Abstract: A solar cell includes a substrate having a front surface and a back surface; an emitter formed on the front surface of the substrate; a plurality of first electrodes positioned on the emitter and extended in first direction; a plurality of first bus lines positioned on the emitter and extended in second direction crossing to the first direction; a plurality of back surface field regions formed on the back surface of the substrate and extended in the first direction; a plurality of second electrodes positioned on the plurality of back surface field regions and extended in the first direction; and, a plurality of second bus lines extended in the second direction.

Abstract: A photovoltaic energy generation system with a string including a series connection of solar modules, which string is electrically connected to an inverter via power lines for converting and feeding electrical power from the string into a network. The inverter is configured to obtain an alternative operating power from only one of the solar modules in the event that normal operating power can be obtained neither from the network nor from the entire string. A supply line can supply the alternative operating power to the inverter. Furthermore, the connectors and mating connectors of such a supply line are described, which can also be installed with an inverter.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention may utilize one or more techniques, alone or in combination, to maximize a surface area of a receiver that is configured to convert light into another form of energy. One technique enhances collection efficiency by controlling a size, shape, and/or position of a cell relative to an expected illumination profile under various conditions. Another technique positions non-active elements (such as electrical contacts and/or interconnects) on surfaces likely to be shaded from incident light by other elements of the receiver. Another technique utilizes embodiments of interconnect structures occupying a small footprint. According to certain embodiments, the receiver may be cooled by exposure to a fluid such as water or air.

Abstract: A method of fabricating solar cell, solar laminate and/or solar module string is provided. The method may include: locating a metal foil over a plurality of semiconductor substrates; exposing the metal foil to laser beam over selected portions of the plurality of semiconductor substrates, wherein exposing the metal foil to the laser beam forms a plurality conductive contact structures having of locally deposited metal portion electrically connecting the metal foil to the semiconductor substrates at the selected portions; and selectively removing portions of the metal foil, wherein remaining portions of the metal foil extend between at least two of the plurality of semiconductor substrates.

Abstract: A test method for testing a solar power generation system is provided. The solar power generation system includes a DC to AC converter and a control unit. The DC to AC converter is electrically coupled between an external power grid and a solar panel. The control unit is configured to control the DC to AC converter to switch between a power generation mode and a test mode. When in the power generation mode, a photoelectric energy generated by the solar panel is provided to the external power grid via the DC to AC converter. When in the test mode, the control unit controls the DC to AC converter to generate a testing electrical energy by obtaining from the external power grid, to effect a test result of the solar panel when the testing electrical energy passes through the solar panel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an optimizer, for a solar string power generation system, comprising an Injection Circuit (IC), connected to at least one string, from an array of strings of solar panels, wherein the output of said IC is connected to the DC bus of the solar inverter. The IC comprises: (i) an MPPT mechanism, for finding the MPP of the connected string; (ii) a DC/DC converter, for converting part of the power of said connected string; wherein the DC/DC converter, converts only a part of the power of the string, that is connected to the IC, when the string is impaired, for compensating for the relative voltage difference between the voltage MPP, of the impaired string, and the MPP voltage of the DC bus of the solar inverter and the array of strings.

Abstract: This specification describes automated reel processes for producing solar modules and solar module reels. In some examples, a method includes receiving a continuous feed of photovoltaic devices on a photovoltaic device sheet. The method includes locating and bypassing one or more defective photovoltaic devices on the photovoltaic device sheet. The method includes installing bussing for the photovoltaic devices on the photovoltaic device sheet. The method includes feeding the photovoltaic device sheet to an encapsulation system to output a photovoltaic module sheet.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides glass, and a manufacturing method and a control method thereof. The glass includes a first glass layer, a plurality of transparent conductive strips and a second glass layer. The plurality of transparent conductive strips are between the first glass layer and the second glass layer, and are configured to generate heat when being supplied with power.

Abstract: A solar canopy has a solar panel assembly including a first solar panel coupled to a second solar panel and oriented non-parallel with respect to the second solar panel. A solar panel assembly support structure is coupled to the solar panel assembly. One or more components of the support structure are manufactured by cold rolling. The solar panel assembly has an effective solar-panel-assembly wind loading less than a sum of a first-solar-panel effective wind loading and a second-solar-panel effective wind loading determined individually. An actual load applied by the solar panel assembly to a solar-panel-assembly support structure coupled thereto when the solar panel assembly is subject to a wind loading is less than a design load for the solar panel assembly subject to the wind loading based on a sum of a first-solar-panel net pressure and a second-solar-panel net pressure determined independently.

