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. Finally, each of the plurality of cells is oriented in a non-parallel relationship with each neighboring cell.

Abstract: Provided is a photovoltaic device with an organic buffer layer for efficiency improvement. The photovoltaic device includes a first electrode and a second electrode disposed opposite to each other, a photoactive layer disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode, and a buffer layer disposed between the photoactive layer and the second electrode. The buffer layer includes a compound including an aromatic organic cation and an anion in a quantity ranging from 30 wt % to 100 wt %, more preferably 50 wt % to 100 wt % with respect to the entire weight of the buffer layer.

Abstract: Modules are disclosed. The modules can include: a first photovoltaic cell including an electrode; a second photovoltaic cell including an electrode; and an interconnect that connects the electrodes of first and second photovoltaic cells. The interconnect can include: an electrically insulative material adhesive material; and a mesh partially disposed in the adhesive material.

Abstract: To provide an easy-to-manufacture, high-quality photovoltaic conversion device and an optical power generator and also to provide a manufacturing method with high production efficiency.

Abstract: A solar energy collector is provided having at least one reflector panel, a plurality of solar receivers, and a support structure that supports the at least one reflector panels in a manner that defines a reflector troughs having a trough base, a pair of reflective side walls and a trough aperture suitable for receiving incident sunlight during operation of the collector, wherein each reflective side wall has a curvature that approximates a quarter parabola segment to thereby concentrate incident solar radiation on the plurality of solar receivers.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a photovoltaic cell that includes a first electrode, a second electrode, and an active layer disposed between the first and second electrodes. The active layer includes two different fullerenes. The weight ratio of the first fullerene to the second fullerene is at least about 1:20.

Abstract: Methods and systems for extracting energy from a heat source using photonic crystals with defect cavities generally comprise a photonic crystal, a cavity, and a converter. The photonic crystal is responsive to a heat source and generates an electromagnetic beam in response to incidence with the heat source. The photonic crystal exhibits a band gap such that wavelengths within the band gap are substantially confined within the photonic crystal. The cavity is substantially within the crystal and is responsive to the electromagnetic beam such that the cavity transmits the electromagnetic beam to a specified location. The converter is substantially collocated with the specified location and extracts energy in response to incidence with the electromagnetic beam.

Abstract: A connector arrangement connects the flat conductors that extend upwardly from a horizontal photovoltaic cell panel with the insulated conductors of a cable via the circuits of a printed circuit board, respectively. A flat conductor support member is adhesively secured to the upper surface of the horizontal photovoltaic cell panel and includes upwardly extending bridge portions having flat upper edges about which are reversely bent the upper free ends of the flat conductors. A hollow sectional connector housing includes a lower body section containing a bottom opening that receives the flat conductor support member when the lower body section is seated on the panel upper surface. Bifurcated resilient contacts mounted on the lower section have first portions that engage the bent flat conductor ends, respectively, and second portions that engage the circuits on a replaceable printed circuit board carried by the removable upper cover section of the housing.

Abstract: A solar receiver can have a base plate having a first surface and a second surface, a plurality of solar cells positioned over and supported by the first surface of the base plate, each solar cell having a cell face suitable for receiving solar radiation that faces away from the base plate, the plurality of solar cells being arranged in at least one string having a string axis, and a plurality of fins attached directly to the second surface of the base plate, wherein the fins extend outwardly from the second surface of the base plate in a direction that is generally perpendicular to both the string axis and the solar cell faces.

Abstract: Renewable electrical energy is provided with aspects and circuitry that can harvest maximum power from an alternative electrical energy source (1) such as a string of solar panels (11) for a power grid (10). Aspects include: i) controlling electrical power creation from photovoltaic DC-AC inverter (5), ii) operating photovoltaic DC-AC inverter (5) at maximal efficiency even when MPP would not be, iii) protecting DC-AC inverter (5) so input can vary over a range of insolation and temperature, and iv) providing dynamically reactive capability to react and assure operation, to permit differing components, to achieve code compliant dynamically reactive photovoltaic power control circuitry (41). With previously explained converters, inverter control circuitry (38) or photovoltaic power converter functionality control circuitry (8) configured as inverter sweet spot converter control circuitry (46) can achieve extraordinary efficiencies with substantially power isomorphic photovoltaic capability at 99.

