Abstract: A system and method for providing power to a light-powered transponder. In order to create a sufficient voltage differential, two different photovoltaic elements are used. The photovoltaic elements generate voltages of different polarities. Because the photovoltaic elements are used independently to generate voltages with different polarities, the present system can achieve a desired voltage differential despite the inherent difficulties presented by the use of a standard CMOS process.

Abstract: A thin-film solar cell (10) is provided. The thin-film solar cell (10) comprises a flexible metallic substrate (12) having a first surface and a second surface. A back metal contact layer (16) is deposited on the first surface of the flexible metallic substrate (12). A semiconductor absorber layer (14) is deposited on the back metal contact. A photoactive film deposited on the semiconductor absorber layer (14) forms a heterojunction structure and a grid contact (24) deposited on the heterjunction structure. The flexible metal substrate (12) can be constructed of either aluminium or stainless steel. Furthermore, a method of constructing a solar cell is provided. The method comprises providing an aluminum substrate (12), depositing a semiconductor absorber layer (14) on the aluminum substrate (12), and insulating the aluminum substrate (12) from the semiconductor absorber layer (14) to inhibit reaction between the aluminum substrate (12) and the semiconductor absorber layer (14).

Abstract: A configurable fence system has a solar panel on a mounting surface that can tilt in accordance with a closed loop control system. A solar system for a fence includes a support structure mounted along the top length of the fence, a first mounting surface extending from the supporting structure, a first solar panel on the first mounting surface, a second mounting surface extending from the supporting structure, a second solar panel on the second mounting surface, and a pair of adjustable arms for tilting the first and second mounting surfaces with respect to the fence for sunlight exposure. The pair of arms can be also coupled to a motor and a solar detection and feedback control system for motorized adjustment.

Abstract: A solar cell plate for generating electric current includes a number of individual plates that can be moved in relation to one another to produce a convenient packing size.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention provides photovoltaic cells that utilize a mesh electrode on at least one exposure side of the photovoltaic cell. Preferably, the mesh electrode is a metallic mesh. In one embodiment, the invention provides dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSC) having a wire mesh exposure side electrode and a photovoltaic material comprising a photosensitized interconnected nanoparticle layer. In one embodiment, the wire mesh electrode functions as the cathode of the DSSC. In another embodiment, the wire mesh electrode functions as the anode of the DSSC. In addition, embodiments are provided where wire mesh electrodes are used for the anode and the cathode of a DSSC.

Abstract: A portable solar powered unit including a battery with associated electronics and a solar panel on a wheeled frame accommodates a variety of accessories including table tops, mounting poles, overhangs, back racks and a cover for all weather operation.

Abstract: An ultrasonic slitting device cuts and seals the edges of photovoltaic cells and modules to encapsulate the photoactive components in an environment substantially impervious to the atmosphere.

Abstract: The satellite solar generator structure comprises a plurality of solar panels (PR, PS) each having a plane surface, the panels being disposed in superposition in said structure (ST), the structure including at least one rod (TI) holding said panels (PR, PS) pressed against one another, two successive panels being in contact via bearing points (AL) disposed at the peripheries of the panels. In this structure, spacers (CA) are distributed over the surfaces of the panels (PR, PS) and are disposed between pairs of successive panels in order to improve contact between two successive panels so that the structure presents better mechanical strength during the satellite launch stage. With this arrangement, a fraction of the forces is taken up by the spacers instead of being taken up by the panels, thus making it possible to optimize the solar generator, for example by reducing the weight of the panels constituting it.

Abstract: A system and apparatus for charging an electronic device using solar energy are disclosed. In one form, a portable storage apparatus operable to charge a battery associated with an electronic device is disclosed. The apparatus includes a first material configured to provide a storage space for storing articles. The storage space includes an interior portion and an exterior portion. The apparatus further includes a first flexible solar panel coupled to an exterior portion of the portable storage apparatus and integrated as a part of the first material. A second positional solar panel is also provided and coupled to an interior portion of the portable storage apparatus. The apparatus further includes a universal 12-volt charge port coupled to the first and second solar panels and operable to receive a charge conductor for charging the electronic device.