Abstract: Method of making a current collecting grid for solar cells, including the steps of a) providing a continuous layer stack (1) on a substrate (8), the layer stack (1) including an upper (2) and a lower (3) conductive layer having a photoactive layer (4) interposed there between; b) selectively removing the upper conductive layer (2) and the photoactive layer (4) for obtaining a first contact hole (10) extending through the upper conductive layer (2) and photoactive layer (4) exposing the lower conductive layer (3); c) printing a front contact body (4) on the upper conductive layer (2) and a back contact body (5) in the first contact hole (10) on the lower conductive layer (3) and forming an electrically insulating first gap surrounding the back contact body (5) between the upper conductive layer (2) and the back contact body (2).

Abstract: A solar cell structure is disclosed. The solar cell structure comprises a carrier having a front side and a P-N junction, a solar cell electrically coupled to the front side of the carrier, and an adhesive layer. The adhesive layer bonds the front side of the carrier to the solar cell. The adhesive layer includes conductive particles that electrically couple the carrier to the solar cell.

Abstract: A solar cell panel includes a plurality of solar cells including first and second solar cells, and a plurality of wiring members electrically connecting the first and second solar cells. A first electrode of each of the first and second solar cells includes a first bus bar including a plurality of first pad portions. The plurality of first pad portions include a first end pad positioned on one end side of the first bus bar and on which an end of the wiring member is positioned, and a first extension pad positioned on the other end side of the first bus bar and on an extension of the wiring member. An area of the first end pad is different from an area of the first extension pad.

Abstract: The invention relates to a solar module which is technically easy to manufacture and has a plurality of solar cells arranged one behind the other and electrically connected in series, wherein a bypass diode for electrical bypassing is electrically connected in parallel with each solar cell, wherein the bypass diodes are arranged one behind the other, wherein each solar cell and each bypass diode comprises a photovoltaically active layer, a lower electrically conductive layer and an upper electrically conductive layer both of which adjoin the photovoltaically active layer, characterized in that each bypass diode is arranged between solar cells.

Abstract: A method for detecting a potential-induced degradation (PID) of PV modules of a PV installation includes operating a PV generator at a maximum power point (MPP), at a first generator voltage (U1) and first generator current (I1), and at a second generator voltage (U2) and second generator current (I2), where a first power (P1) at the first generator voltage (U1) is in a predefined first ratio V1=P1/PMPP and V1?1, with the power (PMPP) at the maximum power point (MPP) of the PV generator, and where a second power (P2) at the second generator voltage (U2) is in a predefined second ratio V2=P2/P1 and V2<1, with the first power (P1) of the PV generator, and where a quantity Y that characterizes a progress of the potential-induced degradation (PID) is determined from the values of the voltages (U1, U2) and/or the currents (I1, I2).

Abstract: Visibly transparent photovoltaic devices are disclosed, such as those are transparent to visible light but absorb near-infrared light and/or ultraviolet light. The photovoltaic devices make use of transparent electrodes and near-infrared absorbing visibly transparent photoactive compounds, optical materials, and/or buffer materials.

Abstract: Composite making regions are provided. These masking regions can include layers or other areas of different transparency where a first region has a first transparency and a second region has a different transparency. Masking regions can be positioned between adjacent photovoltaic cells of photovoltaic arrays.

Abstract: A solar cell panel is disclosed. The disclosed solar cell panel includes a semiconductor substrate, a conductive region disposed in or on the semiconductor substrate, an electrode connected to the conductive region, a lead electrically connected to the electrode. The electrode includes finger lines, and a bus bar line extending across the finger lines, and electrically connected to the lead. First and second end edge areas are arranged at opposite ends of the bus bar line disposed adjacent to opposite edges of the semiconductor substrate, respectively. The bus bar line includes electrode portions respectively disposed at the first end second end edge areas. Each electrode portion includes an opening formed through the each electrode portion, and an outermost end disposed at a position flush with corresponding ones of the outermost ones of the finger lines or a position outwards of the corresponding outermost finger lines.