Abstract: A modular shade system comprises a support structure supporting modular panels. The support structure defines a first area having a length and a width. The modular panels have upper, exposed surfaces and lower surfaces and are mounted to and supported by the support structure. The modular panels cover at least about 80% of the first area. The modular panels comprise PV panels and supplemental panels, the supplemental panels providing a feature other than shading and optionally providing shading. Protective panels may be mounted opposite the lower surfaces of the PV modules. A protective panel may so be used when the PV module is part of an installation other than a modular shade structure.

Abstract: A bifacial thin film solar cell and method for fabricating the same are provided. The solar cell has a first and a second transparent substrates, a first and a second solar cell modules, and an insulating layer. The first solar cell module is formed on the first transparent substrate, and has a metal layer as one of the electrodes of the first solar cell module and as a light reflection layer. The insulating layer is formed on the metal layer of the first solar cell module. The second solar cell module is formed between the insulating layer and the second transparent substrate.

Abstract: A solar cell includes negative metal contact fingers electrically connected to N-type diffusion regions of the solar cell and positive metal contact fingers electrically connected to P-type diffusion regions of the solar cell. Both the N-type and P-type diffusion regions are on the backside of the solar cell. The solar cell includes a front side that faces the sun during normal operation. The negative and positive metal contact fingers may be interdigitated. For increased solar radiation collection, the metal contact fingers may be arranged to point to and collectively cover portions of a perimeter of a solder pad. For example, the negative metal contact fingers may be arranged to point to and collectively cover two or three sides of a solder pad.

Abstract: A photovoltaic module includes a plurality of photovoltaic devices, a first filling material formed by a resin having a first soften temperature which is disposed in an area where the photovoltaic devices are disposed, a second filling material having a second soften temperature which is disposed in an area other than the area where the photovoltaic devices are disposed, a front surface protecting material disposed on the first filling material and the second filling material. The second soften temperature is higher than the first soften temperature.

Abstract: Method for using renewable energy sources comprising at least one remote energy generation plant which may be operated by a renewable energy source, a production measurement unit at the location of the at least one remote energy generation plant which measures the production of the at least one remote energy generation plant, a central control unit, the method comprising the following steps: a) producing a production forecast for the production of the at least one remote energy generation plant in a future time period, b) transmitting the production forecast to the central control unit via a computer network, c) operating the remote energy generation plant and measuring the production using the production measurement unit, d) comparing the measured production with the production forecast, e) notifying an operator of the at least one energy generation plant, if the measured production deviates from the production forecast beyond a predetermined level.

Abstract: A solar tracker has a mounting surface to which a solar device is mounted and means for causing the mounting surface to change its orientation so as to be substantially perpendicular to the sun's rays as the sun travels through a useful arc relative to the solar tracker wherein change of orientation of the mounting surface is caused by bending of the solar tracker attributable. The bending can be caused by mechanical contraction or due to shrinkage caused by loss of water in which case capillary action causes the outer surface material to be saturated and grow when it is not exposed to sunlight. The bendable mounting surface support is an elongated tube held in a nominally vertical position in the absence of sunlight by a vertical support which can be a coiled compression spring, an extruded tube of closed-end structural foam, a vertical floating pole or an air-inflated tube.

Abstract: A free-floating, integrated, solar operated water heater appliance, for heating the body of water includes a flotation device for buoyantly supporting the appliance in the body of water. A water heater element, fueled by solar energy, heats water pumped through the heater element by an integral pump, driven by solar energy. A solar energy reflector/container supports the heater element and concentrates solar energy onto the outer surface of the heater element. A parabolic dish reflector concentrates solar energy onto the inner surface of the heater element. Water is circulated through the heater element and returned, in elevated temperature, to the body of water.