Abstract: A mobile terminal with a solar cell is disclosed. The mobile terminal has a main body, a battery and a flip cover. A receiver portion, a data display and a keypad are formed on the upper surface of the main body. The improvement comprises a solar cell attached to the outer surface of the flip cover to be exposed to the outside. According to the present invention, there is provided the mobile terminal having a solar cell, which is capable of providing sufficient electric power to the mobile terminal while the mobile terminal is positioned in a normal state where the upper surface of the mobile terminal is directed upward.

Abstract: A device intended to be used as a shade, awning, blind and swimming pool cover includes a photocurrent-generating fabric and a support for winding and storing the fabric. The support is formed by an axisymetric tube of regular polygonal cross-section around the periphery of which the fabric is wound. The photo current-generating fabric includes a layer of interconnected photovoltaic cells.

Abstract: A PV assembly comprises a base, having a length L, an upwardly extending PV module, having a length H, and a downwardly extending deflector. The PV module and the deflector are preferably secured to the base so that they are placeable at shipping and inclined-use angles. The module may be connected to the base by a living hinge. The deflector may comprise an outer surface having a solar reflectivity of at least about 0.2, and more preferably of at least about 0.7, whereby solar radiation contacting the outer surface may be redirected to an adjacent PV module to increase the power output of the adjacent PV module. The inclined-use angle of the PV module may be about 2° to 15° and a ground cover ratio of H/L may be about 0.6 to about 0.8 for increased power output.

Abstract: The object of the invention is to provide a solar panel and a method for manufacturing the same, wherein the manufacture of the solar panel for use in space and repair work thereon can be performed easily and in little time. An entirety of the solar panel is configured by detachably linking a plurality of unit solar cell modules, which include a plurality of solar cells and connection wires for connecting the solar cells, and electrically connecting the unit solar cell modules to one another. Thus, a solar panel can be easily fabricated by combining standardized unit solar cell modules. Moreover, by simply mechanically connecting the unit solar cell modules, they can be electrically connected, and thus the time necessary for manufacture or repair of solar panels can be shortened.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a system and method for mounting a flexible material, such as a web of photovoltaic material, onto a surface, such as a roof. The system and method comprises providing a first and a second elongated web of flexible material and disposing the first and second webs on the surface in a longitudinally aligned relationship with one another, wherein a first edge of said first web abuts a first edge of said second web to form a longitudinal engagement point to produce a substantially triangular shape. At least one clamping strip is secured onto the longitudinal engagement point, wherein the clamping strip(s) is adapted to secure the longitudinal engagement point in a stable position for the length of the web. At least one batten cap is clamped onto the clamping strip(s), wherein the batten cap(s) is adapted to secure the clamping strips.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for the design and manufacture of foldable integrated stiffeners. These stiffeners may be used in, for example, thin-film arrays of electrochemical devices.

Abstract: A combination roofing panel and solar module includes a flexible membrane sheet, such as a single-ply membrane sheet, and a plurality of elongated solar or photovoltaic modules arranged side-by-side, end-to-end, or adjacent each other. The modules are adhered to the flexible membrane, and the edges of the modules having electrical connectors or electrodes are arranged to face each other or be aligned with each other. The electrical connectors are connected by a solder connection to module electrodes through apertures in a bottom surface of the flexible membrane and are connected in series. The series electrical connectors are connected directly to direct current (DC) electric devices, to a combiner box, to another panel or to an inverter which provides coverts direct current (DC) to alternating current electricity for use in residential, commercial or industrial building structures.

Abstract: The satellite solar generator structure comprises a plurality of solar panels (PR, PS) each having a plane surface, said panels being disposed in superposition in said structure (ST), said structure including at least one rod (TI) holding said panels (PR, PS) pressed against one another, two successive panels being in contact via bearing points (AL) disposed at the peripheries of said panels. In this structure, spacers (CA) are distributed over the surfaces of the panels (PR, PS) and are disposed between pairs of successive panels in order to improve contact between two successive panels so that the structure presents better mechanical strength during the satellite launch stage. With this arrangement, a fraction of the forces is taken up by the spacers instead of being taken up by the panels, thus making it possible to optimize the solar generator, for example by reducing the weight of the panels constituting it.

