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: 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: 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: 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: One embodiment can provide a solar module. The solar module can include one or more moisture-resistant photovoltaic structures. A respective photovoltaic structure can include a base layer, an emitter layer positioned on a first side of the base layer, and a moisture barrier layer positioned on a first side of the emitter layer, thereby reducing the amount of moisture that reaches a junction between the base layer and the emitter layer.

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.

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: The present invention discloses a bi-facial photovoltaic power generation module, comprising a transparent box, and a cell string and a mounting base which are installed inside the transparent box, wherein the transparent box is provided with a positive terminal and a negative terminal, the cell string is formed by connecting several bi-facial cells in series or in parallel with both ends of the cell string respectively provided with a positive wire and a negative wire welded on the positive terminal and the negative terminal, and the mounting base is provided with strip-shaped slots in which the bi-facial cells can be plugged. According to the present invention, the module can simultaneously generate power on front and back sides thereof and improve its power generation efficiency per unit area.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a communication system, a sensing device, and a semiconductor device, among other things. One example of the disclosed sensing device includes a semiconductor die having a photodetector, an optical element optically coupled to and disposed on the photodetector, at least one support structure substantially surrounding the optical element, and a top metal portion disposed on the semiconductor die adjacent to but distanced away from the optical element and the at least one support structure.

Abstract: Methods and systems for cost-effective precision solar farming with mobile photonic harvesters are provided herein.

Abstract: A solar cell assembly comprises a first assembly of at least one photovoltaic cell and a protective glass positioned on the active face of the first assembly, the area of the protective glass covering more than the entirety of the active face of the first assembly, and comprises a second assembly of at least one portion of the protective glass extending from the active face of the first assembly, the second assembly comprises an optically reflective surface.

Abstract: A multijunction solar cell and its method of fabrication, having an upper first solar subcell composed of a semiconductor material including aluminum and having a first band gap; a second solar subcell adjacent to said first solar subcell and composed of a semiconductor material having a second band gap smaller than the first band gap and being lattice matched with the upper first solar subcell; a third solar subcell adjacent to said second solar subcell and composed of a semiconductor material having a third band gap smaller than the second band gap and being lattice matched with the second solar subcell; a first and second DBR structure adjacent to the third solar subcell; and a fourth solar subcell adjacent to the DBR structures and lattice matched with said third solar subcell and composed of a semiconductor material having a fourth band gap smaller than the third band gap; wherein the fourth subcell has a direct bandgap of greater than 0.75 eV.

Abstract: A charge and discharge control device includes a control unit which controls charging and discharging of a plurality of storage batteries capable of exchanging electric power via an external electrical grid; and an acquisition unit which acquires a temperature of each of the storage batteries. When there are at least two storage batteries having a temperature equal to or lower than a threshold value among the plurality of storage batteries, the control unit controls the two storage batteries to repeatedly perform charging and discharging in turn between the two storage batteries.

Abstract: To provide an organic compound represented by the following general formula (1): where R1 is a C2-C6 alkyl group or a hydrogen atom, R2 and R3, which may be identical or different, are each a C2-C12 alkyl group, and R4 and R5, which may be identical or different, are each a C6-C12 alkyl group that may be a branched chain or a straight chain.

Abstract: Edge interconnects for interconnecting solar cells are disclosed. The edge interconnects include a layer of an electrically conductive adhesive overlying an insulating dielectric layer applied to edge of a solar cell and electrically interconnected to a busbar. Solar cell modules include adjacent solar cells comprising edge interconnects interconnected using an interconnection element. An interconnection element can be a solder paste or a solder containing electrically conductive ribbon. Methods of forming solar cell edge interconnects include applying an insulating dielectric coating to edges of a solar cell, depositing a busbar in proximity to the insulated edges of the solar cell, depositing an electrically conductive adhesive over at least portion of the busbar an over at least a portion of the dielectric layer. Solar cell modules can be formed by interconnecting adjacent solar cells using an interconnection element.