Abstract: A solar cell module includes photoelectric converters, and resin surface covering materials covering the light-incident side of photoelectric converters, trenches being formed in the surface covering materials. The trenches extend approximately in parallel to the horizontal plane for a certain length, and in parallel to each other, so as to facilitate, in repairing the damage therein, improving the adhesiveness between the module surface and the bonding portion of a repair material so as to prevent water and contamination from getting into the bonding portion, prevent the solar cell module properties from deteriorating, prevent any ground fault through the water, and prevent the repair material from peeling.

Abstract: Disclosed are an organic dye having a specific structure, a photoelectric conversion material containing the dye, a semiconductor electrode formed of a substrate having an electrically conductive surface, a semiconductor layer coated on the electrically conductive surface and the above dye adsorbed on the surface, and a photoelectric conversion device to which the above dye is applied. The present invention uses the above dye and can therefore provide a photoelectric conversion device excellent in photoelectric conversion efficiency, and the photoelectric conversion device is suitable for use in a solar cell or the like.

Abstract: In one aspect, a method is provided for operating a charging display system that is capable of wirelessly charging a rechargeable device positioned on a connector-less charging surface. In accordance with the method, the presence of a chargeable device on the charging surface is detected and the type of the chargeable device is identified. A set of interaction options based upon the identity of the chargeable device with the set, including a charging interaction option, is determined and, a displayable output signal based upon the determined set interaction options is generated. The set of interaction options is initiated based upon the detected presence of the chargeable device on the charging surface and the identified device type and, the output signal is presented on a display of the charging device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a two-step method for production of low temperature mechanically stable and electrically efficient nanoporous electrodes, in particular titania nanoporous electrodes, for photoelectrochemical applications. The method of the invention comprises electrophoretic deposition (EPD) of nanosize titania crystals from a stable suspension containing thereof on a conductive substrate, and formation of mechanical and electrical contact between them. The invention further relates to nanoporous electrodes obtained by this method and to dye sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) fabricated therefrom.

Abstract: A junction box for a photovoltaic system includes a housing having a base and a cover removably attached thereto, and a plurality of guide channels extending from an exterior surface of the housing to an interior portion thereof. The guide channels are sized and shaped to receive a plurality of conductive foil strips from a solar panel array. When the strips are fed into the guide channels, they are guided to and properly positioned within corresponding receptacles. Each receptacle is sized and shaped to receive a buss bar, and each strip is connected to a corresponding buss bar by a low insertion connector. When the cover is fully engaged with the base, bosses extending from the cover press against the connectors, creating a spring tension and pinch and retain the associated strip. As a result, a reliable physical and electrical connection between the strips and the buss bars is achieved. A heat sink having a plurality of fins protrude outwardly from the housing to dissipate heat externally.

Abstract: An inexpensive substrate for thin film solar cells having improved performance of a thin film solar cell, and a manufacturing method thereof are provided by increasing light trapping effect due to effective increase in unevenness of a substrate for thin film solar cells. Furthermore, a thin film solar cell having improved performance using the substrate is provided. A substrate for thin film solar cells of the present invention has a transparent insulating substrate and a transparent electrode layer deposited thereon including at least zinc oxide (ZnO), the transparent insulating substrate has a fine surface unevenness having a root-mean-square deviation of the surface (RMS) 5 to 50 nm in an interface by a side of the transparent electrode layer, a projected area thereof consists of a curved surface, and furthermore a haze ratio or a ratio of a diffuse transmittance to a total transmittance as an index of unevenness of a substrate may be set at not less than 20% measured using a C light source.

Abstract: In a photovoltaic cell, an i-type amorphous silicon film and an n-type amorphous silicon film are formed in a region excluding a predetermined width of an outer periphery on a main surface of an n-type single crystalline silicon substrate. A front electrode is formed so as to cover the i-type amorphous silicon film and the n-type amorphous silicon film on a main surface of the n-type single crystalline silicon substrate. An i-type amorphous silicon film and a p-type amorphous silicon film are formed on the entire area of a back surface of the n-type single crystalline silicon substrate. A back electrode is formed in a region excluding a predetermined width of an outer periphery on the p-type amorphous silicon film. A surface, on the side of the front electrode, of the photovoltaic cell is a primary light incidence surface.