Abstract: A backup power supply apparatus. The apparatus includes a light absorbing device which consists of at least one light absorbing element. The light absorbing elements are pivotally engaged with each other and are foldable for being housed inside a casing for portability. The light absorbing elements may be unfolded to absorb light from a light source to generate electric power output required by a load.

Abstract: A photovoltaic building material comprises a substrate having one or more photovoltaic generating devices encapsulated thereupon. The substrate includes a body of contact adhesive material, preferably protected by a release layer. The material is readily installed onto a roof, wall or other portion of a building structure by use of the adhesive. The material can also be used for the custom fabrication of power generating modules, and such modules and methods for their manufacture are disclosed herein.

Abstract: In a solar array paddle having panels which are connected to a main body of a satellite and rotatably connected to one another, elastic insertion members for prevention of vibration are disposed in a clearance between each of the panels and between the main body and the panel adjacent to the main body when the panels are housed, folded, and layered. Each of the insertion members for prevention of vibration is inserted into the clearances and between the main body of the satellite and the panels adjacent to the main body such that one surface contacts a first panel and the other surface is adhered to a second panel.

Abstract: A large membrane space structure deployed and spanned by centrifugal force owing to the spin motion, contains a hub located at a central portion thereof and a sail including a plurality of petals attached to the hub by supports. Each of the petals has regions symmetrical to an imaginary center line passing through the center of the hub. Membranes are spanned on the regions. Each of the membranes is divided into parts of suitable shapes, and adjacent membranes are discretely connected to each other by bridge belts to suppress the residual crease strain. The petals are symmetric with respect to the center of the hub. Deployment force is provided in the circumferential direction by the introduction of imaginary tension lines. The petals may be connected to each other to help deployment.

Abstract: An apparatus (1) for the irradiation of solar cells (2) is described. The apparatus (1) contains at least 400 solid-state radiation sources in a matrix-like extensive arrangement for emitting monochromatic light in a spectral region of 880 nm, preferably for silicon cells.

Abstract: A photovoltaic strip assembly is disclosed comprising a polyimide substrate, a thin film voltaic strip, and a transversely grooved, protection covering of a chlorofloural polymer. The grooves are provided to increase the flexibility of the strip, and may be V-shaped, flat bottomed with splayed sides, or rounded to provide dome shapes between them. Similar grooves may be provided in the exposed surface of the substrate to further increase the flexibility of the strip. The grooves of the substrate may be aligned with ridges between the grooves of the protective covering, to receive these ridges when the strip is wound around a rechargeable battery or energy cell. In a different embodiment the grooves are between rows of hump-shaped protuberances. The protuberances of adjacent rows may be staggered.

Abstract: Solar panel includes solar cells affixed to one or more sheet elements and a frame for supporting the sheet elements, wherein the frame is provided with attachment members for attaching the sheet elements to the frame. The attachment members include one or more pretensioned strings, the sheet elements being attached to the strings. Preferably, the sheet elements are composed of flexible material and are attached to the string in a corrugated shape, wherein the sheet elements are provided with at least one row of apertures for weaving a string through successive apertures of the row.

Abstract: A solar array concentrator assembly includes a first solar array panel configured to receive solar energy and a first adjustable concentrator coupled to the first solar array panel. The first adjustable concentrator reflects solar energy toward the first solar array panel. A first drive shaft is coupled to the first adjustable concentrator. The first drive shaft is configured to rotate the first adjustable concentrator relative to the first solar array panel to maximize the solar energy reflected toward the first solar array panel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to manufacturing of regenerative photovolatic photoelectrochemical (RPEC) devices. The invention describes a method for manufacturing RPEC devices in a production line. The method comprises the steps of: dispensing a protective film in a substantially continuous sheet; attaching at least one substrate to the protective film in such a way that predetermined areas of the substrate are protected from being coated during at least one subsequent manufacturing process; using the protective films as a means to transport the substrate, along the production line through the at least one subsequent manufacturing process.

