Abstract: Luminescent solar concentrator (L8C) of neutral coloration comprising: —at least one first sheet comprising a matrix of a transparent material and at least one first photoluminescent organic compound having an absorption interval within the range 400 nm to 550 nm, preferably within the range 420 nm to 500 mrs, and an emission interval within the range 500 nm to 650 nm, preferably within the range 520 mn to 620 nm; —at least one second sheet comprising a matrix of a transparent material and at least one second photoluminescent organic compound having an absorption interval within the range 420 nm to 650 nm, preferably within the range 480 nm to 600 nm, and an emission interval within the range 580 mn and 750 nm, preferably within the range 600 nm and 700 nm; —at least one third sheet comprising a matrix of a transparent material and at least one third, optionally photoluminescent, organic compound having an absorption interval within the range 550 nm to 750 nm, preferably within the range 570 nrn to 700 nm, an

Abstract: An energy harvesting electro-optic display is disclosed comprising a photovoltaic cell that converts part of the incident light to electric current or voltage, wherein the electric current or voltage is used for the operation of the electro-optic display upon the conversion or stored in a storage component to be used for the operation of the display.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides device for generating electric energy. The device comprises a panel for receiving incident light. The panel is at least partially transmissive for visible light and has first and second surfaces and having a peripheral region comprising at least one edge and/or corner. The panel is arranged such that a portion of light incident on the panel is redirected within the panel towards the peripheral region of the panel. The device further comprises a flexible photovoltaic element that has first and second portions separated by a bend. The bend is located adjacent the edge or corner of the panel whereby the first and second portions of the flexible photovoltaic element are disposed with different orientations within the device.

Abstract: The present disclosure is drawn to material sets for 3-dimensional printing, 3-dimensional printing systems, and 3-dimensional printed parts. A material set can include a thermoplastic polymer powder having an average particle size from 20 ?m to 100 ?m, a photoluminescent ink including a photoluminescent agent, and a fusing ink. The fusing ink can include a fusing agent capable of absorbing electromagnetic radiation to produce heat.

Abstract: Luminescent solar concentrator (LSC) comprising at least one solution including at least one photoluminescent compound and at least one polyether polyol. Said luminescent solar concentrator (LSC) can be advantageously used in photovoltaic devices (or solar devices) such as, for example, photovoltaic cells (or solar cells), photoelectrolytic cells. In addition, said luminescent solar concentrator (LSC) can be advantageously used in photovoltaic windows.

Abstract: An energy harvesting system is provided. The system includes a waveguide operable for trapping at least some light energy. The waveguide defines a surface and an edge. A photovoltaic cell is coupled to the surface or the edge of the waveguide. A waveguide redirecting material is provided on the surface of the waveguide. The waveguide redirecting material is formed of a solidified colored luminescent paint. The paint is configured to be applied and adhere to the surface of the waveguide and redirect light energy to the photovoltaic cell. A method of generating and demonstrating solar power using the system is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to 1,6,7,12-tetra-(2-isopropylphenoxy)-substituted perylene tetracarboxylic acid diimides of the formula (I) wherein R1 and R2 independently of each other are selected from hydrogen, C1-C24-alkyl, C1-C24-haloalkyl, C3-C24-cycloalkyl, C6-C24-aryl and C6-C24-aryl-C1-C10-alkylene, where the rings of cydoalkyi, aryl, and aryl-alkylene in the three last-mentioned radicals are unsubstituted or substituted as defined in the claims and in the description. Moreover, the present invention relates to the use of said perylene compounds, in particular to the use of said perylene compound(s) in color converters, for data transmission and in security inks for security printing. The present invention also relates to the use of said color converters, to their use in lighting devices, to lighting devices comprising at least one LED and at least said color converter and to a device producing electric power upon illumination comprising a photovoltaic cell and said color converter.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of a composition comprising a polymer or sol-gel and one or more nanocrystals. The composition is useful as a luminescent solar concentrator. The nanocrystals are dispersed in the polymer or sol-gel matrix so as to reduce or substantially prevent nanocrystal-to-nanocrystal energy transfer and a subsequent reduction in the emission efficiency of the composition. In some embodiments, the polymer matrix comprises an acrylate polymer. Also disclosed herein is a method for making the composition. Devices comprising the composition are disclosed. In some cases the polymer is the waveguide, in others the polymer is applied as a coating on a waveguide. In some examples, the device is a window.

