Abstract: A method of transferring electrons with a light energy conversion material is described. The material includes a silica porous material having silicon atoms chemically bonded with an organic group that is an electron donor in a skeleton thereof, and an electron acceptor disposed in at least one portion among a pore, the skeleton and the outer circumference of the porous material. The method includes absorbing light energy by the organic group and transferring electrons excited by the light energy to the electron acceptor.

Abstract: Provided are a solar cell apparatus and a method of manufacturing the same. More particularly, a high efficiency, inexpensive and large-area solar cell apparatus using a microlens, and a method of manufacturing the same are provided. The solar cell apparatus includes a plate on which a plurality of lenses are arranged on one surface, and a plurality of solar cells receiving light concentrated by the lenses.

Abstract: A photoelectrochemical cell (100) includes: a semiconductor electrode (120) including a substrate (121), a first n-type semiconductor layer (122) disposed on the substrate (121), and a second n-type semiconductor layer (123) and a conductor (124) disposed apart from each other on the first n-type semiconductor layer (122); a counter electrode (130) connected electrically to the conductor (124); an electrolyte (140) in contact with surfaces of the second n-type semiconductor layer (123) and the counter electrode (130); and a container (110) accommodating the semiconductor electrode (120), the counter electrode (130) and the electrolyte (140).

Abstract: A solar cell receiver for use in a concentrating solar system which concentrates the solar energy onto a solar cell for converting solar energy to electricity. The solar cell receiver may include a solar cell mounted on a support and with one or more III-V compound semiconductor layers. An optical element may be positioned over the solar cell and have an optical channel with an inlet that faces away from the solar cell and an outlet that faces towards the solar cell. A frame may be positioned over the support and extend around the solar cell with the frame having an inner side that extends above the support and faces towards the optical element. An encapsulant may be positioned over the support and contained between the optical element and the frame. The encapsulant may have enlarged heights at contact points with the optical element and the frame and a reduced height between the contact points away from the optical element and the frame. The solar cell receiver may be used in a solar cell module.

Abstract: Active or functional additives are embedded into surfaces of host materials for use as components in a variety of electronic or optoelectronic devices, including solar devices, smart windows, displays, and so forth. Resulting surface-embedded device components provide improved performance, as well as cost benefits arising from their compositions and manufacturing processes.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for indicating a disconnection within a Distributed Generator (DG). In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises an alarm module electrically coupled to a conductive portion of a component within the DG, wherein the conductive portion is grounded via a ground rod system, and wherein the alarm module (i) is further coupled to a ground line, (ii) couples a monitoring current to the conductive portion, (iii) monitors flow of the monitoring current to determine a change in the flow, and (iv) generates, as a result of the change in the flow, a notification of the disconnection.

Abstract: Photovoltaic devices and methods of making the same are disclosed herein. The cell comprises: a first electrically conductive layer; at least one photoelectrochemical layer comprising metal-oxide particles, an electrolyte solution, an asphaltene dye, and a second electrically conductive layer.

Abstract: A paste for solar cell electrodes includes conductive particles, a glass frit, an organic vehicle, and lead oxide. The lead oxide may be added in an amount of about 0.05 to about 1.5 wt % with respect to a total weight of the paste.

Abstract: The challenge for the present invention is to provide a film-forming method and for forming a passivation film which can sufficiently inhibit the loss of carriers due to their recombination; and a method for manufacturing a solar cell element with the use of the method or the device. The film-forming device comprises a mounting portion 22 for mounting a film-forming object, a high frequency power source 25, and a shower plate 23 which is provided to face the film-forming object S mounted on the mounting portion 22, which introduces a film-forming gas, and to which the high frequency power source is connected and a high frequency voltage is applied. A low frequency power source 26 for applying a low frequency voltage is connected to the shower plate or the mounting portion mounting a substrate. The film-forming method is performed using the film-forming device, and the film-forming method is carried out in forming a passivation film.

Abstract: A system and method directed to using a PV array and laser beamed-power for aircraft and satellites is provided. More specifically, a system and method directed to a PV receiver that reduces power losses caused by variations in irradiance is provided. The use of a sloped array with a grooved cover glass coated with reflective coating allows the system and method to receive the laser beamed power at an angle and reduce any losses while producing a maximum power output. In addition, the use of capacitors in parallel with the PV cells in the array reduces resistive losses caused by short-term optical fluctuations and assists in maximizing power output for the array.