Abstract: A photovoltaic apparatus may comprise two or more energy transfer layers and an acceptor layer. The energy transfer layers are configured such that excitons formed by absorption of radiation in one energy transfer layer transfer to an adjacent energy transfer layer that is closer to the acceptor layer by a dipole mechanism without the exciton diffusing to an interface between the two energy transfer layers. This can be achieved by appropriately configuring the HOMO and LUMO (or conduction and valence band) levels of the energy transfer layers and the acceptor layer.

Abstract: A system and method for lower cost, solar thermal generation includes a thermal input block, and an energy storage block.

Abstract: In accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure, a solar photovoltaic device is disclosed. The semiconductor material of the solar photovoltaic device is a heterostructure of two different binary compounds of the same metal. One or both of the two different binary compounds of the same metal are doped so that they have a conduction band edge offset of greater than about 0.4 eV. The binary compound acting as the optical absorbing material of the solar photovoltaic device has a bandgap of about 1.0 eV to about 1.8 eV.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for solar conversion using nanocoax structures are disclosed herein. A nano-optics apparatus for use as a solar cell comprising a plurality of nano-coaxial structures comprising an internal conductor surrounded by a semiconducting material coated with an outer conductor; a film having the plurality of nano-coaxial structures; and a protruding portion of the an internal conductor extending beyond a surface of the film. A method of fabricating a solar cell comprising: coating a substrate with a catalytic material; growing a plurality of carbon nanotubes as internal cores of nanocoax units on the substrate; oxidizing the substrate; coating with a semiconducting film; and filling with a metallic medium that wets the semiconducting film of the nanocoax units.

Abstract: A multi-crystalline silicon germanium bulk crystal with microscopic compositional distribution is adapted for use in solar cells to substantially increase conversion efficiency. By controlling the average Ge concentration between 0.1 and 8.0 mole percent, significant improvements are attained with respect to short circuit current density and conversion efficiency.

Abstract: A thin film solar cell includes: a transparent conductive film arranged on a translucent insulating substrate; first and second separation trenches orthogonal to each other on the translucent insulating substrate and separating the transparent conductive film; and a first opening trench parallel to the first separation trench and second opening trenches parallel to said second separation trench, orthogonal to each other on the translucent insulating substrate; wherein solar cells formed on the translucent insulating substrate are arranged at adjacent positions with said first opening trench positioned therebetween and at adjacent positions with said second opening trench positioned therebetween; pairs of said solar cells adjacent to each other with said first opening trench positioned therebetween are electrically connected, and among pairs of solar cells positioned adjacent to each other with the second opening trench in between, some are electrically connected to each other, and others are electrically insu

Abstract: An optical element (11) in the form of an at least partially transparent face comprises transparent areas and essentially non-transparent areas. The transparent areas are arranged sufficiently close for the intermediate and essentially non-transparent areas to be essentially invisible to the naked eye, at least when the element is viewed from a given distance. The essentially non-transparent areas are arranged sufficiently close and have a sufficient extent at right angles to the face for the intermediate, transparent areas to have such depth/width ratio that the optical element will, at a given point on the face, allow passage of light with given angles of incidence, while light having other angles of incidence are unable to pass the element at the point in question. Hereby an optical element is obtained that is able to better reduce the heating of the interior of a building that is caused by incoming solar radiation without the direct radiation and hence the view being blocked considerably.

Abstract: A system and method for installing a solar module on a roof using a mounting structure which can be adjusted after it has been fixed to the roof. The mounting structure is comprised of a plate having a slot into which an adjustable bracket is slidably positioned. The mounting structures are spaced from each other and the plates are fixed to the roof by toggle bolts or the like. A framed module is placed across the structures and one or both of the adjustable brackets are adjusted to align holes in the frame of the module with threaded chambers in the brackets. Next, threaded fasteners are passed through the holes and into the chambers to thereby secure the solar module to the roof.

