Abstract: A photovoltaic device and method include forming a plurality of pillar structures in a substrate, forming a first electrode layer on the pillar structures and forming a continuous photovoltaic stack including an N-type layer, a P-type layer and an intrinsic layer on the first electrode. A second electrode layer is deposited over the photovoltaic stack such that gaps or fissures occur in the second electrode layer between the pillar structures. The second electrode layer is wet etched to open up the gaps or fissures and reduce the second electrode layer to form a three-dimensional electrode of substantially uniform thickness over the photovoltaic stack.

Abstract: A photovoltaic device according to the present disclosure is provided with: a condensing optical system having chromatic aberration; a first photoelectric converter, which is arranged on an optical axis of the condensing optical system; and a second photoelectric converter, which is arranged on an outer peripheral side of the first photoelectric converter when viewed from an optical axis direction of the condensing optical system, and which has a bandgap lower than a bandgap of the first photoelectric converter, wherein the first photoelectric converter is arranged on an inner side of a rectangle that circumscribes a condensing region of absorbable longest-wavelength light determined based on the bandgap.

Abstract: Device structures, apparatuses, and methods are disclosed for photovoltaic cells that may be a single-junction or multijunction solar cells, with at least a first layer comprising a group-IV semiconductor in which part of the cell comprises a second layer comprising a III-V semiconductor or group-IV semiconductor having a different composition than the group-IV semiconductor of the first layer, such that a heterostructure is formed between the first and second layers.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an apparatus for aligning a solar cell element. The apparatus includes a transfer device configured for moving the solar cell element from a first position on a transport device to a second position on a support device, a detection device configured to detect a first orientation of the solar cell element on the transport device and configured to detect a second orientation of the solar cell element held by the transfer device, and a controller configured to change an orientation of the solar cell element held by the transfer device based on at least one of the first orientation and the second orientation to align the solar cell element.

Abstract: A system for redirecting light to a mobile platform includes a satellite and a mobile platform including a first RF antenna that transmits a trajectory data for the mobile platform, and a photovoltaic cell that converts light into electrical energy. The satellite includes a second RF antenna that receives the trajectory data, and a processor coupled to the second RF antenna. The processor computes a target position of the mobile platform based on the trajectory data, and instructs a diffuser system to generate the beam of light and direct the beam to the target position.

Abstract: Provided is a method for improving the corrosion resistance of a gold finger, which is applicable to an electro-optical circuit board including gold fingers, wherein a guide line is arranged at a root portion of the gold fingers of the electro-optical circuit board. The method comprises the following steps in sequence: 1) electrical connection: using an outer lead to electrically connect all gold fingers of a electro-optical circuit board; 2) solder resistance: performing solder resistance on an area other than the outer lead; 3) gold plating on the gold fingers; 4) etching of the outer lead; and 5) solder resistance: performing solder resistance on a vacancy after etching of the lead. In the method, an outer lead is arranged to electrically connect all gold fingers of a electro-optical circuit board, so that all sides of the gold fingers are plated with gold, thereby significantly improving the corrosion resistance of the gold fingers.

Abstract: In an attachment structure for attaching a photovoltaic cell module having flexibility to an installation surface or an attachment member, a back surface of the photovoltaic cell module is attached to the installation surface or the attachment member by being adhered by an adhesive material.

Abstract: A solar thermophotovoltaic system includes a heat exchange pipe containing a heat exchange fluid, and a thin-film integrated spectrally-selective plasmonic absorber emitter (ISSAE) in direct contact with an outer surface of the heat exchange pipe, the ISSAE including an ultra-thin non-shiny metal layer comprising a metal strongly absorbing in a solar spectral range and strongly reflective in an infrared spectral range, the metal layer having an inner surface in direct contact with an outer surface of the heat exchange pipe. The system further includes a photovoltaic cell support structure having an inner surface in a concentric configuration surrounding at least a portion of the ISSAE; and an airgap separating the support structure and the outer surface of the metal layer.

Abstract: Provided is a flexible printed circuit including: a film-shaped insulating base material having flexibility and having a withstand voltage value of at least 2000 V; and an electric conductor layer formed on the insulating base material and forming a circuit pattern, wherein with respect to the insulating base material, a principal component thereof is a polyimide and a filler content thereof is 0%. Thus, a flexible printed circuit can be obtained that has an insulating base material which suppresses decrease in withstand voltage performance even in a high humidity environment.