Abstract: A photoelectric conversion device includes a plurality of photoelectric conversion regions disposed over a substrate, and a colored region disposed among the photoelectric conversion regions over the substrate, the colored region forming an image over the substrate.

Abstract: A system includes a microstructure layer, a photovoltaic layer disposed over the microstructure layer comprising a positive P-type layer and a negative N-type layer, a hydrogen collection micro-chamber formed through the microstructure layer and the negative layer, and an oxygen collection micro-chamber formed through the microstructure layer and the photovoltaic layer. A cathode may be disposed within the hydrogen collection micro-chamber and an anode may be disposed within the oxygen collection micro-chamber. The micro-chambers may be spaced between about 1 and 10 micrometers apart. An insulating layer may be disposed between the microstructure layer and the photovoltaic layer. A supplemental storage layer may be disposed over the photovoltaic layer such that a storage portion is in alignment with the hydrogen collection micro-chamber. MEMS actuators may be located at the ends of the hydrogen collection micro-chamber to facilitate hydrogen storage and release.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for solar tracking. The solar tracking sensor array and method so disclosed can be used with any device that requires a specific orientation to the sun for optimal operation. The system relies upon a sun tracking mechanism which includes a plurality of phototransistors configured in a particular manner. The apparatus can further be used with an analog sensor circuit which is also disclosed herein. Although the device and method are disclosed in conjunction with a solar tracking device, which includes the analog sensor circuit, a drive assembly, and a power source, these components may be used independently of one another.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a semiconductor circuit on an insulated metal substrate, which includes an anodized film formed on at least one side of an Al substrate, wherein the Al substrate has a potential higher than an average potential of the semiconductor circuit when the semiconductor circuit is driven.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for an organic thin film solar cell and an organic thin film solar cell manufactured by the same, which can reduce manufacturing cost by simplifying manufacturing process, ensure long-lasting durability and stability, and improve energy conversion efficiency of the solar cell.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and apparatus for masking of substrates for deposition, and subsequent lifting of the mask with deposited material. Masking materials are utilized that can be used in high temperatures and vacuum environment. The masking material has minimal outgassing once inside a vacuum chamber and withstand the temperatures during deposition process. The mask is inkjeted over the wafers and, after deposition, removed using agitation, such as ultrasonic agitation, or using laser burn off.

Abstract: Disclosed are new compound semiconductors which may be used for solar cells or as thermoelectric materials, and their application. The compound semiconductor may be represented by a chemical formula: InxMyCo4-m-aAmSb12-n-z-bXnQz, where M is at least one selected from the group consisting of Ca, Sr, Ba, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Cu, Zn, Ag, Cd, Sc, Y, La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb and Lu, A is at least one selected from the group consisting of Fe, Ni, Ru, Rh, Pd, Ir and Pt, X is at least one selected from the group consisting of Si, Ga, Ge and Sn, Q is at least one selected from the group consisting of O, S, Se and Te, 0<x<1, 0?y<1, 0?m?1, 0?a?1, 0?n<9, 0?z?4, 0?b?3 and 0<n+z+b.

Abstract: Solar module with a plurality of lamellar solar panels, which are mounted on an elongated support to pivot around a common axis and are movable between a first position in which they are superposed to be substantially congruent and parallel to the support, and a second position in which, opened out in a fan formation, they lie substantially adjacent to one another around the said axis, wherein the support can be extended via a closable opening out of a housing, which receives it with the solar panels in the first position.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a number of platforms and a number of beams. The number of platforms has a first side and a second side. Each platform in the number of platforms is comprised of a number of devices. The number of beams is connected to the second side of the number of platforms at a plurality of connection points. The plurality of connection points is configured such that an orientation of the number of platforms remains substantially unchanged in response to a load on the number of platforms.