Abstract: A photovoltaic module comprises at least one photovoltaic cell and one concentration optic device, to be illuminated by a light flux emitting at at least one illumination wavelength belonging to a band of wavelengths defined by a minimum wavelength and a maximum wavelength, the band of wavelengths being that of the solar radiation of the order of [380 nm-1600 nm]. The concentration optic device is a monolithic component and comprises at least one diffractive structure comprising subwavelength patterns, defined in a structured material; the patterns having at least one dimension less than or equal to the average illumination wavelength divided by the refractive index of the structured material; the patterns being separated from one another by subwavelength distances, defined between centres of adjacent patterns; the concentration optic device ensuring at least one focusing function and one diffraction function. A solar panel comprising the photovoltaic module is also provided.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method and system for manufacturing solar cells and shingled solar cell modules. The method as provided by the present disclosure includes performing scribing and dividing of the solar cells, sorting the obtained solar cell strips, and packaging the cell strips in the solar cell manufacturing process. The solar cell strips can be assembled directly after dismantling the package in the solar module manufacturing process. Therefore, the method can accomplish a smooth flow of manufacturing solar cells and shingled solar cell modules, reduce repeated processing steps, lower the risk of cracking and costs thereof, and optimize the current matching and the color consistency of the cell strips in the shingled solar cell modules.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method and system for manufacturing solar cells and shingled solar cell modules. The method as provided by the present disclosure includes performing scribing and dividing of the solar cells, sorting the obtained solar cell strips, and packaging the cell strips in the solar cell manufacturing process. The solar cell strips can be assembled directly after dismantling the package in the solar module manufacturing process. Therefore, the method can accomplish a smooth flow of manufacturing solar cells and shingled solar cell modules, reduce repeated processing steps, lower the risk of cracking and costs thereof, and optimize the current matching and the color consistency of the cell strips in the shingled solar cell modules.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a window for generating electric energy. The window comprises a panel that is at least partially transmissive for visible light. The panel has a receiving surface for receiving incident light and is arranged such that a portion of the incident light is redirected towards regions that are at edges or side portions of the panel. The window further comprises a plurality of photovoltaic elements positioned at or in the proximity of the edges or side portions of the panel. Each of the plurality of photovoltaic elements is electrically parallel connected to another one of the plurality of photovoltaic elements and the window is arranged to generate the electricity from at least a portion of the redirected incident light.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method and system for manufacturing solar cells and shingled solar cell modules. The method as provided by the present disclosure includes performing scribing and dividing of the solar cells, sorting the obtained solar cell strips, and packaging the cell strips in the solar cell manufacturing process. The solar cell strips can be assembled directly after dismantling the package in the solar module manufacturing process. Therefore, the method can accomplish a smooth flow of manufacturing solar cells and shingled solar cell modules, reduce repeated processing steps, lower the risk of cracking and costs thereof, and optimize the current matching and the color consistency of the cell strips in the shingled solar cell modules.

Abstract: A photovoltaic device comprising: a plurality of photovoltaic cells, separated from each other; a support receiving the cells; and a light guide in contact with the cells and comprising a primary guide with a surface that is proximal to the cells, where the proximal surface is oriented towards the cells and the support. The photovoltaic device comprises, between the cells, areas located between the support and the primary guide which comprise a material with an index of refraction less than that of the proximal surface, where the material is in contact with the proximal surface.

Abstract: A photovoltaic power source includes a receptacle to receive a photofuel including a liquid, and one or more photovoltaic cells positioned within the receptacle to receive light emitted from the photofuel when the photofuel is in the receptacle. The photovoltaic power source also includes power circuitry coupled to the one or more photovoltaic cells to receive a photocurrent generated by the one or more photovoltaic cells when the one or more photovoltaic cells receive the light emitted from the photofuel. In response to the photocurrent, the power circuitry is coupled to output electricity.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for optical-power-transfer (OPT). A light source converts electrical energy into light, and the light is transmitted from the active layer of the light source directly to the active layers of a series of photovoltaic (PV) devices without first passing through a conduction layer of the PV device. Thus, absorption in the conduction layer is avoided, and the efficiency of the OPT system is improved. The PV devices are configured to each generate equal current, and the PV devices are electrically connected in series. PV devices are arranged in series with light first propagating through PV devices closer to the light source, and farther PV devices having a longer propagation length, such that the light absorbed and current generated by each PV device is equal to the other PV devices. In one implementation, the PV devices are configured in a laser cavity with the light source.

