Abstract: A man-made island adaptable for land-based operation holds solar energy collection facilities and is rotatable to optimize the angular orientation thereof relative to the position of the sun. A platform includes a large outer ring that floats on a fluid and a flexible cover is attached to the ring to define an airtight volume below the cover. A plurality of rows of solar radiation collector modules are located above the cover and carry steam generating heat pipes. The rows of modules are supported laterally above the cover by an upper support structure, either a space frame, a plurality of cables, or a honeycomb. A compressor creates an over-pressure within the enclosed volume to vertically support the cover and the other components mounted thereabove.

Abstract: A current source and method of producing the current source are provided. The current source includes a metal source, a buffer layer, a filter and a collector. An electrical connection is provided to the metal layer and semiconductor layer and a magnetic field applier may be also provided. The source metal has localized states at a bottom of the conduction band and probability amplification. The interaction of the various layers produces a spontaneous current. The movement of charge across the current source produces a voltage, which rises until a balancing reverse current appears. If a load is connected to the current source, current flows through the load and power is dissipated. The energy for this comes from the thermal energy in the current source, and the device gets cooler.

Abstract: A thermoelectric generating module includes at least one thermoelectric unit and at least one light-concentrating unit. The thermoelectric unit has a first surface and a second surface disposed oppositely. The light-concentrating unit is disposed adjacent to the thermoelectric unit and concentrates light on the first surface of the thermoelectric unit.

Abstract: A method to increase the efficiency of a solar cell comprises depositing a pyroelectric film on a surface of the solar cell and generating an electromotive force to bias the solar cell. The method also includes creation of an open circuit voltage. Further, the method includes increasing a short circuit current through the pyroelectric film and creating a sustained temperature variation in the solar cell. A constant temporal temperate gradient is created in the pyroelectric film to increase the short circuit current with a temperature. Further, a p-n junction is biased with the electromotive force produced from the pyroelectric film.

Abstract: A thermoelectric collector generates electricity from solar energy which may be stored or used for various applications. In general, the collector utilizes a high density thermopile to generate electricity. The thermoelectric collector may be configured to heat the high density thermopile at one end and cool another end to establish a thermal gradient. This temperature gradient generates electricity. The high density thermopile provides numerous advantages including a generally solid structure which lends itself to the creation of a thermal gradient, and ruggedness for outdoor applications. In addition, the stacked arrangement of the high density thermopile's components allows for high efficiency as well as easy maintenance and adjustability of electrical output capacity. Further, the high density thermopile may be shaped in various ways due to its novel configuration. In one embodiment, the high density thermopile may form a solar collector to direct heat towards itself.

Abstract: A composite of a base and an array of needle-like crystals formed on the surface of the base is provided, in which the base side and the opposite side to the base with respect to the array can be isolated in a satisfactory manner. A composite 10 includes a transparent electrode 2 serving as the base, an array 4 of needle-like crystals 3 formed thereon, and a coating film 15 covering the surface of the needle-like crystals 3. The needle-like crystals 3 are made of, for example, zinc oxide, and the coating film 15 contains, for example, titanium oxide. The array 4 includes a first region R1 on the transparent electrode 2 side and a second region R2 on the opposite side to the transparent electrode 2 with respect to the first region R1.

Abstract: An integrated package structure having a solar cell and a thermoelectric element includes a substrate, a first solar cell and a thermoelectric element. The substrate has a first surface. The first solar cell has a second surface, a first electrode disposed on the second surface and a second electrode disposed on the second surface. The second surface faces the first surface. The thermoelectric element has a third electrode and a fourth electrode. The thermoelectric element is disposed between the first surface and the second surface. The first electrode and the second electrode are electrically connected to the third electrode and the fourth electrode respectively. A method of fabricating the integrated package structure having the solar cell and the thermoelectric element is also provided.

Abstract: A fluid tube routes a fluid adjacent to a source of heat to heat the fluid. The heated fluid is passed adjacent to cells which receive infrared radiation from the heated fluid. An anti-corrosion member is positioned on a portion of the tube adjacent to the cells. The anti-corrosion member is spaced from an outer periphery of the tube to provide a chamber between the portion of the tube and the anti-corrosion member.