Abstract: A system and method for a diffusing concentrator for efficient extraction of power from a beam of light. The diffusing concentrator may include an optical concentrator, the optical concentrator configured to receive beams of light and focus them towards a defined area at a defined distance, and an optical diffuser, the optical diffuser configured to receive the focused beams of light and spread the focused beams of light substantially uniformly over the defined area. The diffusing concentrator may also include a reflective surface configured to reflect stray light from the diffusing concentrator toward the defined area such as a photovoltaic array.

Abstract: An apparatus for carrying, retrieving, and characterizing temperature and current-voltage properties of a solar cell may include a metal core printed circuit board (PCB). The metal core PCB includes current-voltage and temperature measurement electronics operated by a remote device via a communication unit. The solar cell is embedded onto the metal core PCB by way of a thermally- and electrically-conducting adhesive material. The current-voltage and temperature electronics and the solar cell are thermally connected to the PCB, and are electrically isolated from each other, while residing on the same plane.

Abstract: An optical article employing a lenticular lens array associated with a layer of optically transmissive material and illuminated by a light source. The layer of optically transmissive material includes discrete microscopic surface relief features formed in a surface opposite to the lenses forming the lenticular lens array. The discrete microscopic surface relief features deflect light propagating through the layer of optically transmissive material and direct the light out of the layer. The optical article may be further associated with a reflective surface and/or a photoabsorptive layer configured to partially transmit and partially absorb and convert light.

Abstract: A power bank to recharge a mobile device battery, the power bank including a first panel, including a battery, at least one universal serial bus (USB) port connected to the battery to provide a charge to the mobile device battery when the mobile device battery is connected to the USB port, a second panel electrically connected to the first panel at a first side of the second panel, the second panel including a solar panel electrically connected to the battery to allow the battery to be charged when the solar panel receives light from a light source, and a third panel electrically connected to the second panel at a second side of the second panel to be foldable with respect to the second panel such that a front surface of the third panel may optionally contact a front surface of the second panel, the third panel including a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) disposed on the front surface of the third panel to emit a light therefrom such that the solar panel extracts energy from the light when the front

Abstract: A system for redirecting sunlight to a mobile platform includes a satellite and a mobile platform including a first RF antenna that transmits a message including a position and velocity of the mobile platform on the path, along with a time of transmission, and a photovoltaic cell that receives and converts light into electrical energy. The satellite includes a second RF antenna that receives the message, an optical channel, a collector system coupled to the optical channel and that gathers sunlight into the optical channel, a diffuser system coupled to the optical channel and that diffuses light therefrom to generate a beam of light, and a processor coupled to the second RF antenna. The processor computes a target position of the mobile platform based on the position, the velocity, and the time of transmission, and instructs the diffuser system to direct the beam to the target position.

Abstract: A solar tracker array has solar modules that may be configured to operate as a wind fence according to a wind characteristic.

Abstract: A glass plate includes a main surface, and a microscopic asperity surface disposed on the main surface, the microscopic asperity surface forming peaks and valleys. When a reference plane is defined as a plane at a center, in a direction of height, of an interval of highest frequency in a histogram of height of shape data of a square region having 2 ?m per side in the microscopic asperity surface, the number of peaks that are higher than the reference plane by 20% or more of a maximum height difference in the square region is in a range between 1 or more and 300 or less.

Abstract: A laminated photovoltaic thermal (PV/T) module for a PV/T hybrid solar collector comprising a cooler/absorber and a photovoltaic unit. The cooler/absorber includes at least one flat surface with raised peripheral edges and is adapted to function as a mould for a photovoltaic laminate structure. The photovoltaic unit includes a photovoltaic laminate structure including: a first layer of a first laminate material moulded on the flat surface of the cooler/absorber, wherein the first laminate material is electrically insulating and has a high thermal conductivity; a plurality of photovoltaic cells positioned on the first layer of laminate material; and a second layer of a second laminate material moulded on and substantially covering the photovoltaic cells, wherein the second laminate material is transparent and has a high heat resistance.

