Abstract: A photovoltaic power generation system includes a plurality of power generation panels and a power conditioner. The power generation panels and a radiation source are placed in a solar cell storage room buried typically in the ground. The radiation source includes radioactive waste generated in reprocessing of spent nuclear fuel. Each power generation panel has a phosphor member and a moderator member, which are disposed in that order on solar cells placed on a board. Radiation (for example, a gamma ray) emitted from the radiation source is injected on the power generation panel and is moderated by the moderator member. When the gamma ray with the reduced energy (below 100 keV) is injected on the phosphor member, it emits visible light. When the visible light is injected on the solar cells, electric power is generated.

Abstract: A transparent luminescent solar concentrator is provided. The transparent luminescent solar concentrator has luminophores embedded within a waveguide matrix that both selectively absorb and emit near-infrared light to an edge mounted or embedded solar photovoltaic array.

Abstract: An optical system and method to overcome luminescent solar concentrator inefficiencies by resonance-shifting, in which sharply directed emission from a bi-layer cavity into a glass substrate returns to interact with the cavity off-resonance at each subsequent reflection, significantly reducing reabsorption loss en route to the edges. In one embodiment, the system comprises a luminescent solar concentrator comprising a transparent substrate, a luminescent film having a variable thickness; and a low refractive index layer disposed between the transparent substrate and the luminescent film.

Abstract: A solar light-control module includes a light-propagation chamber, a plurality of micro structures, a refractive media, and at least one solar cell. The light-propagation chamber has a first face, a second face and at least one side surface. Ambient light is incident to the first face to enter the solar light-control module. The micro structures are disposed on the second face to deflect the ambient light and guide the ambient light to a predetermined area of the light-propagation chamber. The refractive media is disposed between the second face of the light-propagation chamber and the micro structures, and the solar cell is disposed on the predetermined area.

Abstract: In an example, a solar energy system includes multiple PV modules, multiple reflectors, and a racking assembly. Each of the reflectors is positioned opposite a corresponding one of the PV modules. The racking assembly mechanically interconnects the PV modules and the reflectors to form an interconnected system. The racking assembly defines gaps within the racking assembly and between adjacent PV modules and reflectors. The interconnected system includes multiple contact points associated with the gaps. The gaps and contact points configure the interconnected system to accommodate surface unevenness of an installation surface up to a predetermined surface unevenness.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a system for stimulating an emission from at least one emitter, such as a quantum dot or organic molecule, on the surface of a photonic crystal comprising a patterned dielectric substrate. Embodiments of this system include a laser or other source that illuminates the emitter and the photonic crystal, which is characterized by an energy band structure exhibiting a Fano resonance, from a first angle so as to stimulate the emission from the emitter at a second angle. The coupling between the photonic crystal and the emitter may result in spectral and angular enhancement of the emission through excitation and extraction enhancement. These enhancement mechanisms also reduce the emitter's lasing threshold. For instance, these enhancement mechanisms enable lasing of a 100 nm thick layer of diluted organic molecules solution with reduced threshold intensity. This reduction in lasing threshold enables more efficient organic light emitting devices and more sensitive molecular sensing.

Abstract: In order to provide a novel CaS:Eu series red phosphor in which moisture-resistance has been improved, a red phosphor is proposed, containing Ba at 0.001 to 1.00 mol % with respect to CaS in a red phosphor represented by the general formula: CaS:Eu.

Abstract: A solar cell module and a method of fabricating the same are provided. The method includes providing a solution having a luminescent dye, mixing the solution with a first waveguide material to obtain a first mixture, and placing the first mixture and a second mixture having nano-powder and a second waveguide material into a mold to form a waveguide body having a first layer body and a second layer body stacked on the first layer body. The waveguide body has a top surface, a bottom surface opposing to the top surface, and a lateral surface connecting the top surface with the bottom surface. At least one solar cell is disposed in the mold and embedded in the waveguide body, to enlarge a light reception area and light collection.

Abstract: A solar energy harvesting system including a luminescent solar concentrator for generating light emissions in response to received sunlight, and for redirecting and concentrating the light emissions onto a predetermined target (e.g., a PV cell). The luminescent solar concentrator includes a light-guiding slab containing a luminescent material that generates the light emissions, spaced-apart outcoupling structures that provide a distributed outcoupling of the light emissions through predetermined locations on one of the “broadside” (e.g., upper or lower) surfaces of the light-guiding slab, and optical elements positioned to redirect the outcoupled light emissions such that the light emissions are concentrated onto the predetermined target.

Abstract: A solar cell with engineered spectral conversion elements or components includes a single crystal silicon solar cell having a back surface. At least one spectral conversion element is formed on the back surface. The conversion element includes single crystal rare earth oxide, and the single crystal rare earth oxide is crystal lattice matched to the back surface of the silicon solar cell. Material including silicon is formed on the back surface in a surrounding and embedding relationship to the at least one spectral conversion element. A back reflector is positioned on the material formed on the back surface so as to reflect light passing through the silicon formed on the back surface.

Abstract: A wavelength conversion element includes at least one wavelength conversion layer. The wavelength conversion layer has a matrix layer and particles that is disposed in the matrix layer. The matrix layer is formed of a curable resin material or an inorganic material with a bandgap of 3 eV or more. The particles are formed of a wavelength conversion composition for wavelength-converting absorbed light in a specific wavelength range into light having energy lower than energy of the absorbed light, and that have a particle diameter of 3 nm to 20 nm. An interval between neighboring particles is equal to or less than the particle diameter of the particles. Consequently, the wavelength conversion layer prevents reflection of light in a wavelength range other than the specific wavelength range.