Abstract: A folding photovoltaic strip device is provided comprising a plurality of photovoltaic modules joined to form a strip and pleated by flexible, transverse creases so that the device may be stored folded together along the creases, in a compact form, and the creases sprung opened to expose the modules to energizing light. The creases are permanent to facilitate folding the device for storage, and the ends of the strip may be attached to a casing and a lid in which the strip is to be stored.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for the design and manufacture of foldable integrated stiffeners. These stiffeners may be used in, for example, thin-film arrays of electrochemical devices.

Abstract: A solar cell array assembly that is configured to be stowed in the payload bay of a low earth orbit space vehicle utilizes hinged panels comprising foldable outboard panels and inboard panels. The inboard panels are connected along their respective facing edges to an elongated structural boom one end of which is affixed to a deployment arm. The deployment arm has a shoulder connected to the payload bay, an upper arm, an elbow joint and a fore arm. The fore arm provides two rotational drives having respectively orthogonal axes. The panels are shaped to conform to the shape of the hinged payload bay doors which load the panels in the stowed configuration. The Complete Solar array assembly is a six degree of freedom mechanism that articulates the cell substrates out of a stowed volume (payload bay) to a selected orientation for solar array articulation relative to the sun, optimum power generation, and mission operations.

Abstract: A device for converting solar radiation into electric power, constituted by a substantially vertically elongated body from which multiple supporting arms for one or more modules constituted by multiple photovoltaic cells protrude in an upward region. The body is hollow and contains an inverter suitable for the conversion of electric power.

Abstract: An extendible solar generator has an extendible solar cell structure and an extendible support array structure which has a first cross member and is connected with a stowage housing for the solar cell structure. The support array structure can be rolled out independently of the solar cell structure and has guiding devices for rolling out the solar cell structure after the array structure has rolled out.

Abstract: A photovoltaic building material comprises a substrate having one or more photovoltaic generating devices encapsulated thereupon. The substrate includes a body of contact adhesive material, preferably protected by a release layer. The material is readily installed onto a roof, wall or other portion of a building structure by use of the adhesive.

Abstract: A solar array including a carbon fiber mesh substrate is provided. The solar panels including a series of hybrid structures formed along the common and continuous substrate by sandwiching the substrate between a series of discontinuous upper and lower support layers. In order to construct the solar panels having such hybrid structure, a series of top support layers or upper face sheets is disposed on a upper surface of the substrate and between the folding sections. The solar cells are placed on top of the upper face sheets. Similarly, a series of lower support layers or lower face sheets are disposed on a bottom surface of the substrate and between the folding sections. The folding sections are the regions where the upper and lower face sheets discontinue and expose the underlying substrate. The solar array can be folded along the folding section when a bending force is applied over one of the hybrid structures.

Abstract: A photovoltaic strip assembly is disclosed comprising a polyimide substrate, a thin film voltaic strip, and a transversely grooved, protection covering of a chlorofloural polymer. The grooves are provided to increase the flexibility of the strip, and may be V-shaped, flat bottomed with splayed sides, or rounded to provide dome shapes between them. Similar grooves may be provided in the exposed surface of the substrate to further increase the flexibility of the strip. The grooves of the substrate may be aligned with ridges between the grooves of the protective covering, to receive these ridges when the strip is wound around a rechargeable battery or energy cell. In a different embodiment the grooves are between rows of hump-shaped protuberances. The protuberances of adjacent rows may be staggered.

Abstract: A flexible foldable solar generator having an array of a plurality of blankets carrying solar cells hingeably connected to be folded and unfolded. The solar cells are connected together by branches and the branches are connected by connector lines in inner and outer current conducting tracks system arranged outside the blankets. The branches connect the solar cells with the connecting lines in the outer track to form a U-shaped series connection of the cells and the U-shaped series connected cells are connected in parallel by the connecting lines in the inner track where they can be connected to energy systems of the space vehicle.

