Photoelectric Patents (Class 136/243)
  • Patent number: 8481844
    Abstract: In the solar cell module 1, one finger electrode 30 is branched into multiple branched portions 30a in an intersecting region ? where the one finger electrode 30 intersects a conductive body including a wiring member 40 configured to collect photo-generated carriers from the finger electrode 30.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toyozo Nishida, Shigeharu Taira
  • Patent number: 8476523
    Abstract: A roofing tile solar power generation system includes an array of solar panel ready tiles installed upon the roof of a house and that delivers power to a central control unit and that may be controlled either locally by a computing system or remotely via a server. The solar panel ready tiles include a solar panel ready tile body having a cavity to receive a solar panel and electrical connects to service same. The solar panel ready tile includes communication pathway connection plugs. The cavity receives a solar panel. A cover may protect the solar panel or the cavity prior to installation of the solar panel. The solar panel ready system may also optionally have sub-panel control system, consisting of one or more of their own power bus interface, communication interface, memory, power status indicators and lighting modules, plurality of sensors and a processing unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Enpulz, L.L.C.
    Inventor: James D. Bennett
  • Patent number: 8475690
    Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention relates to a diffusing agent composition used in printing an impurity-diffusing component onto a semiconductor substrate, wherein the diffusing agent composition contains: a hydrolysis product of alkoxysilane (A); a component (B) containing at least one selected from the group consisting of a hydrolysis product of alkoxy titanium, a hydrolysis product of alkoxy zirconium, titania fine particle, and zirconia fine particle; an impurity-diffusing component (C); and an organic solvent (D).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Tokyo Ohka Kogyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takashi Kamizono, Toshiro Morita, Atsushi Murota, Motoki Takahashi, Katsuya Tanitsu, Takaaki Hirai
  • Patent number: 8471140
    Abstract: A porous silica precursor composition is herein provided and the precursor composition comprises an organic silane represented by the following chemical formula 1: R1m(R2—O)4-mSi (in the formula, R1 and R2 may be the same or different and each represent an alkyl group, and m is an integer ranging from 0 to 3); water; an alcohol; and a quaternary ammonium compound represented by the following chemical formula 2: R3N(R4)3X (in the formula, R3 and R4 may be the same or different and each represent an alkyl group and X represents a halogen atom). The composition is prepared by a method comprising the step of blending the foregoing components. The porous silica precursor composition is coated on a substrate and then fired to thus form a porous silica film. Also disclosed herein include a semiconductor element, an apparatus for displaying an image and a liquid crystal display, each having the foregoing porous silica film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Ulvac, Inc.
    Inventors: Takahiro Nakayama, Tatsuhiro Nozue, Hirohiko Murakami
  • Patent number: 8469022
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods and systems for a solar panel adjustment device, including a solar panel having a first end and a second end for receiving sunlight, a first pivot frame engaged to the first end of the solar panel for adjusting the solar panel, a second pivot frame engaged to the second end of the solar panel for adjusting the solar panel, and at least one drive means for adjusting the first pivot frame and the second pivot frame independently of one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Inventors: Jody L. Cowan, Robert S. Cowan
  • Patent number: 8466789
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for recognition of the theft of at least one solar module (5) on a photovoltaic unit with an inverter (1) an intermediate circuit (3), a DC-AC converter (4), at least one solar module (5) connected via connector lines (19) and a control device (8). A signal unit (19) which can be connected to the connector lines (9, 10), for generating and transmitting an electrical signal and a device for measuring and analyzing the signal received from the at least one solar module (5) are provided such that conclusions can be drawn about the theft of a solar module (5) from the received signal. According to the invention, reliable recognition of theft of a solar module (5) can be achieved by designing the signal unit (19) for generating varying electrical signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: Fronius International GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Mühlberger, Roland Prötsch
  • Patent number: 8467633
    Abstract: A wavelength conversion structure includes a light guide formed of a light-transmissive member having a laser light incident port that allows the laser light to be introduced and a phosphor-containing layer that covers at least part of the surface of the light guide. The light guide has a light diffusing structure having asperities and a light reflecting film. The asperities are formed over the surface of the light guide except a laser light incident surface having the laser light incident port. The light reflecting film is formed over the surface of the light guide along the asperities except the laser light incident port and the portion covered with the phosphor-containing layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: Stanley Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ji-Hao Liang, Teruo Koike