Abstract: Photovoltaic devices, and methods of fabricating photovoltaic devices. The photovoltaic devices may include a first electrode, at least one quantum dot layer, at least one semiconductor layer, and a second electrode. The first electrode may include a layer including Cr and one or more silver contacts.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an optoelectronic device comprising a substrate having a first and a second substantially planar face, a series of grooves in the first substantially planar face, and a first and a second electrical conductor on the second substantially planar face; wherein a first face of the first electrical conductor and a first face of the second electrical conductor are reflective.

Abstract: A bonding clamp includes a top bracket including opposing side walls defining a channel therebetween. The top bracket has an aperture through a central portion thereof. The top bracket is shaped to receive a first photovoltaic (“PV”) module on a first side and a second PV module on a second side. A bottom bracket includes a body and a pair of top flanges extending vertically from a top surface of the body. The pair of top flanges are spaced apart from each other. The bottom bracket also includes anti-rotation flanges extending from a bottom surface of body. A fastening mechanism fastens the top bracket in a fixed position with respect to the bottom bracket.

Abstract: A photoelectric conversion module includes a substrate, a photoelectric conversion element mounted on the substrate, and a connector mounted on the substrate, the connector including a terminal that is electrically coupled to the photoelectric conversion element, wherein the connector is configured such that coupling the connector to a connector of another photoelectric conversion module causes the photoelectric conversion element to be electrically coupled to a photoelectric conversion element of the another photoelectric conversion module.

Abstract: A solar cell including: a silicon substrate; a back electrode; a doped silicon layer; an upper electrode, wherein the upper electrode includes a plurality of three-dimensional nanostructures extending along a same direction; an electrode lead, wherein a direction of the electrode lead intersects with the direction of the plurality of three-dimensional nanostructures; wherein the three-dimensional nanostructures includes a first rectangular structure, a second rectangular structure, and a triangular prism structure; the first rectangular structure, the second rectangular structure, and the triangular prism structure are stacked, a first width of a bottom surface of the triangular prism structure is equal to a second width of a top surface of the second rectangular structure, and is greater than a third width of a top surface of the first rectangular structure, materials of the first rectangular structure and the triangular prism structure are metal.

Abstract: A reel-to-reel lamination method to laminate a metal foil or circuitry pattern on the fly. The method includes applying a UV laminate or thermoset laminate to the metal foil or the circuitry pattern reel to reel, and then apply a UV radiation or heat to the laminate. There can be an optional enclosure connected to a suction source. The enclosure can have a flexible bladder that physically compresses the laminate.

Abstract: Electro-magnetic (EM) energy collected in three dimensions, in layers allows for multiple planes to function operatively with optimized band gap structures whereby integrated variant and overlapping three-dimensional electro-magnetic films permit systems to collect energy across the entire electro-magnetic spectrum, and present systems utilizing both direct and indirect light to be leveraged. The EM-CS captures and contains more energy from EMR than conventional systems addressing global energy needs.

Abstract: A single- or multi-phase DC to AC converter system suited for solar energy installations achieves cost reduction by eliminating low-frequency power transformers. One DC input polarity is selectively switched to an output terminal when the instantaneous AC output from a second output terminal is desired to be of the opposite polarity, while the other DC input polarity is used to form an approximation to a segment of a sine wave of the desired polarity at the second output terminal. The approximation for each phase is built in a multilevel fashion by outputting, at different times, voltage levels that differ by an integer multiple of a predetermined voltage step size, to the respective live AC output terminal through an associated low pass filter. A common-mode AC signal is thereby created on the balanced DC input lines at a frequency which is the AC output frequency times the number of phases, and which is useful for detecting ground faults in the DC circuit.

Abstract: Embodiments of a degradation phenomenon treatment method based on a photovoltaic module and a related device are disclosed. A high frequency signal is applied to the photovoltaic module when a degradation phenomenon occurs in the photovoltaic module to protect the photovoltaic module and suppress or eliminate the degradation phenomenon. The degradation phenomenon refers to degradation of electricity generation efficiency of the photovoltaic module under effect of an electric potential. Embodiments of the degradation phenomenon treatment method and the device resolve issues associated with a declined electrical energy conversion capability and decreased electricity generation efficiency of a photovoltaic module caused by a surface polarization phenomenon, a potential induced degradation (PID) phenomenon occurring in the photovoltaic module, or both.

