Abstract: A protective layer, a cell and a method provide radiation shielding. The cell and the protective layer formed of a plurality of cells provide radiation shielding, such as from protons and alpha particles having dangerously high energy levels, while being more lightweight than a conventional bulk HDPE protective layer. In the context of a protective layer, the protective layer includes a plurality of cells positioned proximate one another. The plurality of cells include at least a first cell. The first cell includes a cell body formed of an insulative material and extends between opposed first and second ends. The first cell also includes a conductive spherical portion proximate the first end of the cell body and an electrode disposed interior of the conductive spherical portion.

Abstract: The present invention is notably directed to a photovoltaic module, or PV module, comprising an array of photovoltaic cells, or PV cells, and electrical interconnects. The array of PV cells comprises N portions, N?2, where the portions comprise, each, disjoint sets of PV cells of the array. The electrical interconnects connect the PV cells and the N portions of the array so as for PV cells within each of said portions to be electrically connected in parallel and the N portions to be connected in series. The PV cells and the portions are connected, via said interconnects, so to output an electrical current, in operation. The electrical interconnects are otherwise configured to provide electrical signals from each of the N portions. The invention is further directed to related systems and methods of fabrication and operation.

Abstract: A method (200) for fabricating patterns on the surface of a layer of a device (100), the method comprising: providing at least one layer (130, 230); adding at least one alkali metal (235) comprising Cs and/or Rb; controlling the temperature (2300) of the at least one layer, thereby forming a plurality of self-assembled, regularly spaced, parallel lines of alkali compound embossings (1300, 1305) at the surface of the layer. The method further comprises forming cavities (236, 1300) by dissolving the alkali compound embossings. The method (200) is advantageous for nanopatterning of devices (100) without using templates and for the production of high efficiency optoelectronic thin-film devices (100).

Abstract: The present invention is notably directed to a photovoltaic module, or PV module, comprising an array of photovoltaic cells, or PV cells, and electrical interconnects. The array of PV cells comprises N portions, N?2, where the portions comprise, each, disjoint sets of PV cells of the array. The electrical interconnects connect the PV cells and the N portions of the array so as for PV cells within each of said portions to be electrically connected in parallel and the N portions to be connected in series. The PV cells and the portions are connected, via said interconnects, so to output an electrical current, in operation. The electrical interconnects are otherwise configured to provide electrical signals from each of the N portions. The invention is further directed to related systems and methods of fabrication and operation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dye-sensitized solar cell including a light absorbing layer (1), a first conducting layer (2) for extracting photo-generated electrons from the light absorbing layer, a counter electrode including a second conducting layer (3), a porous insulating layer (5b) disposed between the first and second conducting layers, and a conducting medium for transferring charges between the counter electrode and the working electrode. The solar cell further comprises a third conducting layer (6b) disposed between the porous insulating layer (5b) and the second conducting layer (3) and in electrical contact with the second conducting layer, and the third conducting layer includes a porous substrate (8) made of an insulating material and conducting particles accommodated in the pores of the porous substrate and forming a conducting network (9) through the insulating material.

Abstract: The photovoltaic installation being intended to supply an electric current (i), the method comprises the steps of measuring (e0) values representative of the electric current (i) supplied by the photovoltaic installation; adjusting (e2) a variable current jump threshold (s(ti)) according to measured values; detecting (e3) a current jump with an amplitude greater than a current jump threshold adjusted according to values measured before the jump; and detecting (e5) an electric arc based on the detection of a current jump.

Abstract: A spacecraft includes a power train that includes a solar array, an electric propulsion subsystem, and a power conversion module. The power conversion module receives power from the solar array at a voltage, Vi; and delivers power to the electric propulsion subsystem at a voltage, Vo. The spacecraft is configured to operate at a varying distance, D, from the sun within the range of Dmin to Dmax, Dmax being at least 1.3×Dmin. The solar array is configured to deliver power to the power conversion module at a voltage approximately equal to Vo when the spacecraft is proximate to Dmax.