Abstract: An electrical device includes a charge carrier transport layer formed using a ternary semiconducting compound having a stoichiometry of 1:1:1 and an element combination selected from the set of I-II-V, I-III-IV, II-II-IV, and I-I-VI; or having a stoichiometry of 3:1:2 and an element combination selected from the set of I-III-V; or having a stoichiometry of 2:1:1 and an element combination selected from the set of I-II-IV. In some embodiments, the charge carrier transport layer is used as the radiation absorption layer for a photovoltaic cell, or a light emitting layer of a light emitting device. Other devices, such as laser diode, a photodetection device, an optical modulator, a transparent electrode and a window layer, can also be formed using the ternary semiconducting compound as the charge carrier transport.

Abstract: A method of manufacture of I-III-VI-absorber photovoltaic cells involves sequential deposition of films comprising one or more of silver and copper, with one or more of aluminum indium and gallium, and one or more of sulfur, selenium, and tellurium, as compounds in multiple thin sublayers to form a composite absorber layer. In an embodiment, the method is adapted to roll-to-roll processing of photovoltaic cells. In an embodiment, the method is adapted to preparation of a CIGS absorber layer having graded composition through the layer of substitutions such as tellurium near the base contact and silver near the heterojunction partner layer, or through gradations in indium and gallium content. In a particular embodiment, the graded composition is enriched in gallium at a base of the layer, and silver at the top of the layer. In an embodiment, each sublayer is deposited by co-evaporation of copper, indium, gallium, and selenium, which react in-situ to form CIGS.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for continuously reorienting a solar panel array while maintaining a substantially stationary footprint for the solar panel. A cylindrically shaped knuckle is provided that is formed with a bottom surface and a top surface that is slanted relative to the bottom surface at a slant angle ?. One end of an upper pole is positioned against the top surface of the knuckle, and one end of a lower pole is positioned against the bottom surface of the knuckle. An upper and lower motor respectively connect the knuckle to the upper pole and the lower pole. These motors are used to continuously rotate the knuckle at an angular velocity ? relative to the upper and lower poles. When the knuckle rotates, the upper and lower poles remain stationary to allow the solar panel to continuously reorient while maintaining a substantially stationary footprint.

Abstract: A solar cell and method for producing same is disclosed. The solar cell includes a multijunction solar cell structure and a notch filter designed to reflect solar energy that does not contribute to the current output of the multijunction solar cell. By reflecting unused solar energy, the notch filter allows the solar cell to run cooler (and thus more efficiently) yet it still allows all junctions to fully realize their electrical current production capability.

Abstract: A method of controlling stoichiometry in a multicomponent material includes providing a solid sample comprising N elements and having a first composition in a main chamber, which is connected to at most N?1 reservoirs. Each of the reservoirs is configured to contain a vapor comprising one of the N elements, where N?2. The solid sample is heated to a first temperature in the main chamber, and each of the reservoirs is heated to a first reservoir temperature (T1, T2 . . . TN-1) sufficient to achieve a predetermined vapor pressure of the vapor contained therein. The reservoirs are placed in gaseous communication with the main chamber, and thermodynamic equilibrium is achieved between the vapor from each of the reservoirs and the solid sample in the main chamber. Consequently, a stoichiometry of the solid sample is changed to arrive at a second composition thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a binuclear ruthenium complex dye having a higher absorption coefficient and capable of absorbing light of longer wavelength for realizing a photoelectric conversion element and a photochemical cell which may convert solar light into electricity over a wide wavelength range and exhibit high photoelectric conversion efficiency; and a binuclear ruthenium complex dye for realizing a photoelectric conversion element and a photochemical cell which may have high durability.

Abstract: A system for recapturing light emitted by a light source and converting that light into electrical current which can be used to power the same light source or other devices. An exemplary embodiment may use photovoltaic cells to recapture light from ceiling lights and convert it into a source of power for the ceiling light. Another embodiment may be a tanning bed that recaptures light using photovoltaic cells. Some embodiments may recapture light from multiple lighting fixtures. An exemplary embodiment may include a computer and battery for storing energy produced by the photovoltaic cells. Another exemplary embodiment is a method of recapturing light emitted by a light source and converting the light into energy which can be used to power electrical activities.

Abstract: A titanium oxide nano tube material is configured so that crystal grains of a nano tube has a crystal structure oriented with the [001] direction of a tetragonal crystal system as a preferred direction. FWHM (Full Width at Half Maximum) of a rocking curve with respect to the (004) plane peak is 11.1 degrees to 20.3 degrees. The titanium oxide nano tube material has excellent photoelectric characteristics since the crystal grains of the nano tube are oriented with the (004) plane or the [001] direction of a tetragonal crystal system as a preferred direction.