Abstract: This application is related to a method of manufacturing a solar cell device comprising providing a substrate comprising Ge or GaAs; forming a first tunnel junction on the substrate, wherein the first tunnel junction comprises a first n-type layer comprising InGaP:Te, and a first alloy layer comprising AlxGa(1?x)As and having a lattice constant; adding a material into the first alloy layer to change the lattice constant; and forming a first p-n junction on the first tunnel junction.

Abstract: A condensed cyclic compound and an organic light-emitting device, the condensed cyclic compound being represented by one of the following Formulae 1 or 2:

Abstract: A condensing photoelectric conversion apparatus includes a first photoelectric conversion module and a second photoelectric conversion module. The first and second condensing photoelectric conversion modules each include a power generating element, a condensing lens located on the power generating element and having a front surface with a convex portion and a flat rear surface, a transparent first resin located between the power generating element and the rear surface of the condensing lens, a colored second resin located on the rear surface of the condensing lens and around the power generating element, and a third resin located between the condensing lens of the first photoelectric conversion module and the condensing lens of the second photoelectric conversion module, and having a refractive index n1 satisfying a relational expression n0?0.05?n1?n0+1.0 with a refractive index n0 of the condensing lens.

Abstract: Provided herein are perovskite-polymer films, methods of forming polymer-perovskite films, and devices including polymer-perovskite films. The polymer-perovskite films may include a plurality of methylammonium lead chloride (CH3NH3PbCl3) nanopillar crystals embedded in a polymer matrix. The devices can be optoelectronic devices, such as light emitting diodes, which include polymer-perovskite films. The polymer-perovskite films of the devices can be hole transport layers in the devices. The methods of making films may include spin casting a precursor solution followed by thermal annealing.

Abstract: Tandem solar cells comprising two or more solar cells connected in a solar cell stack via pn diode tunnel junctions and methods for fabricating the tandem solar cells using epitaxial lift off and transfer printing are provided. The tandem solar cells have improved tunnel junction structures comprising a current tunneling layer integrated between the p and n layers of the pn diode tunnel junction that connects the solar cells.

Abstract: Luminescent solar concentrator (LSC) comprising an aqueous microemulsion including at least one photoluminescent compound. Said luminescent solar concentrator (LSC) can be advantageously used in solar devices (i.e. devices for exploiting solar energy) such as, for example, photovoltaic cells (or solar cells), photoelectrolytic cells. Said luminescent solar concentrator (LSC) can also be advantageously used in photovoltaic windows.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for presenting information near the eyes, comprising a support (12) that can be carried on the head (10) of a user and comprising a monocular display unit (16) which is disposed on the support (12) and is positioned in a peripheral region of the field of vision of a first eye (14) of the user during use. According to a first aspect of the invention, a light-collecting unit (18, 20) on which ambient light can impinge is disposed on the support (12), and the light-collecting unit (18, 20) is coupled to the display unit (16) in order to illuminate same.

Abstract: A luminescent concentrator for solar light is provided. The luminescent concentrator comprises a wavelength-selective filter, an energy concentrating area, and a luminescent material. The wavelength-selective filter is adapted to pass the solar light and to reflect light emitted by the luminescent material. Further, a method for concentrating solar light is provided. The method comprises the steps of (a) passing incident solar light through a wavelength-selective filter and an energy concentrating area onto a luminescent material, and (b) converting the incident solar light in the luminescent material to light having a wavelength reflectable by the wavelength-selective filter. The method further comprises a step (c) of concentrating the converted light in a pre-determined area arranged between the wavelength-selective filter and the luminescent material.

Abstract: A solar energy converter comprising: a solar energy absorber, the solar energy absorber comprising a photovoltaic element; a heat transfer element in thermal contact with the solar energy absorber; a primary heat exchanger in thermal contact with the heat transfer element; a secondary heat exchanger; and a heat transfer control element; wherein the heat transfer control element is arranged to selectively place the secondary heat exchanger either in thermal contact with the heat transfer element or out of thermal contact with the heat transfer element.