Abstract: A solar panel includes a backsheet layer, a bottom encapsulant layer adjacent the backsheet layer, a plurality of photovoltaic cells adjacent the bottom encapsulant layer, a top encapsulant layer adjacent the plurality of photovoltaic cells having a plurality of louvers constructed therein to block side view of the plurality of photovoltaic cells, and a top layer adjacent the top encapsulant layer.

Abstract: A light-heat gathering solar energy device belonging to the energy device, which is a device for decreasing the area occupied by the solar energy device and increasing the light-heat absorbing efficiency of the sun light, comprising: a bracket structure, which is a structural member having a hollow body; at least one solar energy absorbing device disposed within the hollow body of said bracket structure, the hollow body is formed by the container wall having a geometry structure of upper-wide lower-narrow shape, and at least one cup-shaped bottom structure is disposed therein, said container wall is composed of an outer wall and an inner wall, said outer wall is made of a light-heat absorbing material, said inner wall is made of a light reflecting material, allowing invisible light to penetrate, inward and downward reflection is enabled in the energy absorbing device through the inner wall when the sun light irradiates from the top to the bottom such that the light-heat energy gathering effect is produced wit

Abstract: One embodiment provides a method, including: receiving configuration input for a solar structure; the configuration input comprising (i) a geographical location, (ii) module configuration input, and (iii) reflector configuration input; identifying the position of the sun; determining an angle between the solar reflector and the solar module corresponding to a predetermined power gain for the solar module, wherein the determining comprises (i) identifying the corresponding area of the solar module that is illuminated by the solar reflector and (ii) totaling the contributions from each of the solar reflectors to calculate an irradiance for each solar cell; adjusting the angles of at least some of the solar reflectors with respect to the solar module to angles determined to correspond to the predetermined power gain using at least one actuator; and dynamically changing how the solar cells are electrically connected together to form a plurality of strings.

Abstract: A reflective solar tracker system for collecting solar energy from the sun and converting the solar energy to electricity, using one or more photovoltaic devices, each of which has a sunlight-collecting surface, including a horizontal reflector panel retaining assembly, wherein the horizontal reflector panel retaining assembly further comprises a horizontal reflector panel such that the horizontal reflector panel includes a non-uniform, textured finish located on a sun-facing surface area of the horizontal reflector panel, a reflective solar tracker retaining/rotating assembly operatively connected to the horizontal reflector panel retaining assembly, and a reflective solar tracker array retaining assembly operatively connected to the horizontal reflector panel retaining assembly and the reflective solar tracker retaining/rotating assembly.

Abstract: A snap-on mounting bracket assembly suitable for connecting a mounting rail to a torque tube is provided. The mounting bracket assembly includes an upper clamp piece and a lower clamp piece. The upper clamp piece has a first member defining a tube insertion aperture and an open bottom space and includes an upper partial fastener. The lower clamp piece has a second member with a lower partial fastener configured to mate with the upper partial fastener such that the lower clamp piece is attachable to the upper clamp piece. In exemplary embodiments, the lower clamp piece further comprises two opposing support members configured to attach to the mounting rail. Solar tracker assemblies incorporating snap-on open mounting brackets are provided. Methods of mounting framed or unframed solar modules are also described. A mounting rail is attached to an upper clamp piece of a mounting assembly. Then the upper clamp piece is snapped onto a torque tube.

Abstract: The disclosure discloses a solder strip applied to a shingled solar cell module, including a flat portion, and an upper cell slice connecting portion and a lower cell slice connecting portion located at two sides of the flat portion; a plurality of fine grid lines are arranged in parallel on front/back surfaces of lower/upper cell slices; cutting directions of the lower cell slice and the upper cell slice are parallel to the fine grid lines; the solder strip is arranged perpendicular to the fine grid lines or parallel to busbars; and the upper cell slice partially overlaps with the lower cell slice, the flat portion is soldered to the fine grid lines/busbars on the front surface of the lower cell slice and the fine grid lines/busbars on the back surface of the upper cell slice to form an overlapped region, the upper cell slice connecting portion is soldered to the fine grid lines/busbars on the back surface of the upper cell slice, and the lower cell slice connecting portion is soldered to the fine grid lines

Abstract: The present invention relates to a solar cell module, includes a plurality of solar cells, a concentration unit having a flat surface to which solar light is incident, arranged at a position spaced apart from the solar cells, and configured to concentrate the incident solar light for output, and a reflection unit configured to reflect light between the solar cells, wherein the concentration unit is provided with a reflective region such that solar light concentrated by the concentration unit and output from is trapped between the concentration unit and the reflection unit, and an air gap is formed between the concentration unit and the reflection unit.