Abstract: A distributed torque, single axis solar tracking system includes a plurality of spaced apart mounting posts with selected posts having an electrically controlled actuator mounted thereon. A torque structure extends between the actuators to distribute rotational torque on the torque structure. A plurality of solar panels is connected to the torque structure. Electrical apparatus is coupled to each actuator and designed to be coupled to a power source so that when the electrical apparatus is coupled to the power source, the plurality of actuators is energized to rotate simultaneously a desired amount. Whereby the plurality of solar panels is rotated the desired amount as the plurality of actuators rotates.

Abstract: A light box is designed to receive sunlight guided through optical-fibers and to divert it through optics onto a photovoltaic chip which converts sunlight into electrical energy. The optics can be arranged as a prism or a reflective surface. The chip is not integrated with the light box.

Abstract: A photovoltaic panel assembly including a heat sink and a plurality of photovoltaic modules mounted on the heat sink. Each photovoltaic module includes a photovoltaic element separated from an emitter assembly by a gap. The emitter assembly includes an emitter and applies force towards the photovoltaic element to maintain the gap. The photovoltaic panel assembly may also utilize a force application layer on the emitter and be bolted in place. A housing can be used for protection and to transfer energy to the emitter. The heat sink cantilevers into the housing to define a space between the photovoltaic modules and the inner surface of the housing. Preferably, the housing maintains a vacuum and, in turn, the gap is evacuated. The heat sink can be monolithic and cooled with fluid pumped therethrough. The emitter may be transparent or at least partially transmissive.

Abstract: An electromagnetic wave concentrating system, comprising a photovoltaic material and at least one holographic concentrator. The holographic concentrator includes at least two stacked holographic optical elements (HOE). Each HOE is configured to diffract incident light into a diffracted beams having different ranges of wavelengths. The diffracted beams generated by each HOE are directed at the photovoltaic material.

Abstract: A vehicle includes: a solar panel; a power storage device configured to store electric power generated by the solar panel; and a control device configured to control charging and discharging of thee power storage device such that a state of charge of the power storage device is in a range between an upper limit value and a lower limit value. The control device is configured to set the upper limit value to be larger when an external power supply mode in which the electric power generated by the solar panel is supplied to the outside of the vehicle via the power storage device is selected than when the external power supply mode is not selected.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a power management system for a space vehicle, the system including: a photovoltaic array including a plurality of panels, wherein each panel includes one or more solar cell strings, each solar cell string including a plurality of photovoltaic cells connected in series to produce direct current (DC) power; at least one regulator module disposed on each of the one or more solar cell strings, the at least one regulator module being configured to condition the DC power produced by the one or more solar cell strings in the panel and supply it through at least one electrical connection line to the electrical power harness to route said power to a root power management unit; and an interface configured to transfer power produced by the photovoltaic array from the root power management unit to the vehicle, the interface having a first end configured to be connectable with the vehicle and a second end configured to be connectable with the photovoltaic array.

Abstract: A system for use on a surface to collect solar energy from the sun has a stand, a module, and solar collector(s). The stand supportable on the surface has rotational points rotatably supporting the module so it can rotate about a first axis of rotation. A first drive disposed on the stand is operable to provide first rotation, and a cable connected between a hoop pulley of the module and the first drive on the stand can rotate the module about the first axis to direct the solar collector(s) toward the sun. The solar collector(s) disposed on the module can be photovoltaic cells for collecting solar energy. A second drive on the module can rotate an adjacent solar collectors on the module using pulleys and cable. Reflectors on the collectors can focus the sun rays to photovoltaic cells. The second drive can rotate the collectors about a second axis, carried by the first axis, to direct the solar collector(s) toward the sun.

Abstract: Photovoltaic (PV) device comprising an ultra-thin radiation-tolerant PV absorber mounted on a flexible film having an embedded persistent phosphor and having a plurality of interdigitated top and bottom contacts on the top of the PV absorber. The PV absorber is ultra-thin, e.g., typically having a thickness of 300 nm or less for a III-V-based absorber. The phosphor absorbs some of the photons incident on the device and then discharges them for use by the device in generating electrical power during times when the device is not illuminated by the sun.