Abstract: A high performance kilowatt-scale large air-gap multi-modular capacitive wireless power transfer (WPT) system is provided for electric vehicle (EV) charging. In one particular implementation, the multi-modular system achieves high power transfer while maintaining fringing electric fields within prescribed safety limits. The fringing fields are reduced using near-field phased-array field-focusing techniques, wherein the adjacent modules of the multi-modular system are out-phased with respect to one another. The inter-module interactions in this multi-modular system can be modeled, and an approach to eliminate these interactions in a practical EV charging environment is provided. To illustrate one example implementation, a prototype 1.2-kW 6.78-MHz 12-cm air-gap multi-modular capacitive WPT system comprising two 600-W modules is provided. This prototype system achieves 21.2 kW/m2 power transfer density and a peak efficiency of 89.8%.

Abstract: A solar power system may comprise a back sheet that comprises an interconnect circuit coupling a plurality of cell tiles. A tiled solar cell, comprising a solar cell and encapsulating and glass layers, is inserted into the cell tiles of the hack sheet. Each solar cell is individually addressable through the use of the interconnect circuit. Moreover, the interconnect circuit of the back sheet is programmable and allows for dynamic interconnect routing between solar cells.

Abstract: A photoelectric conversion element includes: a first photoelectric conversion layer including: a bottom electrode; a photoelectric conversion layer; and a top electrode; and a second photoelectric conversion part including: a bottom electrode; a photoelectric conversion part; and a top electrode. A conductive layer is formed on the bottom electrode. The top electrode and the bottom electrode are electrically connected by a conductive portion and the conductive layer. The conductive portion is formed of a part of the top electrode filled in a first groove that makes a surface of the conductive layer exposed and separates a photoelectric conversion layer and a photoelectric conversion layer from each other. The top electrodes are physically separated by a second groove provided to make a step surface of a stepped portion provided in the photoelectric conversion layer exposed and have a bottom surface thereof overlap the surface of the conductive layer.

Abstract: A solar cell system and a flexible solar panel are disclosed herein. The solar cell system includes a glass housing, a set of rows of solar cells each defining a front side and a rear side and arranged within the glass housing. The solar cell system can also include a reflective element disposed in the glass housing and facing the rear side of the set of rows of solar cells and a first terminal coupled to a first end of the set of rows of solar cells, traversing through and sealed against the first end of the glass housing. The solar cell system can be configured with other solar cell systems into the flexible solar panel that is deployable in a wide range of potential applications.

Abstract: A solar cell system and a flexible solar panel are disclosed herein. The solar cell system includes a glass housing, a set of rows of solar cells each defining a front side and a rear side and arranged within the glass housing. The solar cell system can also include a reflective element disposed in the glass housing and facing the rear side of the set of rows of solar cells and a first terminal coupled to a first end of the set of rows of solar cells, traversing through and sealed against the first end of the glass housing. The solar cell system can be configured with other solar cell systems into the flexible solar panel that is deployable in a wide range of potential applications.

Abstract: A solar power system may comprise a back sheet that comprises an interconnect circuit coupling a plurality of cell tiles. A tiled solar cell, comprising a solar cell and encapsulating and glass layers, is inserted into the cell tiles of the back sheet. Each solar cell is individually addressable through the use of the interconnect circuit. Moreover, the interconnect circuit of the back sheet is programmable and allows for dynamic interconnect routing between solar cells.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a support device for conveying at least one solar cell element in a transport direction, wherein the support device comprises a support element configured for supporting the at least one solar cell element and an electric arrangement configured for providing an electrostatic force for holding the at least one solar cell element on the support element.

Abstract: A high efficiency configuration for a solar cell module comprises solar cells conductively bonded to each other in a shingled manner to form super cells, which may be arranged to efficiently use the area of the solar module, reduce series resistance, and increase module efficiency.

Abstract: A hybrid-integrated series/parallel-connected photovoltaic diode array employs 10s-to-100s of single-wavelength III-V compound semiconductor photodiodes in an array bonded onto a transparent optical plate through which the array is illuminated by monochromatic light. The power-by-light system receiver enables high-voltage, up to 1000s of volts, optical transmission of power to remote electrical systems in harsh environments.