Abstract: The invention relates to a solar cell structure (10) having at least one transparent photovoltaic cell (42), in particular having a dye solar cell or a thin-film semiconductor cell. It comprises at least one polymer layer (36) which is provided with a fluorescent material, or a mixture of a plurality of fluorescent materials, and covers the at least one transparent photovoltaic cell (42).

Abstract: The present invention is solar collection data device having a main housing with means to measure and record the sun's radiance over a period of time encased in the housing. The main housing is mounted to a platform. The platform has means to attach to a variety of surfaces, including a roof. A photovoltaic cell and a photo sensor are integrally formed in the cover of the main housing. The output of the photovoltaic cell and the photo sensor will be logged and used in determining the amount of sunlight reaching the unit.

Abstract: A stacked and integrated electric power generating device for capturing multiple light sources for power generation has a first concentrating photovoltaic module and a second concentrating photovoltaic module. The first concentrating photovoltaic module 10 has a transparent solar concentrating panel and a thin film solar cell. The second concentrating photovoltaic module is positioned below the first concentrating photovoltaic module with an interval, such that the first and second concentrating photovoltaic modules are in the form of a stacked and integrated structure, and the second concentrating photovoltaic module can absorb the light concentrated by the transparent solar concentrating panel to generate electric power.

Abstract: Provided is a wavelength converting structure for near-infrared rays and a solar cell using the same. More particularly, provided is a novel wavelength converting structure for near-infrared rays using gap plasmon characteristics and up-conversion nanoparticles. When applying the wavelength converting structure for near-infrared rays to a solar cell, it is possible to convert the light within a wavelength range of near-infrared rays into electric energy so that the photoconversion efficiency may be improved.

Abstract: Two-photon polymerization is used to embed a quantum dot structure in an electro-optical component. The electro-optical component can be a polymer component, LED, OLED, LEC, or graphene component, for example. The efficiency and characteristics of the components are improved or influenced. The quantum dot structure can emit light, convert light from other layers of the component, or influence the conductivity in the component, for example. A method of producing an electro optical fractal antenna by two-photon polymerization is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to sorohalide compounds having formula A3B2X9, where A is an alkali metal, B is a rare earth metal, and X is a halogen. Optionally, the sorohalide includes a dopant D. Such undoped and doped sorohalides are useful as scintillation materials or phosphors for any number of uses, including for radiation detectors, solid-state light sources, gamma-ray spectroscopy, medical imaging, and drilling applications.

Abstract: A solar cell includes: a substrate having heat dissipating characteristics; a solar cell bonded to the substrate such that the solar cell is electrically connected on a first conductive line and a second conductive line, which are disposed on a surface of the substrate; a lens, which is bonded to a transparent electrode of the solar cell; a plurality of projections, which maintain a gap between the substrate and the lens; tapered hole sections in the substrate, each of said tapered hole sections having a tapered section of each of the protruding sections fitted therein; and a sealing resin applied to the gap.

Abstract: A solar concentrator comprising: a light-transmissive sheet including: a plurality of luminescent particles capable of becoming excited by absorbing light within at least a first spectrum of absorption frequencies and, once excited, capable of being stimulated to emit light having a spectrum within at least a first spectrum of emission frequencies; and a first light-guide; and a light source for generating a pulsed probe light having a spectrum, at least a portion of which is within at least the first spectrum of emission frequencies, for stimulating at least one of the excited luminescent particles having absorbed light within the first spectrum of absorption frequencies such that when the probe light traveling in a first direction of travel stimulates the excited luminescent, the excited luminescent particles emit emitted light having a spectrum within the first spectrum of emission frequencies in the first direction of travel of the probe light.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a solar cell generally comprises delivering a solar cell substructure to a chamber. Electromagnetic radiation is generated using a wave generating device that is coupled to the chamber such that the wave generating device is positioned proximate to the solar cell substructure. The electromagnetic radiation is applied onto at least a portion of the solar cell substructure to facilitate the diffusion of at least one metal element through at least a portion of the solar cell substructure such that a semiconductor interface is formed between at least two different types of semiconductor materials of the solar cell substructure.