Abstract: Solar-operated adjustment device for a solar installation including, at least one retaining element for fixing at least one solar element, a swivel device which is designed and intended to swivel the retaining element around a support point, wherein the swivel device includes at least one liquid tank, wherein a float of the retaining element is arranged at least in part beneath a filling level of the liquid tank and the float is supported on a perimeter of the liquid tank, and the retaining element can only be swiveled around a support point with respect to a longitudinal axis of the liquid tank by means of its buoyancy and is mounted above the filling level, at least indirectly on the edge of the liquid tank.

Abstract: Disclosed is a photovoltaic cell including a first electrode and a second electrode having transparency and disposed facing each other, and a photovoltaic cell layer disposed between the first and second electrodes, and configured to produce electric energy by absorbing a part of incident light, wherein the photovoltaic cell layer includes a plurality of unit cells disposed in a specific distance from each other and formed with a plurality of slits for polarizing the incident light, and a transparent insulator disposed in the plurality of slits.

Abstract: A method is provided for using asymmetrically focused photovoltaic conversion in a hybrid parabolic trough solar power system. Light rays received in a plurality of transverse planes are concentrated towards a primary linear focus in an axial plane, orthogonal to the transverse planes. T band wavelengths of light are transmitted to the primary linear focus, while R band wavelengths of light are reflected towards a secondary linear focus in the axial plane. The light received at the primary linear focus is translated into thermal energy. The light received at the secondary linear focus is asymmetrically focused along a plurality of tertiary linear foci, orthogonal to the axial plane. The focused light in each tertiary linear focus is concentrated into a plurality of receiving areas and translated into electrical energy. Asymmetrical optical elements are used having an optical input interfaces elongated along rotatable axes, orthogonal to the axial plane.

Abstract: A photovoltaic (“PV”) module may comprise an array of freeform micro-optics and an array of PV cells. The PV module may be a flat panel with a nominal thickness smaller than the length and width of the flat panel. An array of lenses may be embedded in an array substrate. The lenses may be coupled to light pipes. The lenses may concentrate light through the light pipes to multi-junction cells. Diffuse light may be transferred through the array substrate to a silicon cell. The lenses and light pipes may be manufactured using a molding and drawing process.

Abstract: A solar cell structure and a method for fabricating the solar cell structure is provided, where the cell structure includes a plurality of solar cells, wherein each of the solar cells is separated from each adjacent solar cell via at least one of a tunnel junction or a resonant tunneling structure interface, wherein each of the plurality of solar cells is at least partially constructed from a semiconductor material, wherein the semiconductor material has an energy band gap that harnesses photons having energies in a predetermined energy range which is responsive to its energy gap, and wherein each of the plurality of solar cells includes at least one of a p-n junction, an n-p junction, or a Schottky interface, and wherein each of the plurality of solar cells is configured to harness energies in a different solar spectral energy range than the other of the plurality of solar cells.

Abstract: Discussed is a photovoltaic system including a plurality of photovoltaic modules outputting AC power, a plurality of communication devices to receive respective reference signals from the plurality of photovoltaic modules and to output reference signal information corresponding to the reference signals, a gateway to receive the reference signal information and to allocate network information to each of the plurality of photovoltaic modules and to match ID information received from the plurality of photovoltaic modules with the network information, and a server to calculate position information on the plurality of photovoltaic modules based on the reference signal information from the gateway and to perform array building corresponding to arrangement of the plurality of photovoltaic modules based on the position information, the ID information, and the network information.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products for user-preference driven control of electrical and thermal output from a photonic energy device are provided herein. A computer-implemented method includes automatically modulating an amount of thermal output and/or electrical power output generated by a solar photovoltaic module in response to an input of one or more user preferences by: adjusting at least one variable pertaining to a fluid positioned on the solar photovoltaic module based on the one or more user preferences; and adjusting at least one variable pertaining to one or more reflective surfaces physically connected to the solar photovoltaic module based on the one or more user preferences.