Abstract: A chalcopyrite solar cell having a mica substrate or a laminated mica substrate, an intermediate layer made of a ceramic-based material formed on the mica substrate, and a binder layer formed on the intermediate layer. The intermediate layer has a thickness equal to or more than 2 ?m and equal to or less than 20 ?m. The binder layer has a thickness equal to or more than 3000 ? and equal to or less than 8000 ?. The intermediate layer and the binder layer are interposed between the mica substrate and a molybdenum electrode.

Abstract: A hybrid installation for providing electric energy from regenerative energy sources, comprising a biogas installation that provides electric energy, and at least one additional energy converter, which provides electric energy and whose releasable power is depending of external influence factors, of the wind supply and/or the sun irradiation in particular, wherein the electric energy of the biogas installation and the electric energy of the at least one additional energy converter are fed into a common mains grid, characterised in that the biogas installation features a gas turbine with an electric generator which is operated by the biogas produced in the biogas installation, and whose waste heat can be supplied to the biogas installation via a heat exchanger.

Abstract: An electrical junction and joint box for a solar cell module having solar cells and an associated method. The junction and joint box and solar cell module are connected by conductor strips. The junction and joint box includes a housing having electrical and/or electronic means and a connection device located in the housing. The connection device is arranged to directly, without manual alteration, receive thin conductor strips routed out of the solar cell module from underneath when the junction and joint box is seated on the solar cell module. In this way reliable and efficient connection of the individual solar cells of the solar cell module can be easily achieved, and faulty contact-making can be avoided.

Abstract: A silicon solar cell has doped amorphous silicon contacts formed on a tunnel silicon oxide layer on a surface of a silicon substrate. High temperature processing is unnecessary in fabricating the solar cell.

Abstract: A solar cell array including a first solar cell with an integral bypass diode and an adjacent second solar cell and two discrete metal interconnection members coupling the anode of the bypass diode of the first cell with the anode of the second solar cell.

Abstract: The invention relates to a coating which has been applied to a substrate, comprising at least a first film and a second film which have been applied on top of each other and each comprise a transparent conducting oxide and an electron donor, wherein the second film comprises relatively at least 10 percent less electron donor than the first film. The invention also relates to a solar cell comprising a coating according to the invention. The invention further relates to a method for applying the coating according to the invention to a substrate, wherein at least a first and a second mixture which each comprise one or more precursors for a transparent conducting oxide and an electron donor are applied to the substrate, wherein the second mixture is composed such that relatively at least 10 percent less electron donor is incorporated in the film compared with the film deposited by the first mixture.

Abstract: A solar cell having backside contacts is economically fabricated through use of acceptor and donor polymers which are inkjet printed in interleaved patterns on the back surface as the carrier accepting electrodes of the solar cell. The polymers can be placed on a tunnel oxide on the surface of a semiconductor substrate, or the polymers can be in direct contact with the semiconductor substrate. Electrical patterns interconnecting the acceptor and donor polymer patterns can also be formed by inkjet printing a seed layer and then electroplating the seed layer. Advantageously, high temperature processing is not required in the process as is required in conventional solar cell fabrication using dopant implants into the semiconductor substrate. In alternative embodiments, doped contacts are diffused in the top surface and a polymer contact is formed over the back surface.

Abstract: The highly mismatched alloy Zn1-yMnyOxTe1-x, 0?y<1 and 0<x<1 and other Group II-IV-Oxygen implanted alloys have been synthesized using the combination of oxygen ion implantation and pulsed laser melting. Incorporation of small quantities of isovalent oxygen leads to the formation of a narrow, oxygen-derived band of extended states located within the band gap of the Zn1-yMnyTe host. With multiple band gaps that fall within the solar energy spectrum, Zn1-yMnyOxTe1-x is a material perfectly satisfying the conditions for single-junction photovoltaics with the potential for power conversion efficiencies surpassing 50%.