Abstract: A method of forming a photovoltaic device that includes epitaxially growing a first conductivity type semiconductor material of a type III-V semiconductor on a semiconductor substrate. The first conductivity type semiconductor material continuously extending along an entirety of the semiconductor substrate in a plurality of triangular shaped islands; and conformally forming a layer of type III-V semiconductor material having a second conductivity type on the plurality of triangular shaped islands.

Abstract: A remote visual indicator of a state of charging of an electric and/or plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (EV and PHEV). In one or more embodiments, the aforesaid visual indicator incorporates a multi-color light source, such as a multi-color LED and uses the color of the emitted light to indicate the state of the EV/PHEV charging. In one or more embodiment, the aforesaid visual indicator incorporates one or more buttons or other user-activated controls configured to alter the charging of the EV/PHEV by the charging stations. In one or more embodiments, a sound generation element may be additionally provided for creating audible indicators of charging state.

Abstract: An installation method of a solar panel includes: an installation step of installing the solar panel such that a light receiving surface of the solar panel is inclined with respect to the horizontal direction and faces the sun; and an ultrasonic vibrator arrangement step of arranging an ultrasonic vibrator generating ultrasonic vibration to the light receiving surface of the solar panel, before or after the installation step is performed, and snow or dust deposited on the light receiving surface of the solar panel is removed by the ultrasonic vibration.

Abstract: A system for guidance and deployment of active panels on a building. One or more guide rails are coupled to a building wall. Panel units are coupled to the guide rails. An active panel can extend and contract from each panel unit. A control system conveys the panel units to an operational position on the building wall. When a panel unit is in operational position, The control system extends or retracts the respective active panel from the panel unit, and adjusts the angle of the panel unit relative to the building wall.

Abstract: Solar tracker systems having several rows of photovoltaic strings individually actuated by respective tracker control systems, are described. In an example, a solar tracker system includes a tracker control system having a tracker controller powered by forward-fed power from a photovoltaic string, e.g., during daytime, and powered by back-fed power from a station hub, e.g., during nighttime. Methods of operating the solar tracker system to forward-feed or back-feed power to the tracker control system are also described.

Abstract: An electrified door or window system having a frame with a power transmitting device and a door or window having a power receiving device. The power receiving device is electrically connected to the power transmitting device in the frame of the door or window. At least one powered device is integrated in the door or window. At least one electrically conductive pathway extends from the power receiving device to the at least one powered device. A controller is provided to control the flow of power from the power receiving device to the at least one electrically conductive pathway.

Abstract: A solar cell testing system including a lower electrode, a solar cell, an encapsulation material, a sodium-containing template, an upper electrode, a voltage source and a measuring circuit is provided. The solar cell is disposed on the lower electrode. The encapsulation material is disposed on the solar cell. The sodium-containing template is disposed on the encapsulation material, wherein the sodium-containing template has a sodium ion content ranging between 9-39%. The upper electrode is disposed on the sodium-containing template. The voltage source is connected between the upper electrode and the lower electrode. The measuring circuit is connected between the solar cell and the lower electrode for measuring a shunt resistance of the solar cell.

Abstract: A method for coating glass containers provides improved tensile strength (hence improved resistance to internal pressure). The method lends itself in particular to implementation as part of a continuous production process by utilising residual heat from the bottle casting step. The use of residual heat from an existing process offer considerable environmental benefits.

Abstract: A self-powered dynamic photovoltaic sunshade system having sunshades constructed of lightweight ETFE panels covered with at least one thin film of photovoltaic cells. The sunshades track the sun by light detectors, and move against the sun from east to west to block direct rays. The ETFE fabric is stretched on a lightweight frame, which rotates vertically around its axis as a pivotal panel for maximum solar protection. Sunshades rotate to face the sun by day, and reset to a starting position at night. Each sunshade is rotated by a stepped electric motor, powered by thin film(s) of solar photovoltaic cells. Sunshades are suspended between an electric motor shaft and a lower hinge. The sunshades are designed to provide sustainable dynamic shading for building facades exposed to different sun angles, are self-powered, and can generate electric power for other building functions, such as lighting and fan ventilation inside a building.