Abstract: A solar cell module comprises a photovoltaic device having a flexible substrate. The photovoltaic device has a strain at least partly in the planar direction of the flexible substrate, and the strain is not greater than a critical value at which the photovoltaic device cracks. The solar cell module may further comprise a strain holding means for holding the strain. A deformable region where the photovoltaic device can be deformed when a region embracing the photovoltaic device is worked is defined so that a great variety of solar cell modules having a high reliability, also taking account of manufacture, can be designed with good efficiency.

Abstract: A space solar concentrator based on light-weight reflectors (3) attached to a honeycomb panel (1) is described. The integration of the reflectors (3) allows for a high modularity. Solar panel deployment is not perturbed by the reflectors (3) even with two-dimensional deployment concept. Each reflector (3) consists in small saw tooth aligned as rows (2) with solar cell rows in between. Low concentration is achieved with a high level of thermal control and a high optical efficiency. When small off-pointing occurs, the solar flux distribution is still the same on each cells. It guarantees a good electrical control and management on the whole panel. The reflectors (3) are preferably made of a thin film tight on a light-weight rigid frame deployed after launch. In another embodiment, the reflector is not deployable and is part of the panel substrate. A stowed configuration allows for superimposition of the solar panel.

Abstract: A solar array including a carbon fiber mesh substrate is provided. The solar panels including a series of hybrid structures formed along the common and continuous substrate by sandwiching the substrate between a series of discontinuous upper and lower support layers. In order to construct the solar panels having such hybrid structure, a series of top support layers or upper face sheets is disposed on a upper surface of the substrate and between the folding sections. The solar calls are placed on top of the upper face sheets. Similarly, a series of lower support layers or lower face sheets are disposed on a bottom surface of the substrate and between the folding sections. The folding sections are the regions where the upper and lower face sheets discontinue and expose the underlying substrate. The solar array can be folded along the folding section when a bending force is applied over one of the hybrid structures.

Abstract: A joint is provided for unfolding systems, e.g. for satellite solar generators that permits sufficiently large unfolding torque, low weight and small dimensions. A drive on one joint half acts on a small pulley to wind a cord on it. The other end of the cord is tautly connected to a large pulley that rotates on the hinge pin and is fixed to the second joint half. The large pulley rotates in the opposite direction of the small pulley when the cord is wound so that the second joint half folds away from the first joint half on the hinge pin into an unfolded state and is held in this state by a stop against the tension of the cord. The joint is used, for example, for unfolding joints for satellite solar generators that consist of two joint halves, a hinge pin and a drive.

Abstract: At least three stacked panels are articulated by means of adjacent members so that they can pivot toward a deployed configuration. A mechanism includes an immobilizer mounted on a first member, cooperating with a second member to lock the two panels in the deployed configuration and constrained to rotate with a lug which can rotate on the first member and is abutted against a surface of a member constrained to rotate with the second member and configured so that, when the deployed configuration is reached, the lug escapes from it and brings the immobilizer into contact with the second member to bring about locking. A first finger of the mechanism, which is constrained to rotate with the lug, cooperates with a second finger of the third panel to hold it stacked until the two panels reach the deployed configuration, at which time rotation of the lug releases the second finger.

Abstract: A process for producing a semiconductor layer by introducing a raw gas into a discharge chamber and supplying high-frequency power to the chamber to decompose the raw gas by discharge, thereby forming a semiconductor layer on a substrate within the discharge chamber, the process comprising the steps of supplying high-frequency power of at least very high frequency (VHF) as the high-frequency power; supplying bias power of direct current power and/or high-frequency power of radio-frequency (RF) together with the high-frequency power of VHF to the discharge chamber; and controlling a direct current component of an electric current flowing into an electrode, to which the bias power is supplied, so as to fall within a range of from 0.1 A/m2 to 10 A/m2 in terms of a current density based on the area of an inner wall of the discharge chamber. A good-quality semiconductor layer can be deposited over a large area at a high speed.

Abstract: A removably mountable blind-type curtain is provided which includes a plurality of blinds removably securable to a curtain support. One or more of the blinds have a solar module secured thereto for converting solar energy to other energy. The blinds are connected to one another in a cable-free manner. An energy storage device is connected to the blinds for storing energy generated by the solar modules and an energy power take off device cooperates with an energy receiving device to effect the transfer of energy from the blind-type curtain to the energy receiving device. The energy storage device and the energy power take off device are mounted on the curtain support such that they are protected against external adverse environmental effects.