Abstract: A system and method for operating a photovoltaic element at or near a maximum power point. A maximum power point tracker changes a voltage or current set point of a photovoltaic element in sequential discrete steps, measuring an output power at each step after a predetermined settling time. A slope of a power-voltage curve is then estimated and the slope is corrected for irradiance changes. Finally, an operating voltage or current of the photovoltaic element is adjusted based on the slope of the power-voltage curve and other factors, causing the photovoltaic element to operate at or near its maximum power.

Abstract: The invention is a Split-Thermo-Electric Structure (STES) and devices and systems that utilize said structure. The STES comprises a first thermo-electric element at an elevated temperature and a second thermo-electric element at a low (cold) temperature. The first thermo-electric element and the second thermo-electric element are connected by either an intermediate connection that conducts both electric current and heat or by a thermo-electric chain comprised of one or more thermo-electric elements. Each pair of the thermo-electric elements in the chain are connected by an intermediate connection that conducts both electric current and heat. Each of the thermo-electric elements and each of the intermediate connections in the STES exhibit a temperature-gradient. The STESs can be utilized in Seebeck or Peltier devices. The STESs can be utilized to construct devices comprised a plurality of n-type and p-type pairs of STESs, wherein each of the STESs in the device are connected at each end to a support layer.

Abstract: An elementary device to generate electric energy including a photovoltaic converter and a thermoelectric converter. The photovoltaic converter includes a stack of layers, resting on a supporting substrate in heat-insulating material, including a first conductive layer as an upper electrode, and a second conductive layer as a lower electrode, the upper and lower electrodes sandwiching a layer in photoactive material between them. The thermoelectric converter includes a third conductive layer acting as a hot junction and a fourth conductive layer acting as a cold junction, the hot and cold junctions sandwiching between them an element in thermoelectric and electrically conductive material. The thermoelectric and electrically conductive element is included in the thickness of the supporting substrate, so that one end is in contact with the hot junction and the other end is in contact with the cold junction.

Abstract: A solar thermal power generation apparatus of the present invention is made up of a turbine 12 rotatable around a vertical axis 11, a power generator 13 driven by the turbine 12, a funnel 14 disposed along the vertical axis 11 so as to house the turbine 12 and having an intake port 14a at the lower end of the funnel 14, and a transparent box body 15 disposed so as to surround a lower portion of the funnel 14 and having the air intake port 15e at a position being lower than the intake port 14a and a heat collector 16 disposed in a standing manner at a distance between the box body 15 and the funnel 14, wherein an upper end of the heat collector 16 is at a position being higher than the intake port 14a, wherein, by using an updraft occurred by heating air having flown from the air intake port 15a into the inside of the box body 15 by the heat collector 16, the turbine 12 is rotated, which causes the power generator to generate power.

Abstract: A combined thermoelectric/photovoltaic device features a photovoltaic cell with a common electrode, an electrically insulative, thermally conductive layer applied to the common electrode, and an array of thermoelectric couples each including a p-type semiconductor element and an n-type semiconductor element. There is an electrically conductive bridge for each thermoelectric couple formed on the electrically insulative thermally conductive layer. Methods of making such a hybrid device also including a heat sink are also disclosed.

Abstract: A combined thermoelectric/photovoltaic device features a photovoltaic cell with a common electrode, an electrically insulative, thermally conductive layer applied to the common electrode, and an array of thermoelectric couples each including a p-type semiconductor element and an n-type semiconductor element. There is an electrically conductive bridge for each thermoelectric couple formed on the electrically insulative thermally conductive layer. Methods of making such a hybrid device also including a heat sink are also disclosed.

Abstract: A solar AMTEC power system including a support structure, an electric generator segment connected to the support structure, the electric generator segment including a receiver and at least two wings extending at a non-zero angle relative to the receiver, wherein each wing defines an enclosed volume divided into a hot chamber and a cold chamber and includes at least one AMTEC cell extending between the hot chamber and the cold chamber, and wherein the receiver is at least partially transparent to solar energy and defines a heated chamber and a fluid return chamber, the fluid return chamber being in fluid communication with the heated chamber and the cold chambers of the wings, and the heated chamber being in fluid communication with the hot chambers of the wings, and an optical element positioned relative to the electric generator segment to direct solar energy to the receiver.

Abstract: An apparatus is described that converts electromagnetic radiation into electric current, of the type comprising a plurality of junctions between a first element (11; 111) of material with conduction through carriers of positive charge and a second element (12; 112) of a material with conduction through carriers of negative charge, said plurality of junctions defining a plurality of couples (10; 111, 112) comprising a hot junction (19) and a cold junction (18), said plurality of couples (10; 110) receiving a thermal flow (FT) generated by a radiation (R) incident in the direction of a region (172) including the hot junction (19), said apparatus (20; 30; 70; 170; 190) including a device (25; 75; 175) to guide said radiation (R) towards said plurality of couples (10; 111, 112).