Abstract: A light redirecting film defining a longitudinal axis, and including a base layer, an ordered arrangement of a plurality of microstructures, and a reflective layer. The microstructures project from the base layer, and each extends across the base layer to define a corresponding primary axis. The primary axis of at least one of the microstructures is oblique with respect to the longitudinal axis. The reflective layer is disposed over the microstructures opposite the base layer. When employed, for example, to cover portions of a PV module tabbing ribbon, or areas free of PV cells, the films of the present disclosure uniquely reflect incident light.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to a method for providing an animated presentation. The method includes identifying a geographic area and identifying solar flux for the geographic area. A plurality of images of the geographic area then is generated to display the solar flux. Each image in the plurality of images displays solar flux at different points in time of a day. The animated presentation is generated by displaying the plurality of images in chronological order with a transition between images in the plurality of images and provided for display on a display to a user.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a remote monitoring system and related method for solar power generation device, including: transmitting electrical parameters and environmental parameters collected by a plurality of solar power generation devices to a computing device; and transmitting the electrical parameters and the ambient parameters by the computing device to a server through an embedded communication module disposed within the computing device, wherein the embedded communication module is an industrial-grade embedded 3G/4G communication module and can withstand temperatures of at least 70° C. Therefore, the remote monitoring system and related method according to the present disclosure can solve the problem of overheating of the equipment.

Abstract: Techniques are described for forming a gradient index (GRIN) lens for propagating an electromagnetic wave comprising receiving, by a manufacturing device having one or more processors, a model comprising data specifying a plurality of layers, wherein at least one layer of the plurality of layers comprises an arrangement of one or more volume elements comprising a first dielectric material and a second dielectric material, wherein the at least one layer of the plurality of layers has a dielectric profile that is made up of a plurality of different effective dielectric constants of the volume elements in the layer, and generating, with the manufacturing device by an additive manufacturing process, the GRIN lens based on the model.

Abstract: An arrangement for subsea cooling of a semiconductor module. The arrangement includes a tank. The tank is filled with a dielectric fluid. The arrangement includes at least one semiconductor module. The at least one semiconductor module is placed in the tank. Each at least one semiconductor module includes semiconductor submodules and is attached to a heat sink. The semiconductor submodules generate heat, thereby causing the dielectric fluid to circulate by natural convection. The heat sink includes a first part having a first thermal resistance from the semiconductor module to the dielectric fluid. The heat sink includes a second part having a second thermal resistance from the semiconductor module to the dielectric fluid. The second thermal resistance is higher than the first thermal resistance. The heat sink is oriented such that, when the arrangement is installed, the first part is configured to lie vertically higher than the second part.

Abstract: Device structures, apparatuses, and methods are disclosed for photovoltaic cells that may be a single junction or multijunction solar cells, with at least a first layer comprising a group-IV semiconductor in which part of the cell comprises a second layer comprising a III-V semiconductor or group-IV semiconductor having a different composition than the group-IV semiconductor of the first layer, such that a heterostructure is formed between the first and second layers.

Abstract: This photovoltaic module includes: a power generating element configured to receive light to generate power; and a housing which is closed, the housing having: a concentrating portion provided with a lens configured to concentrate sunlight; a bottom portion in which the power generating element is disposed; and a side wall serving as an outer frame for the bottom portion and supporting the concentrating portion. The side wall is formed from a resin and has at least one vent hole.

Abstract: Briefly, in accordance with one or more embodiments, photovoltaic device comprises a core having a shape that is at least partially spherical, an absorber disposed over the core, and a transparent conductor disposed over the absorber.

Abstract: A solar cell is made which has a first conduction-type crystalline silicon substrate having a texture provided on the surface, and an i-type amorphous silicon layer located on the surface of the crystalline silicon substrate, wherein the texture has a larger radius of curvature R1 of root parts thereof than the radius of curvature R2 of peak parts thereof. The crystalline silicon substrate has a first conduction-type highly-doped region containing a first conduction-type dopant on the surface thereof, and the dopant concentration in the first conduction-type highly-doped region is higher than that in the center in the thickness direction of the crystalline silicon substrate.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for improving power generation efficiency of a solar cell, comprising: providing a synergistic structure for allowing the solar cell to receive light through thereof, wherein the synergistic structure is a three-dimensional structure; the three-dimensional structure has a surface area that is larger than a surface area of the solar cell, a refractive index of substances that used to construct the three-dimensional structure is higher than a refractive index of environmental substances around the solar cell, and improving an interface condition of the solar cell could increase light introduced into the solar cell and improving power generation efficiency of the solar cell.