Abstract: Certain example embodiments of this invention relate to large-area transparent conductive coatings (TCCs) including carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and nanowire composites, and methods of making the same. The ?dc/?opt ratio of such thim films may be improved via stable chemical doping and/or alloying of CNT-based films. The doping and/or alloying may be implemented in a large area coating system, e.g., on glass and/or other substrates. In certain example embodiments, a CNT film may be deposited and then doped via chemical functionalization and/or alloyed with silver and/or palladium. Both p-type and n-type dopants may be used in different embodiments of this invention. In certain example embodiments, silver and/or other nanowires may be provided, e.g., to further decrease sheet resistance. Certain example embodiments may provide coatings that approach, meet, or exceed 90% visible transmission and 90 ohms/square target metrics.

Abstract: A system and method is presented that uses solar power driven expansion of an electrolytic solution to force the electrolytic solution from a container through at least one pore of an insulator having a fixed surface charge of one polarity into a collection receptacle. The velocities of the cations and anions flowing through the pore differ because of the fixed surface charge of the pore and this produces an electrical charge separation, the streaming potential, as a source of electrical power. Energy absorption spans the full solar spectrum including infrared, visible and near ultraviolet wavelengths.

Abstract: A system and method for generating, transmitting and receiving power includes providing a source of non-optical power, such as thermal energy, which is converted into electricity. The non-optical power is converted into an optical power beam which is directed into a hollow pipe and transmitted along a length thereof. The hollow pipe may have an inner reflective surface, or lenses or collimators to direct the light therethrough. Upon exiting the hollow pipe, the optical power beam is converted into electricity.

Abstract: Certain example embodiments of this invention relate to large-area transparent conductive coatings (TCCs) including carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and nanowire composites, and methods of making the same. The ?dc/?opt ratio of such thin films may be improved via stable chemical doping and/or alloying of CNT-based films. The doping and/or alloying may be implemented in a large area coating system, e.g., on glass and/or other substrates. In certain example embodiments, a CNT film may be deposited and then doped via chemical functionalization and/or alloyed with silver and/or palladium. Both p-type and n-type dopants may be used in different embodiments of this invention. In certain example embodiments, silver and/or other nanowires may be provided, e.g., to further decrease sheet resistance. Certain example embodiments may provide coatings that approach, meet, or exceed 90% visible transmission and 90 ohms/square target metrics.

Abstract: A solar cell module with a simple configuration and high efficiency is provided. A solar cell module of the present invention is configured by electrically connecting a plurality of solar cell elements. Each of the plurality of solar cell elements includes a plurality of first connection parts representing wiring connection parts in a first electrode and a plurality of second connection parts representing wiring connection parts in a second electrode on the same surface. A first solar cell element and a second solar cell element arranged adjacent to each other have portions of the plurality of first connection parts of the first solar cell element and the plurality of second connection parts of the second solar cell element connected by a wiring having a linear form in plan view.

Abstract: Formulations and methods of making solar cell contacts and cells therewith are disclosed. In general, the invention provides a solar cell comprising a contact made from a mixture wherein, prior to firing, the mixture comprises at least one aluminum source, at least one source of a metal including one or more of boron, titanium, nickel, tin, gallium zinc, indium, and copper, and about 0.1 to about 10 wt % of a glass component. Within the mixture, the overall content of aluminum is about 50 wt % to about 85 wt % of the mixture, and the overall combined content of boron, nickel, tin, silver, gallium, zinc, indium, copper, is about 0.05 to about 40 wt % of the mixture.

Abstract: This invention is to control and monitor a solar module by optical communication using solar cells in the solar module as a receiver of the incoming optical signal. The optical communication is by way of solar cells in a solar module as sensors and/or receivers, and busbars of the solar module as conduits to transfer the incoming signal to a control circuitry. Such control includes, but is not limited to, on/off control of power output from a solar module, and such monitoring includes, but is not limited to, reading, data keeping and displaying current operating performance status of the solar module. With this invention, solar modules can be turned off and on without physically disconnecting and reconnecting wires. Such control and monitoring enables more efficient and accurate operation and maintenance of a solar power system of any size.