  • Patent number: 8462518
    Abstract: An electronics module docking system includes docking member removably coupled to a photovoltaic module. The docking system includes a first connector port electrically coupled to one or more photovoltaic cells of the photovoltaic module. The photovoltaic module is selectively coupleable to the docking member. The docking system includes a housing to enclose an electronics module. The housing may include second connector port that is selectively engageable to the power electronics module. The power electronics module and the photovoltaic cells are electrically coupled to one another upon selective engagement of the connector ports. The inverter housing is receivable by and removably coupleable to the docking member allowing the inverter housing to be removably coupleable to the photovoltaic module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: SolarBridge Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Marco A. Marroquin, Stephen P. Wurmlinger, Thomas Paul Parker, Robert S. Balog
  • Patent number: 8463092
    Abstract: A photovoltaic (PV) system includes a fiber optical waveguide comprising an active core that hosts material configured to absorb and emit light, a cladding layer surrounding the active core, the cladding layer being configured to allow ambient light to pass through the cladding layer, and an exit port located proximate an end of the waveguide. The PV system further comprises one or more solar cells disposed at the exit port of the waveguide. The waveguide is configured to guide light to the one or more solar cells. Another photovoltaic (PV) system includes a waveguide comprising an active cladding layer hosting material configured to absorb and emit light, and a core layer configured to confine light emitted by the active cladding layer. The PV system further includes one or more solar cells disposed proximate the waveguide. The core layer is configured to guide light to the one or more solar cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: The University of North Carolina at Charlotte
    Inventor: Faramarz Farahi
  • Patent number: 8455806
    Abstract: A method includes collecting site specific data, collecting field data at a site of an array of photovoltaic members, determining a current tracked irradiance of the array of photovoltaic members, calculating predicted irradiance for multiple orientations based on the site specific data and the sensed field data, or sensing an actual irradiance for multiple orientations. The method further includes determining a maximum predicted irradiance from the calculated predicted irradiance or a maximum actual irradiance from the sensed irradiance. The method further includes comparing the maximum predicted irradiance or the maximum sensed irradiance with the current tracked irradiance, and re-orienting the array of photovoltaic members to an orientation having the maximum predicted or actual irradiance if the maximum predicted or actual irradiance is greater than the current tracked irradiance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Sunpower Corporation
    Inventor: Zachary Judkins
  • Patent number: 8455752
    Abstract: A photovoltaic (PV) ac-module grounding system includes a plurality of PV dc-voltage modules. Each PV dc-voltage module is integrated with a corresponding dc-ac micro-inverter to provide a corresponding PV ac-voltage module. Each PV ac-voltage module includes an ac-voltage plug and play connector that includes a dc ground conductor. Each dc-ac micro-inverter is internally electrically connected to its own chassis ground or metal enclosure which in turn is electrically connected to a corresponding dc ground conductor. A dc ground path is carried through an ac power bus from ac-voltage module to ac-voltage module through the plug and play connectors via the dc ground conductors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Charles Steven Korman, Neil Anthony Johnson
  • Publication number: 20130133711
    Abstract: A plasmoelectric device for conversion of optical power to direct current (DC) electrical power includes a first plasmonic nanostructure having a first resonance value and a second plasmonic nanostructure having a second resonance value. The first and second plasmonic nanostructures are electrically coupled and the first plasmonic nanostructure is configured to receive irradiation at a first irradiation value and the second plasmonic nanostructure is configured to receive irradiation at a second irradiation value, to induce charge transfer between the first and second plasmonic nanostructures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2012
    Publication date: May 30, 2013
    Applicant: California Institute of Technology
    Inventor: California Institute of Technology
  • Patent number: 8450594
    Abstract: A low-index silica coating may be made by forming a silica precursor having a radiation curable composition including a radiation curable monomer and/or a photoinitiator, and also including a silica sol comprising a silane and/or a colloidal silica. The silica precursor may be deposited on a substrate (e.g., glass substrate or silicon wafer) to form a coating layer. The coating layer may then be cured via exposure to electromagnetic radiation, such as UV radiation. Then, the cured coating layer may be fired using temperature(s) of from about 550 to 700° C., in forming the low-index silica based coating. The low-index silica based coating may be used as an antireflective (AR) film on a front glass substrate of a photovoltaic device (e.g., solar cell) in certain example instances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Guardian Industries Corp.