Abstract: A two-piece truss leg with an articulating coupler for an A-frame-shaped truss foundation system for single-axis trackers. The coupler is attached to the head of each screw anchor to enable it to be driven. A connection portion extends above the coupler and is received within an open end of an upper leg to allow the upper leg to be misaligned with respect to it corresponding screw anchor.

Abstract: A solar cell module includes: a first solar cell; a second solar cell disposed apart from the first solar cell with a space therebetween; a first light reflector disposed on an edge portion of the first solar cell, and overlapping the space; and a second light reflector disposed on an edge portion of the second solar cell, and overlapping the space.

Abstract: A portable multiple configuration solar photovoltaic assembly is disclosed. The assembly contains a plurality of photovoltaic modules that collect solar energy and convert the solar energy into electricity.

Abstract: The disclosure discloses a photoelectric detector and a photoelectric detection device, the photoelectric detector includes: a photosensitive active layer (100) including a first surface (1) and a second surface (2) opposite to each other; a first electrode (200) and a second electrode (300) located on the first surface (1) of the photosensitive active layer (100), and arranged spaced apart from each other; and a third electrode (400) located on the second surface (2) of the photosensitive active layer (100); where the first electrode (200) and the second electrode (300) respectively contact directly with the first surface (1) of the photosensitive active layer (100), and the third electrode (400) contacts directly with the second surface (2) of the photosensitive active layer (100). The photoelectric detector can improve the contrast between light current and dark current.

Abstract: A two-terminal optoelectronic device includes a substrate having a first and a second series of grooves. A channel may transect the grooves of the first and second series of grooves. Each groove of the first and second series of grooves has a first and a second face and a cavity therebetween. The cavity is at least partially filled with a first semiconductor material. The first face is coated with a conductor material and the second face coated with a second semiconductor material. A structured surface of the substrate separates the first series of grooves from the second series of grooves to define a positive pole and a negative pole thereon. A method of producing an optoelectronic device incorporates the grooves into the surface of the substrate.

Abstract: A device for converting electromagnetic radiation into electricity comprises an expander that includes a conical shape having an axis and a curved surface that is configured to reflect electromagnetic radiation away from the axis to expand a beam of the electromagnetic radiation; and one or more energy conversion components configured to receive a beam of electromagnetic radiation expanded by the expander, and to generate electricity from the expanded beam of electromagnetic radiation. With the expander's curved surface, a beam of electromagnetic radiation that is highly concentrated—has a large radiation flux—may be converted into a beam that has a larger cross-sectional area. Moreover, one can configure, if desired, the curved surface to provide a substantially uniform distribution of radiation across the expanded cross-sectional area. With such an expanded beam the one or more energy conversion components can efficiently convert some of the electromagnetic radiation into electricity.

Abstract: A concentrator photovoltaic module including: a concentrating portion formed by arranging a plurality of lens elements each configured to concentrate sunlight; and a housing configured to accommodate a plurality of power generating elements disposed at positions respectively corresponding to the lens elements, wherein the housing includes: a frame body formed from resin; and a bottom plate formed from metal, the bottom plate being mounted to the frame body and having the power generating elements mounted thereto, and the frame body includes: a frame body portion forming an outer frame; and a liner portion extending along an upper surface of the bottom plate at an inner side of the frame body portion, the liner portion having both end portions thereof formed integrally with the frame body portion.