Abstract: Forming an impurity diffusion layer of the second conductivity type and an antireflective film on one surface side of a semiconductor substrate of the first conductivity type; applying the first electrode material onto the antireflective film; forming a passivation film on the other surface side of the semiconductor substrate; forming openings in the passivation film to reach the other surface side; applying a second electrode material containing impurity elements of the first conductive type to fill the openings and not to be in contact with the second electrode material of adjacent openings; applying a third electrode material onto the passivation film to be in contact with the entire second electrode material; forming at a time, by heating the semiconductor substrate at a predetermined temperature after applying the first electrode material and the third electrode material, the first electrodes, a high-concentration region, and the second electrodes and third electrode.

Abstract: Arrangements of diodes and heat spreaders for solar modules are described. For example, a solar module may include a backsheet with a low profile, surface-mount diode disposed above the backsheet. A pair of ribbon interconnects is coupled to the low profile, surface-mount diode and may penetrate the backsheet.

Abstract: A supported PV assembly may include a PV module comprising a PV panel and PV module supports including module supports having a support surface supporting the module, a module registration member engaging the PV module to properly position the PV module on the module support, and a mounting element. In some embodiments the PV module registration members engage only the external surfaces of the PV modules at the corners. In some embodiments the assembly includes a wind deflector with ballast secured to a least one of the PV module supports and the wind deflector. An array of the assemblies can be secured to one another at their corners to prevent horizontal separation of the adjacent corners while permitting the PV modules to flex relative to one another so to permit the array of PV modules to follow a contour of the support surface.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of fabricating a thin film solar cell. A separation process (‘P4’ process) of insulating a thin film solar cell from the outside is integrally performed with a transparent electrode patterning process (‘P1’ process) and a metallic electrode patterning process (‘P3’ process). This may reduce the fabrication costs and enhance spatial efficiency as the ‘P4’ process and equipment for the ‘P4’ process are not required.

Abstract: A microelectrical mechanical system (MEMS) microgenerator cell and array is disclosed. The MEMS microgenerator cell of the present invention is effective in the conversion of thermal energy to electrical energy. In accordance with the present invention, an explosive material is loaded into a chamber. A diaphragm seals the chamber, containing a plasma material. The explosive material is subsequently heated to its ignition temperature thereby raising the pressure in the chamber until the diaphragm ruptures. The rupture of the diaphragm results in the flow of plasma out of the chamber. Upon exiting the chamber, the plasma is forced to flow between two parallel rectangular electrodes. A magnetic field is applied in a direction orthogonal to both the plasma flow and the electrodes, thereby generating an electromagnetic field sufficient to a power source for MEMS devices.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a silicon-based thin film solar cell including a crystalline silicon photoelectric conversion unit which contains a p-type layer (4p), a crystalline i-type silicon photoelectric conversion layer (4ic), and an n-type layer (4nc) stacked in this order from a transparent substrate side is provided. In one example, an n-type silicon-based thin film layer (4na) is formed on the crystalline i-type silicon photoelectric conversion layer (4ic), the n-type silicon-based thin film layer (4na) having an n-type silicon alloy layer having a film thickness of 1-12 nm and being in contact with the crystalline i-type silicon photoelectric conversion layer.

Abstract: A photovoltaic cell is fabricated onto a polyimide film using an unbalanced RF magnetron sputtering process. The sputtering process includes the addition of 0.05% to 0.5% oxygen to an inert gas stream. Portions of the photovoltaic cell are exposed to an elevated temperature CdCl2 treatment which is at or below the glass transition temperature of the polyimide film.

Abstract: Core shell particles and bulk-heterojunction organic photovoltaic devices using the core shell particles are described. In particular, core shell particles having a core particle and a shell of a second material and bulk-heterojunction organic photovoltaic devices using the core-shell particles are described. The core-shell particles can have a core particle with an electron donating material or a core particle with an electron donating material. Formation of a hulk-heterojunction organic photovoltaic device using such an core-shell particles forming an interpenetrating network with the an electron donating or electron accepting phase is also described.