    Inventor: Desaraju V. Varaprasad
  • Patent number: 8450602
    Abstract: A solar cell comprises a substrate that includes a photoelectric conversion function, a first electrode provided on one surface of the substrate, a second electrode provided on other surface of the substrate, and a third electrode provided on the other surface of the substrate with its periphery overlapping the second electrode in the in-plane direction of the substrate for extracting an electric power from the second electrode. The thickness of the second electrode is larger than that of the third electrode, and the difference between the thickness of the second electrode and that of the third electrode is within a range from equal to or more than 10 micrometers to equal to or less than 30 micrometers. Thereby, in the solar cell, an electrode separation (alloy separation) can be effectively prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Shoichi Karakida, Takahiko Nishida, Mitsunori Nakatani, Hiroaki Morikawa
  • Patent number: 8450595
    Abstract: A non-aqueous electrolyte battery includes a battery element, a film-form casing member, and a resin protective layer. The battery element includes a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator disposed between the positive electrode and the negative electrode. The film-form casing member contains the battery element and an electrolyte in an enclosed space thereof. The resin protective layer is formed along the surface of the film-form casing member and has a substantially uniform thickness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Tamotsu Harada, Yoshiaki Naruse, Takashi Ishigooka, Nobuyuki Ohyagi
  • Patent number: 8445774
    Abstract: A low-index silica coating may be made by forming a silica precursor having a radiation curable composition including a radiation curable monomer and/or a photoinitiator, and also including a silica sol comprising a silane and/or a colloidal silica. The silica precursor may be deposited on a substrate (e.g., glass substrate) to form a coating layer. The coating layer may then be cured via exposure to electromagnetic radiation, such as UV radiation. Then, the cured coating layer may be fired using temperature(s) of from about 550 to 700° C., in forming the low-index silica based coating. The low-index silica based coating may be used as an antireflective (AR) film on a front glass substrate of a photovoltaic device (e.g., solar cell) in certain example instances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Guardian Industries Corp.
    Inventor: Desaraju V. Varaprasad
  • Publication number: 20130118557
    Abstract: A photovoltaic module comprising a first substrate, a backing sheet, a solar cell or a plurality of solar cells, each solar cell positioned between the substrate and the backing sheet, at least one thin electrically conducting board positioned between the substrate and the backing sheet and preferably where the module has at least one electronic device, preferably positioned on the electrically conducting board, that provides the module with a desired function or capability.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2011
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Applicant: BP Corporation North America Inc.