Abstract: A photovoltaic cell has two electrodes and a hole injection layer. A liquid crystal material and a plurality of particles can be disposed between the electrodes.

Abstract: A power source (212) is disclosed for charging a battery (330) within a portable electronic device (310). An apparatus (422), such as a photovoltaic or thermoelectric cell, for charging the battery (330) is disposed contiguous to and within a transparent housing (412) of the portable electronic device (310). A fluorescent species (416), such as quantum dots or a fluorescent dye, is disposed on a side of the housing (412) opposed to the apparatus (422). Light (430) striking the fluorescent species (416) is converted into photons (432, 434) having a narrower spectrum that passes through the housing (412) to the apparatus (422). An optional layer (418) may be disposed on the fluorescent species (416) that reflects light from the fluorescent species (416) to the apparatus (422). Photonic crystals (415) may be combined with the fluorescent species (416) to increase reflectivity.

Abstract: A thermogenerator including several thermocouples that are electrically connected together. The thermocouples are arranged between one hot side of the thermogenerator receiving a thermal flow and a cold side that is arranged at a distance from the hot side. The thermoelectric generator that at least temporarily uses the fed thermal energy efficiently. The thermoelectric generator can be designed as a module including a collector for a thermal solar system and the thermal carrier medium flowing through the collector is guided, at least temporarily, to a thermoelectric generator by a heat exchanger.

Abstract: A thermal solar system including a collector that is connected to a heat sink, in particular a heat storage medium, by way of a solar circuit containing a heat exchange medium. To reduce overheating of the system during idling and to improve the efficiency of the solar system, the solar circuit is connected temporarily to at least one heat exchanger by way of a valve control unit disposed at a hot side of a thermogenerator receiving an inflowing heat flow. A thermal insulation reduces the exchange of thermal energy between the collector of a thermal solar system and the heat exchanger.

Abstract: A solar central receiver system employing common positioning mechanism for heliostats relates to a system of concentrating and harvesting solar energy. The heliostats of said system are positioned like facets of a Fresnel type of reflector. The heliostats are placed in arrays, wherein each array has a common positioning mechanism. The common positioning mechanism synchronously maneuvers the arrays of heliostats in altitudinal and/or azimuthal axis for tracking an apparent movement of the sun. The common positioning mechanism is employed for synchronously orienting said heliostats with respect to a stationary object and the sun such that incident solar radiation upon said heliostats is focused upon said stationary object from dawn to dusk. Subsequent to each said orientation of said heliostats, collective disposition of said heliostats always forms an arrangement that is capable of reflecting and thereby focusing incident solar radiation upon said stationary object.

Abstract: A heat-driven thermoelectric generator device is provided. The thermoelectric generator device includes a heat-driven cooling module and a thermoelectric module. The heat-driven cooling module is used to convert heat energy received from outside into cool energy. The thermoelectric module can generate electric power by the temperature difference between the heat energy received from outside and the cool energy generated by the heat-driven cooling module. According to the implementation of the present invention, the thermoelectric generator device can use a natural or artificial heat source as the heat energy to achieve the effect of generating electric power.

Abstract: Metallic thermal emitters consisting of two layers of differently structured nickel gratings on a homogeneous nickel layer are fabricated by soft lithography and studied for polarized thermal radiation. A thermal emitter in combination with a sub-wavelength grating shows a high extinction ratio, with a maximum value close to 5, in a wide mid-infrared range from 3.2 to 7.8 ?m, as well as high emissivity up to 0.65 at a wavelength of 3.7 ?m. All measurements show good agreement with theoretical predictions. Numerical simulations reveal that a high electric field exists within the localized air space surrounded by the gratings and the intensified electric-field is only observed for the polarizations perpendicular to the top sub-wavelength grating. This result suggests how the emissivity of a metal can be selectively enhanced at a certain range of wavelengths for a given polarization.

Abstract: Conversion of solar heat into electrical energy is achieved using a parabolic reflector, a heat transfer medium, a high-density heat store and a thermoelectric generator. The system is useful for various forms of stationary and moving applications. Using stored heat derived from sunlight provides day and night electrical supply over many days depending on the size of the solar collector and heat store. Moving applications are achieved using a mobile heat store with attached thermoelectric generator.