Abstract: A photovoltaic module including a plate transparent to the incident electromagnetic radiation, a photovoltaic cell including an active face arranged facing said transparent plate, a spectral conversion element including a luminescent material formed by at least a first spectral conversion area arranged facing a lateral face of the photovoltaic cell, a direct transmission area separating the transparent plate from the photovoltaic cell, the spectral conversion element including a second spectral conversion area extending the first spectral conversion area, the second spectral conversion area being positioned on the peripheral edge of the active face of the photovoltaic cell, so that the part of the active face of the photovoltaic cell directly receiving the incident electromagnetic radiation represents between 40% and 90% of the total surface of the active face of the photovoltaic cell.

Abstract: A hybrid organic solar cell (HOSC) with perovskite structure as absorption material and a manufacturing method thereof are provided. The HOSC includes a conductive substrate, a hole transport layer, an active layer, a hole blocking layer and a negative electrode. The active layer has a light absorption layer (LAL) and an electron acceptor layer (EAL). The LAL is made of perovskite material represented by the following equation: CnH2n+1NH3XY3, n is positive integer form 1 to 9; X is Pb, Sn or Ge; and Y is at least one of I, Br or Cl. The EAL is made of at least one type of fullerene or derivatives thereof. A planar heterojunction (PHJ) is formed between the LAL and the EAL. The LAL has simple structure and fabricating process with relatively low cost, so that it is advantageous to carry out the mass production of HOSCs of flexible solid-state form.

Abstract: The present invention provides a solar cell module which has high design freedom and can be easily manufactured at low cost. A solar cell module (10) includes (i) a light guide plate (1), (ii) a fluorescence-dispersed film (2) in each of which a fluorescent substance is dispersed and which is adhered to respective at least one surface of the light guide plate (1), and (iii) a solar cell element (3) which is provided on another surface of the light guide plate (1) which another surface being perpendicular to the at least one surface. Therefore, it is not necessary to prepare a light guide plate in which a fluorescent substance is dispersed. Moreover, it is possible to arbitrarily pattern the fluorescence-dispersed film (2) or to stack the fluorescence-dispersed films (2).

Abstract: Interdigitated back contact (IBC) solar cells are produced by depositing spaced-apart parallel pads of a first dopant bearing material (e.g., boron) on a substrate, heating the substrate to both diffuse the first dopant into corresponding first (e.g., p+) diffusion regions and to form diffusion barriers (e.g., borosilicate glass) over the first diffusion regions, and then disposing the substrate in an atmosphere containing a second dopant (e.g., phosphorus) such that the second dopant diffuses through exposed surface areas of the substrate to form second (e.g., n+) diffusion regions between the first (p+) diffusion regions (the diffusion barriers prevent the second dopant from diffusion into the first (p+) diffusion regions). The substrate material along each interface between adjacent first (p+) and second (n+) diffusion regions is then removed (e.g.

Abstract: An optoelectronic semiconductor component includes a radiation emitting semiconductor chip having a radiation coupling out area. Electromagnetic radiation generated in the semiconductor chip leaves the semiconductor chip via the radiation coupling out area. A converter element is disposed downstream of the semiconductor chip at its radiation coupling out area. The converter element is configured to convert electromagnetic radiation emitted by the semiconductor chip. The converter element has a first surface facing away from the radiation coupling out area. A reflective encapsulation encapsulates the semiconductor chip and portions of the converter element at side areas in a form-fitting manner. The first surface of the converter element is free of the reflective encapsulation.

Abstract: Luminescent compositions are described comprising lanthanide-containing nanoclusters comprising lanthanide atoms bonded to at least one semimetal or transition metal via an oxygen or sulfur atom. Novel compositions include an antenna ligand complexed with the nanoclusters. The rare earth-metal nanoclusters are in the size range of 1 to 100 nm. Articles, such as solar cells, are described in which the nanoclusters (with or without antenna ligands) are dispersed in a polymer matrix. Novel methods of making luminescent films are also described.

Abstract: A photoelectric conversion element includes a photoelectric conversion layer to include a first metal layer, a semiconductor layer, and a second metal layer, all of which are laminated. In addition, at least one of the first metal layer and the second metal layer is a nano-mesh metal having a plurality of through holes or a dot metal having a plurality of metal dots arranged separately from each other on the semiconductor layer. The photoelectric conversion layer includes a long-wavelength absorption layer containing an impurity which is different from impurities for p-type doping and n-type doping of the semiconductor layer. The long-wavelength absorption layer is within a depth of 5 nm from the nano-mesh metal or the dot metal.

