includes a first semiconductor layer of one conductivity type and a second semiconductor layer of the opposite conductivity type, and a plurality of linear current collector electrodes that are arranged on a first main surface of the semiconductor substrate at the second semiconductor layer side, the plurality of linear current collector electrodes being arranged at intervals in a direction from a middle part toward both end parts of the first main surface. A distance between neighboring ones of the current collector electrodes located in the middle part and a distance between neighboring ones of the current collector electrodes located in the both end parts are different from each other.

Abstract: A thermoelectric power generating system is provided that includes at least one thermoelectric assembly. The at least one thermoelectric assembly includes at least one first heat exchanger in thermal communication with at least a first portion of a first working fluid. The first portion of the first working fluid flows through the at least one thermoelectric assembly. The at least one thermoelectric assembly includes a plurality of thermoelectric elements in thermal communication with the at least one first heat exchanger. The at least one thermoelectric assembly further includes at least one second heat exchanger in thermal communication with the plurality of thermoelectric elements and with a second working fluid flowing through the at least one thermoelectric assembly. The second working fluid is cooler than the first working fluid.

Abstract: Selective solar absorbent coating and manufacturing method, with solar absorption and low emissivity properties. The coating comprises a substrate (1) of metal, dielectric or ceramic material, at least one highly reflective metal layer (2) in mid-far infrared applied to the substrate itself which provides low emissivity properties, a multi-layer structure of alternating dielectric and metallic layers (3) of subnanometric thickness applied to the reflective metal layer and at least one dielectric layer (4) that acts as an anti-reflective layer for the solar spectrum. The coating is applicable as a selective absorbent coating in absorbent tubes for parabolic-trough solar collectors, in solar panels for hot water, heating or domestic cooling, both in the form of absorbent tubes and absorbent sheets, in capture systems in tower solar thermoelectric power plants, and in capture systems in Stirling disk systems.

Abstract: A generator includes a heat-electricity transforming device and a heat collector. The heat-electricity transforming device is configured to transform heat into electricity. The heat collector includes at least one heat absorption module. The at least one heat absorption module includes a carbon nanotube structure. The at least one heat absorption module is connected to the heat-electricity transforming device and transfers heat to the heat-electricity transforming device.

Abstract: A solar energy heat to electricity conversion device is provided that includes a thermally conductive solar receiver having a cylinder with an open end and a cup-shape closed end and a thermally conductive fin disposed on an outside surface of the cup-shape closed end, where the thermally conductive solar receiver is capable of absorbing solar energy directed into the cylinder, a thermoelectric module (TEM) that includes a first plate and a second plate, where the first plate is in contact with a surface of the thermally conductive fin, where the conductive fin is capable of transferring heat to the first plate, and a thermally conductive water block in contact with the TEM that is capable of cooling the TEM, where the water block includes a fluid input and a fluid output, where the TEM generates electricity according to a temperature difference between the first plate and the second plate.