Abstract: Device structures, apparatuses, and methods are disclosed for photovoltaic cells that may be a single-junction or multijunction solar cells, with at least a first layer comprising a group-IV semiconductor in which part of the cell comprises a second layer comprising a III-V semiconductor or group-IV semiconductor having a different composition than the group-IV semiconductor of the first layer, such that a heterostructure is formed between the first and second layers.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for installation of solar panels on a support structure, comprising a solar panel assembly constructed on a mounting tray assembly, the solar panel assembly moved into position on the support structure using a mated cradle assembly, or a connected lift assembly using lift plates, thereby significantly reducing manpower required for solar panel installation, potential worker injury and damage to solar panels. The solar panel assembly generally comprises a plurality of solar panels, a solar panel tube and brackets for attaching the solar panels to the solar panel tube. The mounting tray assembly generally comprises a tray frame, tray tube and tripod assemblies with casters for moving the mounting tray assembly and solar panel assembly. The cradle assembly generally comprises fork tubes and end plates with cutouts to mate with the solar panel tube. The lift apparatus typically comprises a crossbar, lifting lugs, straps, clips, and panel straps.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method, a device and/or a system of a cryptocurrency processing solar power distribution architecture. In one aspect, a modular cryptocurrency computing power supply system includes a solar DC power generation system, a DC power bus, an electronic control system and a mining node power management system. The solar DC power generation system is structured to provide DC power to a DC/DC converter. The DC power bus is structured to selectably receive power from the DC/DC converter and to provide DC power to a plurality of mining servers. The electronic control system is structured to selectably control the cryptocurrency computing power supply system to operate in plurality of modes. The mining node power management system includes optimizing power distribution from the solar DC power generation system to the plurality of mining servers using a cryptocurrency solar curve algorithm generated based on an analysis of statistically predicted patterns of energy usage and production.

Abstract: An optoelectronic device comprising a substrate comprising a groove having a first and a second face. The first face of the groove is coated with a conductor material and the second face of the groove coated with a semiconductor material. The conductor material and the semiconductor material are in contact with another semiconductor material in the groove. There is an aperture in the another semiconductor material. The first face, second face, the conductor material and the semiconductor material are all in contact with the another semiconductor material in the groove.

Abstract: A solar tracker comprises a support frame, a panel assembly comprising one or more solar panels, and an actuator to rotate the panel assembly to track the movement of the sun. The panel assembly comprises a central spine and one or more panel carriers extending transversely over the top of the central spine for supporting solar panels. The panel carriers are secured to the central spine by respective support brackets. The support brackets comprise a top surface, side walls extending downwardly from opposing sides of the top surface, and a slot with a downwardly facing opening extending transversely through the sidewalls. The slot is configured to receive the central spine.

Abstract: Provided is a ventilative solar cell and a solar cell module. The solar cell includes: a cell substrate; and a photoelectric conversion layer formed on the cell substrate so as to convert solar energy into electrical energy, wherein the cell substrate and the photoelectric conversion layer include a plurality of through holes that form an air passage extending from a front surface of the solar cell, on which sunlight is incident, to a rear surface thereof.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention is a solar shingle roofing assembly that includes a roofing underlayment providing mechanical and electrical connection for solar shingles. The system also includes an array of rectangular solar shingles, each solar shingle with a first side edge, a second side edge, a bottom edge and a top edge. Each solar shingle is shaped to form at least one channel on an upper surface running from the top edge to the bottom edge and shaped to form at least two air gaps between the bottom surface of the shingle and the top surface of the underlayment and running parallel to the at least one channel. In the array of shingles, the air gaps of vertically adjacent shingles are aligned to thereby form continuous air gaps running from a bottom of the array to a top of the array. The solar shingles are mechanically and electrically connected to the roofing underlayment.

Abstract: A solar tracking assembly includes a spine and a plurality of paired brackets connected to the spine. The brackets are positioned on opposite sides of the spine and at least one of the paired brackets includes wheels to allow rolling movement of the spine. An array arm is attached to each bracket and is moveable from a shipping position to a deployed position, and at least one solar array panel is secured to each array arm. A method of installing a solar panel assembly includes assembling in a secondary automated process at least one solar panel assembly in an offsite location, loading the solar panel assembly in the shipping position on a truck, transporting the truck to a deployment site, and off-loading the solar panel assembly from said truck.

Abstract: A multijunction solar cell assembly and its method of manufacture including interconnected first and second discrete semiconductor body subassemblies disposed adjacent and parallel to each other, each semiconductor body subassembly including first top subcell, second (and possibly third) lattice matched middle subcells; a graded interlayer adjacent to the last middle solar subcell; and a bottom solar subcell adjacent to said graded interlayer being lattice mismatched with respect to the last middle solar subcell; wherein the interconnected subassemblies form at least a four junction solar cell by a series connection being formed between the bottom solar subcell in the first semiconductor body and the bottom solar subcell in the second semiconductor body.