Abstract: Backside illuminated photosensitive devices and associated methods are provided. In one aspect, for example, a backside-illuminated photosensitive imager device can include a semiconductor substrate having multiple doped regions forming a least one junction, a textured region coupled to the semiconductor substrate and positioned to interact with electromagnetic radiation where the textured region includes surface features sized and positioned to facilitate tuning to a preselected wavelength of light, and a dielectric region positioned between the textured region and the at least one junction. The dielectric region is positioned to isolate the at least one junction from the textured region, and the semiconductor substrate and the textured region are positioned such that incoming electromagnetic radiation passes through the semiconductor substrate before contacting the textured region.

Abstract: A substrate, resonant structures, a ground plane, a thermal optimization layer and energy transfer structures are combined to receive and convert incoming electromagnetic radiation into electrical energy. This combination of materials may be housed in various configurations near heat sources to maximize surface area for heat contact as well as cooling. All structures are designed so as to be manufactured in low cost processes such as roll to roll.

Abstract: A solar cell module includes a first solar cell, a second solar cell disposed with a gap from the first solar cell, and a light reflection sheet bridging between the first solar cell and the second solar cell across the gap. The light reflection sheet is at least partially bent between the first and second solar cells.

Abstract: A emitter is formed of a thin-film membrane disposed within a cavity so as to provide a output beam. The emitter may be configured to obtain broadband light. The emitter may enhance the emissivity of light over a broad spectral band.

Abstract: Systems and methods that provide trackers and tracking assemblies having node managers, such as smart node managers are described herein. Aspects of the disclosure are directed to an autonomous energy distribution network including a plurality of solar tracker devices configured to receive solar energy and transform the solar energy into electrical energy, where each of the solar tracker devices is directly connected to a node in a power distribution grid. The network also includes a node manager configured to receive status information from the solar trackers, where the status information includes information regarding the state of the node to which each of the solar tracker device are directly connected.

Abstract: A solar charging system for a portable electronic device includes an electrical connector adapted to be removably coupled to an electrical interface of the portable electronic device. A rechargeable battery is electrically coupled to the electrical connector, and the rechargeable battery is adapted to store a stored electrical power. A solar panel is electrically coupled to the rechargeable battery such that the received electrical power is stored in the rechargeable battery as stored electrical power. When the electrical connector is electrically coupled to the electrical interface of the installed portable electronic device, stored electrical power is provided or conveyed to the portable electronic device. When the electrical connector is not electrically coupled to the electrical interface of the installed portable electronic device, the received electrical power is stored in the rechargeable battery as stored electrical power.

Abstract: A solar collection system is mounted inside a containment vessel. The upper portion of the containment vessel is optically transparent and includes one or more lens elements to help direct light to an upward facing solar panel. The lower portion of the containment vessel comprises a mirrored surface to help reflect light upward to a downward facing solar panel. The shape of the upper and lower portions of the containment vessel may be altered based on the selected implementation. A variety of lens configurations may also be used.

Abstract: Double groove diffraction gratings are used in combination with various types of photoelectrodes including dye-sensitized and organic photoelectrodes to increase absorption efficiency as well as to provide one or more of a variety of functions including transparency and reflectivity.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tracking device (1) for solar modules (2a) with a series of posts (3) arranged along a longitudinal axis. A crossmember (6) is pivotably mounted on each post (3), and said crossmembers (6) are pivotable about a common pivot axis (S) extending parallel to the longitudinal axis. There is fastened to each crossmember (6) a toothed ring (7) of which the toothing (7a) is in engagement with a motor-driven toothed wheel (8) mounted on the respective post (3). Also provided is a positive guide means which forms a safeguard against a transverse displacement of the toothed wheel (8) relative to the toothed ring (7). Each toothed wheel (8) is mounted on the side of the respective post (3).

Abstract: A concentrator-type photovoltaic module includes a plurality of photovoltaic cells having respective surface areas of less than about 4 square millimeters (mm) electrically interconnected in series and/or parallel on a backplane surface, and an array of concentrating optical elements having respective aperture dimensions of less than about 30 mm and respective focal lengths of less than about 50 mm. The array of concentrating optical elements is positioned over the photovoltaic cells based on the respective focal lengths to concentrate incident light on the photovoltaic cells, and is integrated on the backplane surface by at least one spacer structure on the backplane surface. Related devices, operations, and fabrication methods are also discussed.