Abstract: A solar panel can include at least one solar cell having a first surface and a second surface facing in mutually opposing directions; a first substrate disposed on the first surface of the at least one solar cell; a first encapsulant disposed between the first substrate and the at least one solar cell; a second substrate disposed on the second surface; and a second encapsulant disposed between the second substrate and the at least one solar cell, in which the second substrate includes a steel plate or fiber reinforced plastic.

Abstract: A solar cell module having an improved wiring structure is disclosed. The solar cell module includes a plurality of solar cells each including first electrodes and second electrodes which are alternately arranged in parallel with each other, a plurality of wiring members configured to electrically connect the plurality of solar cells, and which are positioned adjacent to each other among the plurality of solar cells, in a direction crossing the first electrodes and the second electrodes, and a plurality of bonding layers configured to fix the plurality of wiring members to the plurality of solar cells.

Abstract: A light emitting device includes a first light transmissive supportive substrate having a first light transmissive insulator and a conductive circuitry layer provided on a surface of the first light transmissive insulator, a second light transmissive supportive substrate having a second light transmissive insulator and disposed in such a way that a surface of the second light transmissive insulator faces the conductive circuitry layer and so as to have a predetermined gap from the first light transmissive supportive substrate, a light emitting diode having a main body, and first and second electrodes provided on a surface of the main body and electrically connected to the conductive circuitry layer via a conductive bump, and laid out between the first and second light transmissive supportive substrates, and a third light transmissive insulator embedded in a space between the first light transmissive supportive substrate and the second light transmissive supportive substrate.

Abstract: A multijunction solar cell including a substrate and at least one solar subcell having an emitter layer, a base layer, and a window layer adjacent to the emitter layer composed of a semiconductor window material, wherein the window material has a graded composition such that the material at the interface between the top surface of the emitter layer of the at least one solar subcell and the bottom surface of the window layer has a compression as measured by a delta in the Bragg angle from the substrate in a range of 0 to 500 arcseconds in compression, and material at the top surface of the window layer has a tension as measured by a delta in the Bragg angle from the substrate in a range of 50 to 700 arcseconds in tension, wherein the delta in the Bragg angle is obtained from a rocking curve from a triple axis coupled scan of ? and 2? (omega-2theta) using 1.5406 ? radiation.

Abstract: A method for detecting a fault in a photovoltaic module includes determining a matrix of temperatures of the photovoltaic module, the matrix being obtained after dividing the module into a plurality of thermal zones and assigning a temperature to each thermal zone; detecting at least one hot thermal zone from among the plurality of zones of the module; determining a surface area ratio between the surface area of the detected hot thermal zone and the total surface area of the module; performing a first comparison of the surface area ratio with a coefficient dependent on the number of bypass diodes present in the module; and determining the type of fault from the result obtained in said first comparison.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods of fabricating a multijunction solar cell panel in which one or more of the steps are performed using an automated process. In some embodiments, the automated process uses machine vision.

Abstract: A photoelectric conversion device of an embodiment includes: a first photoelectric conversion part including a first transparent electrode provided on a transparent substrate, a first active layer, and a first counter electrode; and a second photoelectric conversion part including a second transparent electrode, a second active layer, and a second counter electrode. A conductive layer containing noble metal as a main component is formed on a partial region of the second transparent electrode, and a fine particle layer having a stack of fine particles is formed on the conductive layer. The first counter electrode and the second transparent electrode are electrically connected by a connection part having a scribe groove penetrating through the fine particle layer from the second active layer and exposing a surface of the conductive layer, and a conductive layer having a part of the first counter electrode filled in the scribe groove.

Abstract: High performance single crystal silicon cells and arrays thereof are manufactured using a rapid process flow. Tunneling junctions formed in the process provide performance benefits, such as higher efficiency and a lower power temperature coefficient. The process generates a large array of interconnected high performance cells smaller than typical cells without requiring additional process steps, and simplifies integration of these coupons into the final product. The cells can have different shapes, sizes, and orientations, enabling the array to be flexible in any desired direction. Higher efficiencies and lower hot spotting under shading is achieved by connecting small low current, high voltage cells in dense series and parallel configurations. Low current cells also require much less metallization than typical solar cells and arrays.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a portable photovoltaic assembly is disclosed. In particular, in one example embodiment, the portable photovoltaic assembly described herein comprises: a solar panel platform; a plurality of solar panel holders affixed to a front of the solar panel platform and configured to hold one or more solar panels; a back support extending from a back of the solar panel platform at an angle between the solar panel platform and the back support; and one or more link arms removably connected between the solar panel platform and the back support to hold the angle between the solar panel platform and the back support. Other embodiments are further described herein that provide for portability and adjustability in an easy-to-use manner.