    Inventors: Jean P. Posbic, Dinesh S. Amin
  • Patent number: 8432699
    Abstract: A junction box for a solar module is disclosed and comprises a housing having an opening for introducing a plurality of conductor strips; and an electrical connection mechanism disposed in a receptacle of the housing. The electrical connection mechanism comprises a plurality of conductor strip connection devices disposed on an inner surface of the housing for connecting to the conductor strips; and a current-path arrangement module detachably connected with the conductor strip connection devices and comprising a carrier, a plurality of electricity conveying elements and a plurality of electronic components, wherein the electricity conveying elements and the electronic components are disposed on one surface of the carrier, and each electronic component is connected with two adjacent electricity conveying elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Delta Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Yen-Chi Chou, Chen-Yu Yu, Chin-Chu Huang, Chih-Jen Chen, Ren-De Huang, Yung-Yu Chang
  • Patent number: 8426724
    Abstract: Interdigitated back contact (IBC) solar cells are produced by depositing spaced-apart parallel pads of a first dopant bearing material (e.g., boron) on a substrate, heating the substrate to both diffuse the first dopant into corresponding first (e.g., p+) diffusion regions and to form diffusion barriers (e.g., borosilicate glass) over the first diffusion regions, and then disposing the substrate in an atmosphere containing a second dopant (e.g., phosphorus) such that the second dopant diffuses through exposed surface areas of the substrate to form second (e.g., n+) diffusion regions between the first (p+) diffusion regions (the diffusion barriers prevent the second dopant from diffusion into the first (p+) diffusion regions). The substrate material along each interface between adjacent first (p+) and second (n+) diffusion regions is then removed (e.g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Palo Alto Research Center Incorporated
    Inventors: Kenta Nakayashiki, Baomin Xu
  • Patent number: 8415552
    Abstract: A solar cell having an open loop voltage that approaches a critical voltage range when exposed to light. A circuit, connected to the solar cell, is configured to load the solar cell when the open loop voltage of the solar cell reaches a threshold within a predetermined range of the critical voltage range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Tigo Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: Ron Hadar, Shmuel Arditi, Dan Kikinis
  • Patent number: 8415558
    Abstract: A dye-sensitized photoelectric converter with enhanced light absorptance and photoelectric conversion efficiency is provided. The dye-sensitized photoelectric converter includes a transparent substrate (e.g., glass), a (negative) electrode composed of a transparent conductive layer such as FTO (fluorine-doped tin(IV) oxide SnO2), a semiconductor layer holding multiple types of photosensitizing dyes, an electrolyte layer, a counter (positive) electrode, a counter substrate, and a sealing medium (not illustrated). In some embodiments, the multiple types of photosensitizing dyes have minimum excitation energies that are different from one another. In some embodiments, the multiple types of dyes have steric configurations that are different relative to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Reiko Yoneya, Yusuke Suzuki, Masahiro Morooka
  • Patent number: 8410355
    Abstract: This invention intends to develop a technique for forming an interlayer with excellent optical characteristics and to provide a photoelectric conversion device having high conversion efficiency. To realize this purpose, a series connection through an intermediate layer is formed in the thin-film photoelectric conversion device of the invention, and the interlayer is a transparent oxide layer in its front surface and n pairs of layers stacked therebehind (n is an integer of 1 or more), wherein each of the pair of layers is a carbon layer and a transparent oxide layer stacked in this order. Film thicknesses of each layer are optimized to improve wavelength selectivity and stress resistance while keeping the series resistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Kaneka Corporation
    Inventors: Tomomi Meguro, Mitsuru Ichikawa, Fumiyasu Sezaki, Kunta Yoshikawa, Takashi Kuchiyama, Kenji Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 8404965
    Abstract: An apparatus for receiving energy is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a support base and a plurality of cells. The support base comprises an electric terminal. The plurality of cells are mounted to the support base. Further, each of the plurality of cells is electrically connected to the electric terminal disposed on the support base. In an embodiment each cell may be in the shape of a rhombus. Further, each of the plurality of cells may be oriented in a non-parallel relationship with each neighboring cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Inventor: Casey Dame
  • Patent number: 8404513