Abstract: A distributed power harvesting system including multiple direct current (DC) power sources with respective DC outputs adapted for interconnection into a interconnected DC power source output. A converter includes input terminals adapted for coupling to the interconnected DC power source output. A circuit loop sets the voltage and current at the input terminals of the converter according to predetermined criteria. A power conversion portion converts the power received at the input terminals to an output power at the output terminals. A power supplier is coupled to the output terminals. The power supplier includes a control part for maintaining the input to the power supplier at a predetermined value. The control part maintains the input voltage and/or input current to the power supplier at a predetermined value.

Abstract: A modulating circuit adapted to modulate between an energy harvesting mode and a wireless transmitter mode is disclosed which includes a solar cell, an energy-harvesting circuit, a first switch coupling the solar cell to the energy harvesting circuit and controlled by a first control line, a second switch coupling the solar cell to a programmable current source and controlled by a second control line, a transmitter/energy harvesting mode circuit adapted to select between a transmitter mode and an energy harvesting mode, and a symbol-to-current mapping circuit adapted to encode data to be communicated by the solar cell, the symbol-to-current mapping circuit adapted to adjust the programmable current source to thereby provide a metered current to the solar cell.

Abstract: Disclosed is a solar cell including a semiconductor substrate, a conductive region on or at the semiconductor substrate, and an electrode electrically connected to the conductive region. The electrode includes a plurality of finger lines formed in a first direction and parallel to each other and a bus bar electrically connected to the plurality of finger lines and formed in a second direction crossing the first direction. The bus bar includes a plurality of pad portions positioned in the second direction, and the bus bar has a plurality of regions, which are different from each other in at least one of an arrangement and an area of the plurality of pad portions, in the second direction.

Abstract: A building material-integrated solar cell module (5) includes a solar cell panel (11), a cushioning member (13) disposed at a back side of the solar cell panel (11), a base plate (9) formed of an incombustible material and supporting the cushioning member (13), and a cable (35) drawn from the back side of the solar cell panel (11) and wired on a front side of the base plate (9).

Abstract: A first plurality of roofing shingles installed in on a roof deck, and a second plurality of roofing shingles installed in a second plurality of rows. An edge of one of the second roofing shingles in each of the second rows is offset from the edge of another one of the second roofing shingles in another adjacent one of the second rows. An edge of a first photovoltaic shingle is juxtaposed with the edge of a first roofing shingle of the second roofing shingles in a first row of the second rows. The edge of at least another photovoltaic shingle in at least one of another row of the second rows is substantially aligned with the edge of the first photovoltaic shingle. An additional roofing shingle is installed intermediate one of the second roofing shingles and one of the photovoltaic shingles.

Abstract: A solar cell for a solar cell array with one or more grid on a surface thereof, wherein electrical connections are made to the grids in a plurality of locations positioned around the solar cell; and the electrical connections extend to one or more conductors located under the solar cell. The conductors located under the solar cell are buried within a substrate, and each of the conductors comprises a low resistance conducting path that distributes current from the solar cell. The conductors are loops, U-shaped, or have only up or down pathways. The solar cell comprises a full cell that has four cropped corners and the locations are in the cropped corners.

Abstract: One embodiment is a photovoltaic (PV) module including a frame to receive a perimeter of a backside of a photovoltaic (PV) laminate. The cross rail assembly may include: a conductive frame to receive a perimeter of a backside of a photovoltaic (PV) laminate; one or more conductive cross rail members provide structural rigidity to the conductive frame; and one or more pairs of couplers coupled to the conductive frame, wherein: at least one coupler comprises a grounding coupler having a first keyed section to insert into an opening in the conductive frame and a second keyed section to mate with an end of a conductive cross rail member of the one or more conductive cross rail members to ground the conductive cross rail member to the frame; or at least one coupler of at least one of the one or more pairs includes a length to define a cabling channel.

Abstract: A photovoltaic module having a superstrate layer, an encapsulant having an upper layer and a lower layer, the upper layer being juxtaposed with a lower surface of the superstrate layer, and a photovoltaic layer intermediate the upper layer and the lower layer of the encapsulant. A first portion of the upper layer of the encapsulant includes a first light scattering value as measured in accordance with an ASTM E430 standard, and a second portion of the upper layer of the encapsulant has a second light scattering value as measured in accordance with the ASTM E430 standard. The second light scattering value is greater than the first light scattering value.