Abstract: A spacecraft solar array structure including at least one sheet of amorphous silicon (12, 24, 34) formed on a flexible backing film, a supporting structure (14, 22, 36), and a mechanism for reducing the bulk of the solar array structure to facilitate storage for launch and deployment of the structure in space. One disclosed embodiment of the invention includes a sheet of solar array material that deploys as cylindrical array (12) that does not need to be mounted on gimbals. In another embodiment, the solar array (24) is disposed on a rear surface of an antenna dish (22). In yet another embodiment, the supporting structure of the solar array (34) includes multiple antenna dipole elements (36).

Abstract: A weather resistant flag is provided which includes a flagstaff, a flag cloth mountable on the flagstaff, solar cells mounted on at least one of the flag cloth and the flagstaff, and an energy storage device for storing energy generated by the solar cells. The solar cells can be in the form of solar cell strips and can be transparent in the event that they are mounted over business advertising symbols that may be provided on the flag.

Abstract: The peeling of a thin-film single-crystal from a substrate is carried out so that the directions of straight lines on the single-crystal surface made by planes on which the single-crystal is apt to cleave are different from the front line direction of the peeled single-crystal. This single-crystal is used in a solar cell and a drive circuit member of an image display element. A method is provided which prevents a decrease in quality and yield of a single crystal layer when it is peeled from a substrate. A flexible solar cell module having a thin film single-crystal layer is made so that its flexing direction is different from the single-crystal's cleaving direction. Thus, a thin-film single-crystal solar cell module having excellent durability and reliability due to a lack of defect or cracking during production and use, and a method for producing the same, is provided.

Abstract: The power to weight ratio obtained with a spacecraft's solar array (3) is enhanced by a factor of at least two to five through use of support structure for individual solar panels or solar arrays (31a-17a) containing a curved outwardly bowed surface as deployed that packs essentially flat for storage. Defining a D-shaped wing (15a) in cross-section as deployed, the support structure (4 & 6) for a string of solar cells (10, FIG. 3) provides greater inertia and thereby greater rigidity than prior designs. One member (4) to the support structure is relatively flexible. One-hundred and eighty degree strain energy hinges (19) carried by the other support member (6) outwardly bows that flexible to define a curved sector when the support structure is released from the stowed condition in which the support structure is held relatively thin and flat.

Abstract: A foldable solar cell array (10′) with multiple hinged panels, each with a segment of solar cells on a first face of each panel. Maximum power demands are met by employing a shortened outermost panel (20′) to minimize mass and inertia of the array. In a folded configuration, power generated from solar cells on the shortened outermost panel (20′) are supplemented by power generated from an additional segment of solar cells on a second face of the panel adjacent to the outermost one.

Abstract: A solar array according to this invention includes a solar blanket which is folded into adjacent panels that are hinged together in an accordion-folded mode at parallel hinges. A pair of foldable spines is fixed to the panels and runs the length of the array. The hinges are included in the spine. The spines are mounted at one end to a base plate, and also at the other end to a tip plate. The base plate is intended to be attached to the spacecraft structure with a yoke which will provide required standoff for rotational clearance during sun-tracking. A pantograph deployment structure extends between the two plates. It can be retracted for storage and extended to deploy the blanket. A conductive harness is attached to the blanket to collect current from the panels.

Abstract: A solar battery having a board with a surface with a plurality of spherical segments projecting from the board surface. A primary electrode layer is provided on the board surface and the plurality of spherical segments. A semiconductor layer is provided on the primary electrode layer and has P-N connecting members. A secondary electrode layer on the semiconductor layer is made up of a translucent material.

Abstract: A folding photovoltaic strip device is provided comprising a plurality of photovoltaic modules joined to form a strip and pleated by flexible, transverse creases so that the device may be stored folded together along the creases, in a compact form, and the creases opened to expose the modules to energizing light. Preferably the creases are permanent to facilitate folding the device for storage, and the ends of the strip may be attached to a casing and a lid in which the strip is to be stored.