    Abstract: A method for generating electric power including the steps of: (a) preparing a solar cell having a condensing lens and a solar cell element, wherein the solar cell element includes an n-type GaAs layer, a p-type GaAs layer, a quantum tunneling layer, an n-type InGaP layer, a p-type InGaP layer, a p-type window layer, an n-side electrode, and a p-side electrode, and satisfies the following equation (I): d2<d1, d3<d1, nanometer?d2?4 nanometers, 1 nanometer?d3?4 nanometers, d5<d4, d6<d4, 1 nanometer?d5?5 nanometers, 1 nanometer?d6?5 nanometers, 100 nanometers?w2, 100 nanometers?w3, 100 nanometers?w4, and 100 nanometers?w5. . . (I); and (b) irradiating a region S which is included in the surface of the p-type window layer through the condensing lens with light to satisfy the following equation (II) in order to generate a potential difference between the n-side electrode and the p-side electrode: w6?w1. . . (II).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Akio Matsushita, Akihiro Itoh, Tohru Nakagawa, Hidetoshi Ishida
  • Patent number: 8395041
    Abstract: Disclosed is a photoelectric conversion element comprising a conductive support and provided thereon, a semiconductor layer, a charge transporting layer and an opposed electrode, the semiconductor layer comprising a semiconductor with a dye, wherein the dye is a compound represented by the following formula (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Konica Minolta Business Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Hidekazu Kawasaki, Akihiko Itami, Kazuya Isobe, Hideya Miwa, Kazukuni Nishimura, Mayuko Ushiro
  • Patent number: 8389853
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignees: Board of Regents, The University of Texas System, Sandia Corporation
    Inventors: Russell R. Chianelli, Karina Castillo, Vipin Gupta, Ali M. Qudah, Brenda Torres, Rajab Emhemed Abujnah
  • Patent number: 8389849
    Abstract: A solar battery panel wherein cracking of solar battery cells can be reduced without reducing the power generating capacity per unit area. The solar battery panel consists of a plurality of solar battery cells (1) connected in series by connecting surface electrode tabs (104) to rear electrode tabs (105). In the solar battery panel, a tab-to-tab connecting portion (107) and a tab-to-cell connecting portion (106) are arranged via a gap (108) in the solar battery cell arrangement direction (162) without these portions overlapping each other. One end portion (107a) of the tab-to-tab connecting portion (107) exists within a region of a non-light receiving surface (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Daisuke Echizenya, Masashi Nakamura, Junichi Yasuda, Teruto Miura, Yoshikazu Ikuta
  • Patent number: 8382310
    Abstract: A packaging system for the retail display of an electrical device is disclosed. The packaging includes a “try me” switch to allow a potential customer to activate the electrical device in the store. The product includes a photovoltaic array and rechargeable battery which is intended to be periodically charged by the photovoltaic array. When packaged by the manufacturer, the rechargeable batteries are sufficiently charged to substantially activate the electrical device. When depressed, the “try me” switch interconnects the primary rechargeable battery with the electrical device within the packaging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Smart Solar Inc.
    Inventor: James P. Bologeorges
  • Patent number: 8382964
    Abstract: A solar-powered pool skimmer is disclosed. The solar-powered skimmer may include lid having an upper surface and a lower surface, and a solar cell affixed to the upper surface of the lid. A pair of electrodes is electrically affixed to the terminals of the solar cell, and is each capable of being stored in a retracted position and moved to an extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Inventor: Kevin Boedecker
  • Patent number: 8383927
    Abstract: A back metal electrode, a bottom cell using microcrystalline silicon for a photoelectric conversion layer, a front cell using amorphous silicon for a photoelectric conversion layer, and a transparent front electrode are formed in this order on a supporting substrate. At least one of the concentration of impurities contained in the front photoelectric conversion layer and the concentration of impurities contained in the bottom photoelectric conversion layer is controlled such that the concentration of impurities in the bottom photoelectric conversion layer is higher than the concentration of impurities in the front photoelectric conversion layer. Impurities do not include a p-type dopant or an n-type dopant but are any one, two, or all of carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: SANYO Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masaki Shima, Kunimoto Ninomiya
  • Patent number: 8383553
    Abstract: Novel dyes, as well as related photovoltaic cells, components, systems, and methods, are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Merck Patent GmbH
    Inventors: Richard A. Minns, David Waller
  • Patent number: 8378706
    Abstract: A method of processing of solar cells includes determining that a back-contact solar cell is defective. The back-contact solar cell includes a first plurality of interconnect pads at a first edge thereof, and a second plurality of interconnect pads at a second, opposed thereof, the first and second pluralities of interconnect pads having opposite operational charges. The back-contact solar cell is then diced to define at least first and second back-contact solar cell sections. The first back-contact solar cell section has at least two interconnect pads, of the plurality of interconnect pads, at respective opposed edges thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: SunPower Corporation