Abstract: A method for forming a conductive track on a surface (21) of a substrate (11) that includes providing the substrate (11), wherein the substrate (11) comprises deposited material (23) along a path on a surface (21) of the substrate (11). Generating a laser beam having an optical axis and an energy distribution within a cross-sectional area of the laser beam incident on the surface (21). The energy distribution of the laser beam is non-circularly symmetric about the optical axis at the surface (21). The method further includes directing the laser beam to move along the path to irradiate the deposited material (23) to provide a conductive track along the path. A selected orientation of the energy distribution within the cross-sectional area is aligned with the direction of movement of the laser beam.

Abstract: A solar cell module includes: a solar cell; a conductive light-reflective film disposed on a back surface side of the solar cell, the conductive light-reflective film extending from an edge portion of the solar cell; an insulating member disposed between a back surface of the solar cell and the conductive light-reflective film; and a back-surface side encapsulant covering the solar cell and the conductive light-reflective film from the back surface side of the solar cell, wherein the insulating member is made of a material harder than a material of the back-surface side encapsulant.

Abstract: A solar cell panel includes a solar cell string including a plurality of solar cells connected to each other and arranged in a first direction, a connection member that connects two adjacent solar cells of the plurality of solar cells to each other in the first direction and that is located an overlapped portion between the two adjacent solar cells, the connection member including a first conductive material, a first interconnector connected to an end solar cell positioned at an end of the solar cell string, a second interconnector connected to the first interconnector, a first connection structure that connects the end solar cell to the first interconnector and that includes the first conductive material, and a second connection structure that connects the first interconnector to the second interconnector and that includes a second conductive material that is different from the first conductive material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polymer conductor sheets comprising zones featuring different degrees of polymerization and/or crosslinking within the same polymer sheet, wherein the zones differ, for example, in mechanical stability, ductility and/or (thermo)adhesiveness. The present invention also teaches devices comprising these zoned polymer conductor sheets such as solar cell strings, matrices and modules, uses thereof and methods for producing these.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a technique capable of improving an SN ratio of a current signal which is superimposed on a power line in a photovoltaic string and transmitted and efficiently specifying a failure location. A current source 151 is connected to a power line 11 in parallel with each of photovoltaic elements 14. A controller 152 controls a current value of the current source 151 such that a current signal is generated. A bypass capacitor 153 is connected to the power line 11 to be parallel to the each of the photovoltaic elements 14 and the current source 151. Accordingly, the bypass capacitor 153 can transmit a current signal transmitted through the bypass capacitor 153 from a negative electrode side in a photovoltaic string to a positive electrode side.

Abstract: A power conversion device includes three first power conversion cells each converting input power and outputting the converted power and having input terminals connected in parallel regarding a first power supply and three second power conversion cells each converting input power and outputting the converted power and having input terminals connected in parallel regarding a second power supply, wherein: the power output from the cell and the power output from the cell are combined to output a first phase power; the power output from the cell and the power output from the cell are combined to output a second phase power; and the power output from the cell and the power output from the cell are combined to output a third phase power. The first phase, second phase, and third phase powers are output as the phase powers or inter-line powers of a three-phase system.

Abstract: A nanocomposite for the reverse storage of hydrogen based on monolayer sheets of polycrystalline or monocrystalline grapheme having a form of a cylindrical spiral roll of polycrystalline or monocrystalline graphene with a preferably constant spacing in the range from 0.2 to 2 nm, whereby the said spiral roll of polycrystalline graphene has grains with a minimum diameter of 50 nm.