Abstract: A method of forming a floating junction on a substrate is disclosed. The method includes providing the substrate doped with boron atoms, the substrate comprising a front surface and a rear surface. The method also includes depositing a set of masking particles on the rear surface in a set of patterns; and heating the substrate in a baking ambient to a first temperature and for a first time period in order to create a particle masking layer. The method further includes exposing the substrate to a phosphorous deposition ambient at a second temperature and for a second time period, wherein a front surface PSG layer, a front surface phosphorous diffusion, a rear surface PSG layer, and a rear surface phosphorous diffusion are formed, and wherein a first phosphorous dopant surface concentration in the substrate proximate to the set of patterns is less than a second dopant surface concentration in the substrate not proximate to the set of patterns.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing solar strips. The method includes providing a photovoltaic material including a back side region, a front side surface, and a plurality of photovoltaic strip regions separated by a plurality of scribe regions. A first portion of the photovoltaic material is supported while a second portion of the photovoltaic material including at least one of the photovoltaic strips is left unsupported. The method includes applying a predetermined force along a portion of the photovoltaic strip that remains unsupported to cause the photovoltaic strip to be separated from the supported photovoltaic material.

Abstract: Energy conversion devices and methods for altering transport of reaction species therein include use of a dielectrically graded structure (e.g., region, layer). For example, in photon energy conversion devices (e.g., solar cells) or in chemical energy conversion devices (e.g., fuel cells) one or more non-electric structures which provide a gradient in dielectric constant are positioned within the cell to alter the direction and/or rate of transport of a photo-generated or chemical reaction-generated species.

Abstract: A solar umbrella and table apparatus with attached chairs features stand-alone AC power, generated from solar energy. The apparatus features an umbrella having solar collection devices and a table with attached seating chairs. The electrical system of the apparatus converts collected solar energy to an electrical voltage. Batteries store the energy provided by the solar panels. Inverters convert the DC voltage output from the storage batteries to 120 volts AC. Power outlet terminals are located on the umbrella and table apparatus allow 120 volts AC powered devices to access the output of the sine wave power inverters.

Abstract: An object is to provide a solar cell module capable of reducing warping of each solar cell due to a linear expansion coefficient difference between the solar cell and a wiring line member to prevent damages effectively without raising any cost increase. A solar cell module comprises a plurality of solar cells and is constituted by electrically connecting adjacent solar cells to one another by wiring line members, a base material of the wiring line member has a plastic strain of 2% or less in a drawing direction, and the solar cell is constituted of a crystalline wafer having a thickness of 200 microns or less.

Abstract: A one-axis azimuth sun-tracking carousel where the PV panels are mounted at a fixed tilt in operation can be mounted on a flat roof building without roof penetration and without risk of wind damage. The carousel is prefabricated and sized to carry the maximum power while still fitting in a standard shipping container. Panel support arms fold down for shipping or in the event of a hurricane to make the carousel less than 9 inches high. Because this carousel is prefabricated and compact, it can be easily hoisted up on a roof for rapid low-cost installation. Wind skirts provide low wind resistance in high wind situations during normal operation. In order to survive high winds without roof penetration, wire tether tie points allow several carousels in an array to be tethered together and to the building parapet walls.

Abstract: An electrolyte for a photovoltaic device including (i) a layered clay mineral and/or an organically modified layered clay mineral and (ii) an ionic liquid as well as a photovoltaic device including a photoelectrode including a transparent conducting layer and a metal oxide semiconductor mesoporous film using, as an electrolyte layer, the same, a counter electrode facing this photoelectrode and an electrolyte layer arranged between the photoelectrode and the counter electrode as well as a dye-sensitized solar cell composed of a photovoltaic device and a photosensitizer carried on a metal oxide semiconductor mesoporous film of the photovoltaic device, wherein the conductive substrate is obtained by coating, on a conductive substrate, a conductive polyaniline dispersion stably dispersed in an organic solvent including (A) a polyaniline obtained by polymerization of aniline or an aniline derivative, (B) a sulfonic acid compound and/or (C) an organic polymer having a protonic acid group, (D) a molecular weight mod

Abstract: A customized awning, window covering or other shading device that includes customized photovoltaic modules, panels or other photovoltaic-type devices and capabilities. The awning includes a cost-effective, energy-efficient means of providing solar power to run low-voltage devices at a desired interior or exterior location, while also maintaining or enhancing the aesthetic appearance or physical attributes of the shading device.