    Inventors: Zachary Kinyon, Douglas H. Rose, Karen Elizabeth Wilson
  • Patent number: 8373058
    Abstract: The present invention provides a solar cell whose external color can be adjusted so that redness is suppressed. In the case where a photoelectric conversion layer contains amorphous silicon, an optical absorption layer is provided between the photoelectric conversion layer and a reflecting electrode layer. The optical absorption layer has a light absorbing property mainly in a long wavelength range, while the photoelectric conversion layer (amorphous silicon) has a selective light absorbing property mainly in a short/medium wavelength range. Incident light (solar light) passed through the photoelectric conversion layer further passes through the optical absorption layer and, after that, is reflected by the reflecting electrode layer. That is, remaining light of the incident light absorbed by the optical absorption layer and the photoelectric conversion layer is reflected by the reflecting electrode layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignees: TDK Corporation, Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hisao Morooka, Takeshi Echizenya, Hirokazu Fujioka, Saki Takahashi, Kazuo Nishi
  • Patent number: 8349623
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a thin film photoelectric conversion module comprising the steps of: (A) forming a plurality of divided strings by dividing a string, in which thin film photoelectric conversion elements provided by sequentially laminating a first electrode layer, a photoelectric conversion layer and a second electrode layer on the surface of an insulating substrate are electrically connected in series, into a plurality of strings by dividing grooves, electrically insulating and separating the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer one from the other and extending in a serial connection direction; and (B) performing reverse biasing by applying a reverse bias voltage to each of thin film photoelectric conversion elements of the divided string.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shinsuke Tachibana, Takanori Nakano
  • Patent number: 8349644
    Abstract: A method for producing a backside contact of a single p-n junction photovoltaic solar cell is provided. The method includes the steps of: providing a p-type substrate having a back surface; providing a plurality of p+ diffusion regions at the back surface of the substrate; providing a plurality of n+ diffusion regions at the back surface of the substrate in an alternate pattern with the p+ diffusion regions; providing an oxide layer over the p+ and n+ regions; providing an insulating layer over the back surface of the substrate; providing at least one first metal contact at the back surface for the p+ diffusion regions; and providing at least one second metal contact at the back surface for the n+ diffusion regions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: e-Cube Energy Technologies, Ltd.
    Inventors: Wei Shan, Xiao-Dong Xiang
  • Patent number: 8343795
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to a method to break and assemble solar cells to make solar panel. The present disclosure provides a method to produce solar pieces from solar cell, as well as assemble them together. The present disclosure device is unique when compared with other known devices and solutions because the present disclosure provides a high speed method to break scribed cells into pieces. A method of forming a string of solar cells includes providing a scribe line on a solar cell and placing a first ribbon on the solar cell. The method then includes placing the solar cell on a supporter and then breaking the solar cell into a plurality of solar cell pieces. The method then has the step of placing a second ribbon on the solar cell pieces and soldering the first and second ribbons and the solar cell pieces and then assembling the solar cell pieces into a string of solar cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Inventors: Yuhao Luo, Zhi-min Ling
  • Patent number: 8344238
    Abstract: Systems and materials to improve photovoltaic cell efficiency by implementing a self-cleaning function on photovoltaic cells and on albedo surfaces associated with photovoltaic cell assemblies are provided. Materials for protecting albedo surfaces that surround photovoltaic cell assemblies, thereby maximizing energy input into the photovoltaic cell assemblies, are provided. Materials for self-cleaning photovoltaic cell panels, thereby maintaining their efficiency, are provided. Portable albedo collecting devices associated with photovoltaic cell assemblies are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Solyndra LLC
    Inventors: Chris M Gronet, James K. Truman
  • Patent number: 8338690
    Abstract: This invention relates to a method for producing a photovoltaic device that includes spherical photovoltaic elements and a support with a large number of recesses for receiving the elements one by one and to the photovoltaic device. Each of the spherical photovoltaic elements comprises a spherical first semiconductor and a second semiconductor layer covering the surface of the first semiconductor. A conductive adhesive is applied in advance to the bottoms of the recesses of the support serving as a second conductor layer. The elements are disposed in the bottoms of the recesses with the conductive adhesive applied thereto, to fix the elements to the support and electrically connect their second semiconductor layers to the support. An electrical insulator layer, which has through-holes serving as conductive paths, is bonded to the backside of the support, and a first conductor layer, which interconnects the electrodes of the first semiconductors of the respective elements, is formed thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Clean Venture 21 Corporation