Abstract: A means of providing solar powered electricity for day and nighttime use supported in part by power from the grid to allow a small generator to electrify the home or business with a small generator operating with much larger capacity. Excess solar energy is provided to the power company as needed.

Abstract: A solar energy conversion package includes a photovoltaic (PV) cell, a thermionic or thermoelectric conversion unit and a thermal heating system. Solar radiation is concentrated by a lens or reflector and directed to the PV cell for electrical power conversion. A water circulation system maintains the PV cell at working temperatures. The thermionic or thermoelectric conversion cell is coupled between these cells in the thermal path to generate additional power. Additional efficiencies may be gained by partitioning the solar radiation with prisms or wavelength specific filters or reflective coatings into discrete spectrum segments optimized for each conversion unit for maximizing efficiency of electrical energy conversion and equipment design. Integrating all three of these conversion techniques produces a synergistic system that exceeds the performance conventional solar conversion systems.

Abstract: Various methods and apparatuses are described for a portable electric generator powered by a solar thermal electric power source. The device can transform from a compact tote-able configuration into a fully operational high power direct thermo electric generator in a matter of minutes. The portable electric generator powered by a solar thermal electric power source utilizes a folding mount, a sectional rotationally folding parabolic dish and a chimney air-cooled direct thermoelectric generator power head.

Abstract: A high-efficiency generator of controlled-spectrum radiation, comprising: an adiabatic hollow body (12) with an internal reflecting surface (14) having a paraboloidal shape; a black body (18) set in the focus of said paraboloidal reflecting surface (14); means (26, 28; 30) for heating the black body (18) to a temperature of emission of electromagnetic radiation; a non-dissipative plane filter (20) orthogonal to the longitudinal axis (16) of said paraboloidal reflecting surface (14), designed to transmit radiation with a wavelength comprised in a pre-set band and to reflect towards said paraboloidal surface (14) radiation with a wavelength external to said pre-set band; and a mirror (22) with a paraboloidal reflecting surface set between the black body (18) and said filter (20), said mirror (22) being set to prevent the radiation emitted by the black body (18) from reaching said filter (20) directly.

Abstract: A solar power conversion system includes a collector that is adapted to collect and focus solar radiation into a concentrated beam of radiation. A spectral splitter is adapted to receive the concentrated radiation beam and separate the concentrated radiation beam into a plurality of radiation sub-bands. A laser is adapted to receive the radiation sub-band and to generate a coherent laser beam corresponding to a frequency band of radiation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a semiconductor component which contains one semiconductor layer containing germanium. On the rear-side, i.e. on the side orientated away from the incident light, the semiconductor layer has at least one layer containing silicon carbide which serves, on the one hand, for the reflection of radiation and also as rear-side passivation or as diffusion barrier. A method for the production of semiconductor components of this type is likewise described. The semiconductor components according to the invention are used in particular as thermophotovoltaic cells or multiple solar cells based on germanium.

Abstract: A windbreak device for motor vehicles, in particular cabriolet vehicles, is provided, comprising a windbreak base which is disposed level with a beltline of a vehicle body, and a wind deflector which is connected to the windbreak base in an articulated manner and can be pivoted from an inactive position, which extends approximately level with the beltline of the vehicle body, into an active position which rises above the beltline and runs transverse with respect to said beltline, and an electric drive unit by which the wind deflector can be moved between the inactive and the active position relative to the windbreak base. The windbreak device is provided with a rechargeable battery which provides electrical energy for operating the electric drive unit.

Abstract: An energy generation method includes receiving solar radiation at a solar absorber, providing heat from the solar absorber to a hot side of a set of thermoelectric converters, generating electricity from the set of thermoelectric converters, and providing heat from a cold side of the set of thermoelectric converters to a fluid being provided into a solar fluid heating system or a solar thermal to electrical conversion plant.

Abstract: The invention relates to a structure containing components for collecting, transferring and storing heat energy originating from solar energy, wherein said components are pre-coupled and mounted in the factory so as to form a compact machine that is ready to be installed and connected directly to the power grid at the installation location. The aforementioned components include solar collectors which transform solar energy into heated water and accumulators which form water containers for storing the energy collected by the solar panels and transmitting same to the next accumulator through a series of successive fluid circulation circuits which are actuated by respective electric pumps and provided with expansion reservoirs and vessels and valves for the operation thereof, which is controlled by a central solar heat source control system which is connected to a number of the above-mentioned electric pumps and to a solar sensor.