Abstract: The invention provides a luminescent optical device (10) having an optical waveguide (200). The luminescent optical device (10) further has a photo-luminescent structure (100) on or inside the optical waveguide (200). The photo-luminescent structure (100) comprises a plurality of photo-luminescent domains (110) containing photo-luminescent material (120). The photo-luminescent material (120) is capable of emitting emission light upon excitation by excitation light. The photo-luminescent domains (110) are arranged to emit, upon excitation by excitation light, at least part of the emission light into the optical waveguide layer (200). The luminescent optical device (10) further may comprise a lens structure (300) on the optical waveguide (200).

Abstract: Described herein are solar modules including spectral concentrators. In one embodiment, a solar module includes a set of photovoltaic cells and a spectral concentrator optically coupled to the set of photovoltaic cells. The spectral concentrator is configured to: (1) collect incident solar radiation; (2) convert the incident solar radiation into substantially monochromatic, emitted radiation; and (3) convey the substantially monochromatic, emitted radiation to the set of photovoltaic cells.

Abstract: The invention provides a solar energy system. A flexible transparent body includes a top surface, a bottom surface and two edges, wherein the top surface is a light receiving surface for receiving light with a first wave-length. A plurality of solar cells is disposed on at least one of the edges of the flexible transparent body, wherein the solar cells can covert light having a second wave-length into electrical energy. A wavelength converting layer is provided for converting light with the first wave-length to light with the second wave-length.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for automatically or remotely rendering a solar array safe during an emergency or maintenance. A watchdog unit is disclosed for monitoring a signal from a central controller. If the signal is lost, interrupted, or becomes irregular, or if a shutdown signal is received, then the watchdog unit can shutdown one or more solar modules. Shutting down a solar module can mean disconnecting it from a power bus of the solar array or lowering the solar module voltage to a safe level.

Abstract: An integral solar module power conditioning system includes one or more solar module support frames. Each frame includes a plurality of plug-and-play electrical connectors integrated therewith. A microinverter or microinverter connector is also integrated with each frame. Each frame is configured to receive a respective solar electric module and to carry electrical power through a plurality of solar electric modules and corresponding microinverters connected together via a plurality of solar module support frames connected together via the plurality of integrated plug-and-play electrical connectors.

Abstract: A window for a greenhouse is provided that is comprised of a sheet of luminescent material [104] and light-energy converter [103]. The sheet comprises one or more luminescent materials [104] that absorb the peak wavelengths of the sun, emitting the absorbed photons to wavelengths primarily between 600 and 690 nm where they are converted to electrical power and/or enhance plant production. The luminescent material [104] is also transparent to a fraction of the wavelengths in the blue and red-portion of the solar spectrum which are required for plant growth and flowering. An additional polymer layer may be added as a luminescent layer, diffuser and/or IR reflector to further enhance plant growth and electricity generation.

Abstract: A photovoltaic device using luminescent solar concentrators for converting solar energy into electric energy is described. More generally, a photovoltaic panel has a plurality of photovoltaic devices arranged on its surface.

Abstract: A light guide body includes a light-entering surface which outside light enters, one or more outside light-absorbing optical functional materials that absorb part of the outside light which enters the light-entering surface, a light-guiding optical functional material that is excited by energy of light absorbed by the one or more outside light-absorbing optical functional materials and that emits light different from the light, and a light-emitting surface whose area is smaller than the light-entering surface and from which the light emitted from the light-guiding optical functional material is emitted. A mixing ratio of the light-guiding optical functional material is smaller than a mixing ratio of at least an optical functional material having a largest mixing ratio among the one or more outside light-absorbing optical functional materials.

Abstract: A stacked luminescent solar concentrator includes two separate absorption/emission cells, each having a layer of luminophore-type material, wherein a top layer is a high band gap layer comprised of quantum dots in polymer, wherein the quantum dots are engineered so as to absorb a significant percentage of photons above bandgap. The bottom layer is a lower band gap layer comprised of quantum dots in polymer, wherein the quantum dots in the second layer are engineered so as to absorb photons not absorbed in the top layer, thus increasing total percentage of absorbed photons. Photovoltaic cells are located below the layers at the bottom of the cells or at the edges of the cells. The sides and lower surfaces of the cells may include reflective surfaces as discussed further herein. Reflection losses from the top surface thereof may be minimized using a broadband anti-reflective coating (AR) on the surface.