    Inventors: Mikio Murozono, Takeshi Hibino, Noboru Mouri, Young-tae Park, Toshiyuki Nakamura, Yoshiaki Kodani
  • Patent number: 8338691
    Abstract: A photoelectric conversion element is provided and includes: an electrically conductive thin layer; an organic photoelectric conversion layer; and a transparent electrically conductive thin layer. The organic photoelectric conversion layer contains: a compound represented by formula (I); and a fullerene or a fullerene derivative. In the formula, Z1 represents an atomic group necessary for forming a 5- or 6-membered ring, L1, L2 and L3 each independently represents an unsubstituted methine group or a substituted methine group, D1 represents an atomic group, and n represents an integer of 0 or more.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventors: Tetsuro Mitsui, Kimiatsu Nomura, Mitsumasa Hamano, Katsuyuki Yofu
  • Patent number: 8338700
    Abstract: A photoelectric conversion device using a semiconductor fine material such as a semiconductor fine particle sensitized with a dye carried thereon, characterized in that the dye is a methine type dye having a specific partial structure, for example, a methine type dye having a specific carboxyl-substituted hetero ring on one side of a methine group and an aromatic residue substituted with a dialkylamino group or an organic metal complex residue on the other side of the methine group, or a methine type dye having a carboxyl-substituted aromatic ring on one side of a methine group and a heteroaromatic ring having a dialkylamino group or an organic metal complex residue on the otherside of the methine group; and a solar cell using the photoelectric conversion element. The photoelectric conversion element exhibits a conversion efficiency comparable or superior to that of a conventionally known photoelectric conversion element sensitized with a methine type dye.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Nippon Kayaku Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masaaki Ikeda, Koichiro Shigaki, Teruhisa Inoue
  • Patent number: 8338701
    Abstract: A photoelectric conversion device using a semiconductor fine material such as a semiconductor fine particle sensitized with a dye carried thereon, characterized in that the dye is a methine type dye having a specific partial structure, for example, a methine type dye having a specific carboxyl-substituted hetero ring on one side of a methine group and an aromatic residue substituted with a dialkylamino group or an organic metal complex residue on the other side of the methine group, or a methine type dye having a carboxyl-substituted aromatic ring on one side of a methine group and a heteroaromatic ring having a dialkylamino group or an organic metal complex residue on the other side of the methine group; and a solar cell using the photoelectric conversion element. The photoelectric conversion element exhibits a conversion efficiency comparable or superior to that of a conventionally known photoelectric conversion element sensitized with a methine type dye.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Nippon Kayaku Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masaaki Ikeda, Koichiro Shigaki, Teruhisa Inoue
  • Patent number: 8338692
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide an electrolyte for photoelectric conversion elements, and a photoelectric conversion element and a dye-sensitized solar cell using the electrolyte, wherein high energy conversion efficiency can be achieved while substantially not including iodine. The electrolyte for a photoelectric conversion element of the present invention includes an ionic liquid (A) and a carbon material (B) having a specific surface area of from 1,000 to 3,500 m2/g, wherein a content of the carbon material (B) is from 10 to 50 parts by mass per 100 parts by mass of the ionic liquid (A).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshimasa Imazaki, Tsukasa Maruyama
  • Patent number: 8334863
    Abstract: A display system and a device having the display system are provided. The display system includes: a pixel area on which a pixel is formed; a substrate having a top side and a back side opposite to the top side, and a plurality of edges between the top side and the back side, the substrate being a main substrate on which the pixel area being formed or a sealing substrate; and a solar cell area having at least one solar cell integrated on a peripheral of the pixel area, the edge of the substrate or a combination thereof. The display system includes: a pixel area on a display substrate, including: a transparent electrode; and an emissive device for emitting a light, the transparent electrode and the emissive device being aligned in series on the display substrate, a solar cell placed behind the transparent electrode, for making the transparent electrode non-reflective to the emissive device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: Ignis Innovation Inc.