Abstract: A strut runner includes a member extending lengthwise in a first direction, where the member includes an underlying panel and one or more walls that extend from the panel. The member may be configured to at least partially support the panel array while being integrated or directly connected to the underlying structure. Additionally, the strut runner may include one or more peripheral extensions that extend a distance outward from the body.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for harnessing heat energy uses at least one thermally conductive material in communication with a heat collecting material in order to conduct heat from a first region of the heat collecting material to a second region of the heat collecting material. The thermally conductive material can be interspersed within the heat collecting material and/or applied externally to the heat collecting material. Heat drawn from the second portion can be stored and/or converted into another form of energy for providing power to a structure or vehicle. Conversion can use the differential between the temperature of the second region and the temperature of a cold sink. Additional heat can be added to the heat collecting material.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for manufacturing a multi-junction solar cell which makes it possible to implement a 4-junction solar cell and to increase the area of a device. A nucleus generation site is disposed on a substrate 2 made of a first semiconductor. A first material gas is fed to the nucleus generation site to form a wire-like semiconductor 3 in the nucleus generation site. A third material gas and a fourth material gas are fed to form a wire-like semiconductor 4 on the semiconductor 3 and a wire-like semiconductor 5 on the semiconductor 4. A nucleus generation site is disposed on a substrate 6. The first material gas is fed to the nucleus generation site to form a wire-like semiconductor 2a in the nucleus generation site. A second material gas to the fourth material gas are fed to form the wire-like semiconductor 3 on the semiconductor 2a, the wire-like semiconductor 4 on the semiconductor 3, and the wire-like semiconductor 5 on the semiconductor 4.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for generation of thermoelectric power. In one embodiment, thermoelectric power is generated via a solar power collector; a solar power receiver; and a power conversion unit. The solar power collector focuses energy from the sun onto the receiver. A phase change material adapted to store the radiant energy from the sun in the form of thermal energy is provided to the receiver. Stored energy is converted, at the power conversion unit, into electricity. A cold thermal storage device for storing cooled phase change material and a hot thermal storage device for storing heated phase change material may also be provided. Pumps utilizing energy produced by the system (or another source) may be provided to move the phase change material. The system may use stacked components to provide an integrated and compact thermoelectric power generation apparatus. Electricity is produced with zero-emissions, low cost, and dependable capacity.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for generating electric power using solar energy, a solar energy collecting unit collects solar energy to generate a first power. A thermoelectric semiconductor unit generates a second power from heat dissipated by the solar energy collecting unit. A circuit unit is coupled to the solar energy collecting unit and the thermoelectric semiconductor unit for receiving the first power and the second power and for providing a power output obtained from the first power and the second power.

Abstract: A concentrating photovoltaic generation system including a photovoltaic generator which converts solar light into electric power, a reflector panel which concentrates solar light onto the photovoltaic generator, and a radiation cooling mechanism to which heat is transmitted from the photovoltaic generator and from which heat is radiated, thus cooling the photovoltaic generator.

Abstract: A cascaded photovoltaic/thermophotovoltaic energy conversion apparatus, a cascaded thermophotovoltaic energy conversion apparatus, and a method for forming the apparatuses are provided. The cascaded photovoltaic/thermophotovoltauc apparatus includes a photovoltaic device that receives solar radiation on an upper surface thereof and produces a first electric current output and a thermal radiation output, and a thermophotovoltaic device disposed a predetermined distance below a lower surface of the photovoltaic device, the thermophotovoltaic device receiving the thermal radiation output and converting the received thermal radiation output into a second electric current output.

Abstract: A high-output energy converter of an output-improving thermionic generator, thermally connected to other generators without moving parts that utilise the residual energy from the thermionic generator. The thermionic generator comprises a r?ultilayered vacuum diode, the layers of which are very thin and the gaps between the layers are also thin and kept at a distance from one another by selectively flexible spacer elements. Piezo elements or heating elements can precisely adjust the height of the gaps.

Abstract: A thermoelectric generator may include first and second thermally conductive plates and a plurality of pairs of P-type and N-type thermoelectric elements. The first thermally conductive plate may be configured to generate heat responsive to solar radiation, and the first and second thermally conductive plates may be spaced apart. The P-type and N-type thermoelectric elements of each pair may be electrically coupled in series, and the P-type and N-type thermoelectric elements of each pair may be thermally coupled in parallel between the first and second thermally conductive plates.