Abstract: Thermocompression bonding approaches for foil-based metallization of non-metal surfaces of solar cells, and the resulting solar cells, are described. For example, a solar cell includes a substrate and a plurality of alternating N-type and P-type semiconductor regions disposed in or above the substrate. A plurality of conductive contact structures is electrically connected to the plurality of alternating N-type and P-type semiconductor regions. Each conductive contact structure includes a metal foil portion disposed in direct contact with a corresponding one of the alternating N-type and P-type semiconductor regions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a layered structure (1) with semiconducting materials on a support layer (3) comprising at least one planar semiconducting layer (6) and several electrodes, in particular a first (4) and second (5) one. The semiconducting layer (6) has a top (8) and bottom (7) flat face extending essentially parallel and spaced apart from one another by the height of the layer (10). The semiconducting layer (6) is also applied by the bottom flat face (7) to a flat face of the support layer (2) and the two electrodes are connected to the semiconducting layer in an electrically conducting manner. The at least two electrodes are applied by means of a structuring process and are disposed on two oppositely lying faces of the semiconducting layer and/or in planes at least approximately parallel between the two faces.

Abstract: Present invention relates to the field of Building Integrated Solar systems that help in generating electricity. It is a solar board that can be used as a roof, façade or other building applications. It also relates to a method of preparing, designing and producing the Solar Cement Boards by integrating the Cement boards with that of solar panels to form an envisaged single entity. The Solar Cement Board SCB comprises a plurality of Solar energy capturing components like Photo Voltaic (PV) cells or the like, sandwiched over specially treated Fiber cement board or the likes. The SCB comprises of a toughened glass and/or a thin film on top, ethylene vinyl acetate film as an encapsulate in the middle, and polyvinyl fluoride film as a back sheet. The SCB with top, middle and a back sheet is laminated together with Fiber cement board or the like providing a water-resistant enclosure. This is ultimately a unique integrated solar product.

Abstract: A method for cleaning solar panels when snow, ice, or dust accumulates on the solar panels to reduce or eliminate the electrical power output from the solar panels. The method of cleaning includes selecting specific cleaning locations, on the array of solar panels, based primarily upon obstruction location and obstruction size differences. The method of cleaning also includes the incremental and sequential selection of the cleaning locations, and the incremental and sequential activation of cleaning devices within the selected cleaning locations. Additional groups of incrementally and sequentially activated cleaning devices may be powered, in whole or in part, by the prior solar panels that have been cleaned.

Abstract: A roof integrated photovoltaic system includes a starter bar having a foot base and configured to be installed to a roof deck, a plurality of water shedding layers, and a photovoltaic module. One of the plurality of water shedding layers is configured to be installed over the foot base of the starter bar, and one of another of which is configured to overlap and be installed over the one of the plurality of water shedding layers. The system further includes a foot module configured to be attached to an upper portion of the photovoltaic module. A lower portion of the photovoltaic module is configured to align with the foot base of the starter bar, and the foot module is configured to be affixed on a last overlapping layer of the plurality of water shedding layers to the roof deck.

Abstract: A dicing method for separating a wafer comprising a plurality of solar cells stack along at least one parting line, at least having the steps of: providing the wafer with a top, a bottom, an adhesive layer which is integrally bonded with the top and a cover glass layer which is integrally bonded with the adhesive layer, wherein the wafer includes a plurality of solar cell stacks, each having a germanium substrate layer forming the bottom of the wafer, a germanium sub-cell and at least two III-V sub-cells; creating a separating trench along the parting line by means of laser ablation, which extends from a bottom of the wafer through the wafer and the adhesive layer at least up to a top of the cover glass layer; and dividing the cover glass layer along the separating trench.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and apparatus for providing portable or fixed solar array support systems. Embodiments of the invention include an apparatus that holds four 60-cell rooftop-grade solar panels and folds up into a relatively small portable device that easily fits in a garage or shed. When open, the panels are displayed at near the nominal angle to the sun for the region. Adjustable angle supports are available in alternative embodiments.