    Inventors: Arokia Nathan, G. Reza Chaji
  • Patent number: 8330039
    Abstract: Provided is a solar cell module that comprises a solar cell assembly. The solar cell assembly is encapsulated by a poly(vinyl butyral) encapsulant and contains a silver component that is at least partially in contact with the poly(vinyl butyral) encapsulant. The poly(vinyl butyral) encapsulant comprises poly(vinyl butyral), about 15 to about 45 wt % of one or more plasticizers, and about 0.1 to about 2 wt % of one or more unsaturated heterocyclic compounds, based on the total weight of the poly(vinyl butyral) encapsulant. Further provided are an assembly for preparing the solar cell module; a process for preventing or reducing the discoloration of a poly(vinyl butyral) encapsulant in contact with a silver component in the solar cell module; and the use of the solar cell module to convert solar energy to electricity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: E I du Pont de Nemours and Company
    Inventors: Rebecca L. Smith, Jason S. Wall, Katherine M. Stika
  • Patent number: 8325059
    Abstract: A method and system includes a solar panel. A power bus is coupled to the solar panel. The power bus supports transmission of AC communication signals. A slave node, coupled to the power bus, transmits information regarding solar panel performance. A master node, remotely coupled to the slave node over the power bus, receives the information regarding solar panel performance from the slave node.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Tigo Energy, Inc.
    Inventor: Leonid Rozenboim
  • Patent number: 8313975
    Abstract: The purpose is manufacturing a photoelectric conversion device with excellent photoelectric conversion characteristics typified by a solar cell with effective use of a silicon material. A single crystal silicon layer is irradiated with a laser beam through an optical modulator to form an uneven structure on a surface thereof. The single crystal silicon layer is obtained in the following manner; an embrittlement layer is formed in a single crystal silicon substrate; one surface of a supporting substrate and one surface of an insulating layer formed over the single crystal silicon substrate are disposed to be in contact and bonded; heat treatment is performed; and the single crystal silicon layer is formed over the supporting substrate by separating part of the single crystal silicon substrate fixed to the supporting substrate along the embrittlement layer or a periphery of the embrittlement layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Fumito Isaka, Sho Kato, Junpei Momo
  • Patent number: 8304643
    Abstract: The present invention provides a photoelectric conversion material comprising a fullerene derivative represented by the formula C60(R1)5(MLn), wherein: each R1 independently represents an organic group having a substituent; M represents a metal atom; L is a ligand of M; and n is the number of Ls. Further, the present invention also provides a photoelectric conversion device having a self-assembled monomolecular film of the photoelectric conversion material, and a solar cell having the photoelectric conversion device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Japan Science and Technology Agency
    Inventors: Eiichi Nakamura, Yutaka Matsuo, Katsuhiko Kanaizuka
  • Patent number: 8294296
    Abstract: System, methods and apparatus for coupling photovoltaic arrays are disclosed. The apparatus may include a first input adapted to couple to a neutral line of a first photovoltaic array; a second input adapted to couple to a neutral line of a second photovoltaic array; a contactor configured to switchably couple the neutral line of a first photovoltaic array to the a neutral line of a second photovoltaic array, the contactor being remotely controllable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Advanced Energy Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Jack Arthur Gilmore, Eric Seymour
  • Patent number: 8295892
    Abstract: A mobile terminal including a terminal body, a transparent display formed at the terminal body, a solar cell configured to be disposed below the transparent display and to generate electricity using light incident and transmitting through the transparent display; and a controller configured to control an amount of light transmitted through the transparent display and being incident on the solar cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Jong-Hwan Kim, Nam-Yong Park
  • Patent number: 8288941
    Abstract: An electronic device having an electrode with enhanced injection properties comprising a first electrode and a first layer of cross-linked molecular charge transfer material on the first electrode. The cross-linked molecular charge transfer material may be an acceptor, which may consist of at least one of: TNF, TN9(CN)2F, TeNF, TeCIBQ, TCNB, DCNQ, and TCAQ. The cross-linked molecular charge transfer material may also be a donor, which may consist of at least one of: Terpy, Ru(terpy)2 TTN, and crystal violet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas Brunschwiler, Siegfried F Karg, Walter Riess