Abstract: A fluid tube routes a fluid adjacent to a source of heat to heat the fluid. The heated fluid is passed adjacent to cells which receive infrared radiation from the heated fluid. An anti-corrosion member is positioned on a portion of the tube adjacent to the cells. The anti-corrosion member is spaced from an outer periphery of the tube to provide a chamber between the portion of the tube and the anti-corrosion member.

Abstract: Arrangements may include a concentrator constructed and arranged to receive incident electromagnetic energy and to concentrate the incident electromagnetic energy to a greater intensity level; an electromagnetic receiving device comprising a first surface constructed and arranged to receive the concentrated electromagnetic energy, and a second surface opposite the first surface; a heat transport device comprising at least one duct and a first surface; and a thermal interface layer physically connected to at least a portion of the second surface of the electromagnetic energy receiving device and the first surface of the heat transport device, the thermal interface material being both electrically and thermally conductive. Related methods and additional arrangements are also described.

Abstract: To utilize solar energy without loosing the laminating function. For this purpose, there is provided an electric generation system for generating an electric power utilizing solar energy falling on a transparent plate 7 dividing a predetermined interior space 8 from an exterior space, characterized in that the transparent plate 7 is provided with a thin plate-like or film-like thermal generation module 11, which is transmissive to at least a portion of visible rays in the solar energy, and which generates an electromotive force by a temperature difference between a temperature in the interior space and a temperature in the exterior space. Consequently, electric power can be generated utilizing heat resulting from blocking the light entering into the interior space 8.

Abstract: A solar tracking device for overcoming the disadvantages of a conventional solar energy system utilizing motors and to lower electricity consumption and decrease cost is provided. The device includes a solar module or solar collector supported by two springs under both ends and two water tanks on both ends. The solar module or solar collector, similar to a heliostat, is adapted to slowly revolve in response to the imbalanced water tanks filled with different amount of water.

Abstract: Systems and methods utilizing solar-electrical generators are discussed. Solar-electrical generators are disclosed having a radiation-capture structure and one or more thermoelectric converters. Heat produced in a capture structure via impingement of solar radiation can maintain a portion of a thermoelectric converter at a high temperature, while the use of a low temperature at another portion allows electricity generation. Thus, unlike photovoltaic cells which are generally primarily concerned with optical radiation management, solar thermoelectrics converters are generally concerned with a variety of mechanisms for heat management. Generators can include any number of features including selective radiation surfaces, low emissivity surfaces, flat panel configurations, evacuated environments, and other concepts that can act to provide thermal concentration. Designs utilizing one or more optical concentrators are also disclosed.

Abstract: A solid-state thermoelectric generator device can directly drive a high voltage grid at voltage without a special step-up transformer. Phase sensing, output voltage and waveform of the generator can be electronically adjusted to match parameters sensed directly from the grid, generator output adjusted to conform exactly to the grid. Three solar powered generators connected as a “y” with three legs with common earth grounds can power individual phases of the grid as a mini-power plant providing three-phase grid voltage electricity. Power quality correction to the grid can be made to individual phases of the grid on an automatic, self-correcting basis as needed.

Abstract: An energy generating device for lighter-than-air vehicles having a gas impervious outer flexible fabric including a flexible photovoltaic array located on the outer layer of the gas impervious fabric; a thermocouple array located between the photovoltaic cells and the gas impervious fabric; a thermally conductive layer or heat spreader between the thermocouple array and the photovoltaic array and between the thermocouple array and the gas impervious flexible fabric; an electrically conductive means connected to said thermocouple array for drawing electrical power away from said thermocouple array; and an electrical load, such as an electrical storage device or a device that consumes electricity, for drawing electricity from the thermocouple array.

Abstract: A method and a multijunction solar device having a high band gap heterojunction middle solar cell are disclosed. In one embodiment, a triple-junction solar device includes bottom, middle, and top cells. The bottom cell has a germanium (Ge) substrate and a buffer layer, wherein the buffer layer is disposed over the Ge substrate. The middle cell contains a heterojunction structure, which further includes an emitter layer and a base layer that are disposed over the bottom cell. The top cell contains an emitter layer and a base layer disposed over the middle cell.