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: The invention relates to a circuit arrangement for controlling/regulating photovoltaic systems (10b) which comprise a plurality of solar generators (14b) connected in series or/and connected in parallel. In order to prevent power loss of solar generators, which is based on the fact that not all solar generators are operated in the MPP thereof, each solar generator is associated with a variable energy bypass (68b) that is controlled/regulated in such a manner that each solar generator (14b) is operated continuously in its respective current specific MPP.

Abstract: A silicon solar cell having a silicon substrate includes p-type and n-type emitters on a surface of the substrate, the emitters being doped nano-particles of silicon. To reduce high interface recombination at the substrate surface, the nano-particle emitters are preferably formed over a thin interfacial tunnel oxide layer on the surface of the substrate.

Abstract: A high transmission and low iron glass is provided for use in a solar cell. The glass substrate may be patterned on at least one surface thereof. Antimony (Sb) is used in the glass to improve stability of the solar performance of the glass upon exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation and/or sunlight. The combination of low iron content, antimony, and/or the patterning of the glass substrate results in a substrate with high visible transmission and excellent light refracting characteristics.

Abstract: A patterned glass substrate is provided for use in a solar cell. The glass substrate is both patterned on at least one surface thereof and has a low iron content. The combination of low iron content, optional oxidizing agent, and the patterning of the glass substrate results in a substrate with high visible transmission and excellent light refracting characteristics.

Abstract: Adapting alternative energies in different and possibly new ways to reduce our dependence on natural fuels such as oil, gas, and coal; thereby possibly and probably reducing our carbon footprint, terrorism, long and expensive supply lines of oil tankers, pipelines, and updated electric lines; and all the while, still supplying and even adding more power to our nation's energy system.

Abstract: A system, apparatus and method for generating electricity from renewable geothermal, wind, and solar energy sources includes a heat balancer for supplementing and regulating the heat energy fed to a turbine generator; a hydrogen-fired boiler for supplying supplementary heat; and an injection manifold for metering controlled amounts of superheated combustible gas into the working fluids to optimize efficiency. Wind or solar power may be converted to hydrogen in an electrolysis unit to produce hydrogen. A phase separator unit that operates by cavitation of the geothermal fluids removes gases from the source fluid. A pollution prevention trap may be used to remove solids and other unneeded constituents of the geothermal fluids to be stored or processed in a solution mining unit for reuse or sale. Spent geothermal and working fluids may be processed and injected into the geothermal strata to aid in maintaining its temperature or in solution mining of elements in the lithosphere.

Abstract: A system, apparatus and method for generating electricity from renewable geothermal, wind, and solar energy sources includes a heat balancer for supplementing and regulating the heat energy fed to a turbine generator; a hydrogen-fired boiler for supplying supplementary heat; and an injection manifold for metering controlled amounts of superheated combustible gas into the working fluids to optimize efficiency. Wind or solar power may be converted to hydrogen in an electrolysis unit to produce hydrogen. A phase separator unit that operates by cavitation of the geothermal fluids removes gases from the source fluid. A pollution prevention trap may be used to remove solids and other unneeded constituents of the geothermal fluids to be stored or processed in a solution mining unit for reuse or sale. Spent geothermal and working fluids may be processed and injected into the geothermal strata to aid in maintaining its temperature or in solution mining of elements in the lithosphere.

Abstract: The photovoltaic module comprises a plurality of photovoltaic cells arranged between substrates and connected in series by connecting conductors. An external connector pin of the module comprises a block of insulating material glued to one end of the module. An external connector of the pin is connected to at least one connector electrically connected to the connecting conductor associated with a cell arranged at the end of the module. The contact between the connector and the connecting conductor associated with a cell arranged at the end of the module is achieved by pressure, generated by means of a deformation. The deformation can be achieved either at the free end of the connecting conductor or at the internal end of the connector.

Abstract: Representatively, a method of separating carbon from hydrocarbon molecules, the method including: heating hydrocarbon molecules beyond their boiling point; decomposing the heated hydrocarbon molecules to generate elemental or molecular carbon and hydrogen gas; separating at least some of the elemental or molecular carbon from the hydrogen gas; chemically reacting the hydrogen gas to produce heat; and applying some of the heat in carrying out said heating.