Abstract: Building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) systems provide for solar panel arrays that can be aesthetically pleasing to an observer. BIPV systems can be incorporated as part of roof surfaces as built into the structure of the roof, particularly as multi-region roofing modules that have photovoltaic elements embedded or incorporated into the body of the module, in distinct tiles-sized regions. Such multi-region photovoltaic modules can replicate the look of individual roofing tiles or shingles. Further, multi-region photovoltaic modules can include hinged support structures along the upper edge of the modules, allowing for lifting of portions of an installed module, giving access to the underlying roof deck for more efficient installation, maintenance, or removal of roofing structures down-roof of the installed module.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a manufacturing method of an organic solar cell module and an organic solar cell module, and more particularly, to an organic solar cell module and a manufacturing method thereof, in which lower electrodes are spaced and etched in a staggered pattern and upper electrodes are coated to correspond to the lower electrodes to reduce a photoactive area of a sub cell and arrange more sub cells than sub cells in the related art in a predetermined area. Further, the present invention relates to an organic solar cell module and a manufacturing method thereof, which can reduce the installation cost and the manufacturing cost by coating a buffer layer and a photoactive layer on the lower electrode etched in the staggered pattern using a slot die coating apparatus in the related art.

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

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an optical member includes: forming a mask pattern on a glass member, the mask pattern comprising oxygen and indium; performing dry etching on the glass member using the mask pattern as a mask, while using an etching gas comprising fluorine; after performing the dry etching, performing wet etching on the glass member using the mask pattern as a mask, while using an etching solution comprising fluorine; and after alternately repeating performing the dry etching and the wet etching a plurality of times, removing the mask pattern.

Abstract: An improved interface for renewable energy systems is disclosed for interconnecting a plurality of power sources such as photovoltaic solar panels, windmills, standby generators and the like. The improved interface for renewable energy systems includes a multi-channel micro-inverter having novel heat dissipation, novel mountings, electronic redundancy and remote communication systems. The improved interface for renewable energy systems is capable of automatic switching between a grid-tied operation, an off grid operation or an emergency power operation. The interface provides for monitoring and for detecting performance and/or faults in power sources such as photovoltaic solar panels.

Abstract: A non-slip roof attachment system for attaching structures to residential and commercial roofs without the use of penetrations to roofing shingles and sealing layers is described. The non-slip attachment system may be used to attach roof mounted systems such as solar panels. The non-slip attachment system also allows for the quick removal of such roof mounted systems rapidly and without the need for repair of penetrations. The non-slip attachment system uses, among other things, an array-stay retainer comprising a vertical member and a horizontal member. A high friction foam polymer padding is used to further secure the non-slip attachment system to the roof.

Abstract: A solar tracker assembly comprises a support column, a torsion beam connected to the support column, a mounting mechanism attached to the torsion beam, a drive system connected to the torsion beam, and a torsion limiter connected to an output of the drive system. When an external force causes a level of torsion on the drive system to exceed a pre-set limit the torsion limiter facilitates rotational movement of the solar tracker assembly in the direction of the torsion, thereby allowing the external force to rotate about a pivot axis extending through the torsion beam. Exemplary embodiments also include methods of aligning a plurality of rows of solar trackers.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method of depositing a polymer layer, including: providing a substrate, having a sensor structure disposed on the substrate, to a substrate support within a hot wire chemical vapor deposition (HWCVD) chamber; providing a process gas comprising an initiator gas and a monomer gas and a carrier gas to the HWCVD chamber; heating a plurality of filaments disposed in the HWCVD chamber to a first temperature sufficient to activate the initiator gas without decomposing the monomer gas; and exposing the substrate to initiator radicals from the activated initiator gas and to the monomer gas to deposit a polymer layer atop the sensor structure.

Abstract: a p-type amorphous oxide semiconductor including gallium, a method of manufacturing the same, a solar cell including the same and a method of manufacturing the solar cell are disclosed. The p-type oxide semiconductor where gallium (Ga) is further combined with combination of one or more components selected from a group of CuS, SnO, ITO, IZTO, IGZO and IZO is provided.

Abstract: Building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) systems provide for solar panel arrays that can be aesthetically pleasing to an observer. BIPV systems can be incorporated as part of roof surfaces as built into the structure of the roof, particularly as roofing modules that have photovoltaic elements embedded or incorporated into the body of the module, in distinct tiles-sized areas. The use of modules that replicate the look of individual roofing tiles (or shingles) can lead to a more efficient installation process. Further, modules can include flexible joints between the distinct tiles-sized areas, across which solar cells within the module are electrically connected. The flexibility granted to the modules also makes installation easier, and further improves the fatigue and strain resistance of the overall solar array for its operational life.