Abstract: A method of passivating a silicon substrate for use in a photovoltaic device, comprising providing a silicon substrate having a bulk and exhibiting a front surface and a rear surface, and forming by liquid phase application a dielectric layer on at least said rear surface. The dielectric layer formed at the rear surface is capable of acting as a reflector to enhance reflection of light into the bulk of the silicon substrate, and the dielectric layer is capable of releasing hydrogen into the bulk as well as onto a surface of the silicon substrate in order to provide hydrogenation and passivation. The present invention provides an inexpensive, low cost method of improving the electrical and/or optical performance of photovoltaic devices through the application of coating chemicals onto the backside of the silicon substrate.

Abstract: A solar tracking device having: a primary optical sensor (30); at least two auxiliary optical sensors (70a, 70b); and a housing. The housing has an upper surface (80) with a central hole (100; 62; 82) below which the primary sensor (30) is disposed and light wells (22; 25), disposed laterally around the central hole (100; 62; 82), in which each of the respective auxiliary sensors (70a, 70b) is disposed. Each light well (22; 25) has a bottom surface (15) on which the associated auxiliary sensor (70a, 70b) is disposed, an aperture (84) in the upper surface, and sidewalls (22) connecting the upper surface and the bottom surface. One of the sidewalls (22) is a light-reflective surface (25) disposed parallel to a tangent of the central hole, all other sidewalls being light-absorbing.

Abstract: A micro-concentrator solar array is provided, and includes a plurality of solar cells and a plurality of micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) based reflectors. Each solar cell includes a focal point. The MEMS based reflectors are each selectively tiltable about at least one axis to reflect a beam of light onto the focal point of one of the solar cells.

Abstract: A solar PV module is disclosed having two types of laterally-separated coplanar cells with different bandgaps to improve conversion efficiency. A diffracting entrance window directs sunlight with wavelengths shorter than a separation 5 wavelength ks is directed largely to the first type of wider bandgap cells. Sunlight with wavelengths longer than a separation wavelength ks is directed largely to the second type of narrower bandgap cells. The separation wavelength is chosen so that each cell is illuminated largely by that part of the solar spectrum to which it has the higher conversion efficiency, resulting in an overall conversion efficiency higher than 10 for either type of cell used alone. The wider bandgap cells are configured on a planar support in separated parallel strips, with the narrower bandgap cells largely filling the area between these strips.

Abstract: Disclosed is a solar cell panel including a plurality of solar cells each including a semiconductor substrate and an electrode formed on the semiconductor substrate, and a wire for interconnecting the solar cells. The electrode includes a bus-bar line having a pad portion for attachment of the wire. The wire includes a first wire portion connected to the pad portion, and a second wire portion located on a portion excluding the pad portion. The first wire portion has a thickness greater than a thickness of the second wire portion.

Abstract: This power generation circuit unit includes a wiring substrate and a plurality of power generating elements mounted to the wiring substrate. The wiring substrate includes: a first substrate (32E) and a second substrate (32F) to each of which the power generating element is mounted; and a coupling portion (33L) configured to couple the first substrate (32E) and the second substrate (32F) together. The first substrate (32E) can be disposed at least two positions of: a first position separated from the second substrate (32F) by a first distance; and a second position separated from the second substrate (32F) by a second distance being greater than the first distance. The coupling portion (33L) has an FPC (flexible printed circuits). In a state where the first substrate is disposed at the second position, at least a part of the coupling portion (33L) is twisted.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products for cognitively predicting dust deposition on solar photovoltaic modules are provided herein. A computer-implemented method includes deriving, with respect to solar photovoltaic modules, dust parameters from image data, and estimating, for a given future time at a current module orientation, an amount of surface area of the modules that will be covered by dust and a yield loss of the modules associated with dust coverage. The method also includes forecasting, for the given future time at each of one or more modified module orientations, an amount of surface area of the modules that will be covered by dust and a yield loss of the modules associated with dust coverage. Further, the method includes generating an instruction to change the orientation of at least one of the modules, and outputting the instruction to at least one actuation system associated with the modules.

Abstract: A high efficiency configuration for a solar cell module comprises solar cells arranged 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. Removing a defective solar cell from a super cell may be difficult, however. It may therefore be advantageous to bypass defective solar cells in a super cell rather than remove and replace them. A bypass conductor may be applied to the rear surface of the super cell to bypass one or more defective solar cells in a super cell or in a solar module comprising super cells.