Abstract: A degradation-resistant photovoltaic device is provided. The device includes an active area and at least one photovoltaic cell located in the active area. The photovoltaic cell has an elongated shape with a characteristic width and a characteristic length. The characteristic length is greater than the characteristic width and an average distance from the photovoltaic cell to any edge of the active area is greater than the characteristic width.

Abstract: A system and method for generating electrical power from a solar power supply using at least one concentrator array having a plurality of photovoltaic cells and corresponding reflector groups to direct light to the photovoltaic. A concentration ratio indicative of a portion of the electrical power capacity to generate to power a spacecraft is determined. The concentration ratio is communicated to a control module on the concentrator array. The control module selects a number of reflectors from the total number of reflectors to orient into a photovoltaic energizing position, where the selected number of reflectors corresponds to a concentration ratio of the total number of reflectors.

Abstract: A solar cell is disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates a full-laser scribing method for a flexible stainless steel substrate solar cell module, comprising: preparing an insulating layer and a molybdenum layer on a stainless steel substrate in sequence; using a laser I to scribe the prepared insulating layer and molybdenum layer to form a first scribed line (P1); preparing the following film layers in sequence on the molybdenum layer in which P1 has been scribed: a CIGS layer, a cadmium sulfide layer and an intrinsic zinc oxide layer; using a laser II to make scribe and thus form a second scribed line (P2), wherein the second scribed line P2 is parallel with the first scribed line P1; and preparing an aluminum-doped zinc oxide layer on the intrinsic zinc oxide layer in which P2 has been scribed, and using a laser III to make scribe and thus form a third scribed line (P3), wherein the third scribed line P3 is parallel with the first scribed line P1.

Abstract: A solar tracker assembly comprises a support column, a torsion beam connected to the support column, a mounting mechanism attached to the torsion beam, a drive system connected to the torsion beam, and a torsion limiter connected to an output of the drive system. When an external force causes a level of torsion on the drive system to exceed a pre-set limit the torsion limiter facilitates rotational movement of the solar tracker assembly in the direction of the torsion, thereby allowing the external force to rotate about a pivot axis extending through the torsion beam. Exemplary embodiments also include methods of aligning a plurality of rows of solar trackers.

Abstract: Photovoltaic (PV) cells that can be interconnected with improved interconnect joints to form PV cell strings and PV modules. The improved interconnect joints comprise at least two types of adhesive bonding regions to maximize both electrical conductivity and mechanical strength of interconnect joints coupling terminals of PV cells. The disclosed approaches to PV cell interconnection provide greater manufacturing rates and higher quality PV cell strings and PV modules.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a bifacial P-type PERC solar cell, which consecutively comprises a rear silver electrode, a rear aluminum grid, a rear passivation layer, P-type silicon, an N-type emitter, a front silicon nitride film, and a front silver electrode, wherein the rear silver electrode intersects with the rear aluminum grid line by a first predetermined angle, the first predetermined angle being greater than 10 degrees and smaller than 90 degrees; the rear passivation layer is grooved with laser to form a first laser grooving region, which is disposed below the rear aluminum grid line; the rear aluminum grid line is connected to the P-type silicon via the first laser grooving region and is provided at its periphery with an outer aluminum grid frame, the outer aluminum grid frame being connected to the rear aluminum grid line and the rear silver electrode. The present invention is simple in structure, low in cost, easy to popularize, and has high photoelectric conversion efficiency.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a photovoltaic module, comprising at least two electrically connected photovoltaic cells, the module comprising an insulating substrate covered with a layer of a first conductive material. The method comprises: a) forming a groove defining a first and second lower electrode; and b) forming, on each lower electrode, a stack comprising an upper electrode and a photo-active layer. The method further comprises, between steps a) and b), forming: a first insulating step on the groove; then a conductive strip partially covering the first insulating strip; then a second insulating strip partially covering the conductive strip.