Abstract: In order to enhance the power generation efficiency of a solar battery, the solar battery is formed to have a configuration in which a sealing material sheet formed of a sealing material having a wavelength conversion material mixed therein and having a thickness (c) is disposed between a front glass having an antireflection film and a solar battery cell; the wavelength conversion material is a needle fluorescent substance capable of converting short-wavelength light to long-wavelength light; and when a long diameter and a short diameter of the needle fluorescent substance are defined as “a” and “b”, respectively, there are relations of “a>b” and “a>c”. According to this, more outgoing light from the fluorescent substance can be directed toward the side of the solar battery cell, so that the power generation efficiency can be enhanced.

Abstract: A solar cell module includes a plurality of electric power generation units. Each of the plurality of electric power generation units includes a solar cell element and a light guide unit having a first surface and a second surface positioned opposite to the first surface and configured to guide light toward the solar cell element between the first surface and the second surface.

Abstract: The present invention provides a spectrally selective planar optical radiation concentrator, in which different spectral components of solar energy can be collected for different applications such as heat, illumination and electricity. The optical radiation concentrator has two basic components, an angle selective optical filter and a light redistribution reflector for collecting, trapping and concentrating radiant energy. It further comprises a light deflecting component and a fluorescent wavelength shifter to improve acceptance angle and concentration efficiency respectively. The planar optical radiation concentrator exhibits the potential for light weight, high concentration ratio and efficiency, and the ability for passive tracking.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing solar strips. The method includes providing a photovoltaic material including a back side region, a front side surface, and a plurality of photovoltaic strip regions separated by a plurality of scribe regions. A first portion of the photovoltaic material is supported while a second portion of the photovoltaic material including at least one of the photovoltaic strips is left unsupported. The method includes applying a predetermined force along a portion of the photovoltaic strip that remains unsupported to cause the photovoltaic strip to be separated from the supported photovoltaic material.

Abstract: A solar wavelength-converter for converting higher energy shorter wavelength solar radiation to lower energy longer wavelength light, comprises: a transparent matrix having particles of at least one inorganic phosphor embedded in it in which the at least one phosphor is configured to absorb light of wavelengths between about 300 nm and about 480 nm and convert it to light with a wavelength greater than about 500 nm. The at least one phosphor can comprise: a YAG:Ce phosphor; a silicate-based phosphor of a form M2Sia4:Eu2+; a silicate-based phosphor of a form M3SiO5:Eu2+, where M is a divalent cation in the silicate-based phosphors or combinations thereof. The at least one phosphor can comprise particles of a size that is substantially transparent to solar radiation having a wavelength greater than about 460 nm.

Abstract: The invention relates to a luminescent converter (101) that may for example be used as a luminescent solar concentrator (LSC) in a solar power generator (100). The luminescent converter (101) comprises magic-sized clusters (110), MSCs, of a luminescent material. Preferably, said luminescent material comprises a compound of two elements from groups IV and VI, for example PbSe. The MSCs (110) may be embedded in a transparent light guiding element (120) or be embedded in a thin film on a surface thereof.

Abstract: A dye-labeled polymer includes a fluorescent dye moiety and a polymer moiety, wherein the fluorescent dye moiety and the polymer moiety are connected through a chemical bond. A luminescent solar collector is provided. The luminescent solar collector includes: a waveguide; a wavelength conversion material disposed on the waveguide, wherein the wavelength conversion material includes 0-95 parts by weight of a polymer material; and 5-100 parts by weight of the previously described dye-labeled polymer, wherein the polymer material is different from the dye-labeled polymer. A fluorescent column embedded solar collector includes: a waveguide; and at least one fluorescent column embedded in the waveguide, wherein the fluorescent column contains a wavelength conversion material.

Abstract: Disclosed are encapsulation materials including an 80 to 99.5 weight percentage (wt %) of ethylene vinyl acetate copolymers (EVA) and a 0.5 to 20 weight percentage(wt %) of a photoluminescent polymer, wherein the EVA and the photoluminescent polymers are evenly blended. The encapsulation materials can be applied to packaging solar cells, and the encapsulating structure may protect the EVA from UV damage and enhance light utilization efficiency of the solar cell.

Abstract: A wavelength conversion structure includes a light guide formed of a light-transmissive member having a laser light incident port that allows the laser light to be introduced and a phosphor-containing layer that covers at least part of the surface of the light guide. The light guide has a light diffusing structure having asperities and a light reflecting film. The asperities are formed over the surface of the light guide except a laser light incident surface having the laser light incident port. The light reflecting film is formed over the surface of the light guide along the asperities except the laser light incident port and the portion covered with the phosphor-containing layer.

Abstract: This invention relates to an encapsulation structure comprising a luminescent wavelength conversion material for at least one solar cell or photovoltaic device which acts to enhance the solar harvesting efficiency of the solar cell device. The luminescent wavelength conversion material comprises at least one chromophore and an optically transparent polymer matrix. Application of the encapsulation structure, as disclosed herein, to solar harvesting devices, including solar cells, solar panels, and photovoltaic devices, improves the solar harvesting efficiency of the device by widening the spectrum of incoming sunlight that can be effectively converted into electricity by the device.

Abstract: A non-aqueous electrolyte battery includes a battery element, a film-form casing member, and a resin protective layer. The battery element includes a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator disposed between the positive electrode and the negative electrode. The film-form casing member contains the battery element and an electrolyte in an enclosed space thereof. The resin protective layer is formed along the surface of the film-form casing member and has a substantially uniform thickness.

Abstract: A photovoltaic device according to one embodiment includes an array of photovoltaically active microstructures each having a generally cylindrical outer periphery and a dome-shaped tip, each of the microstructures being characterized as absorbing at least 70% of light passing through an outer layer thereof. Additional embodiments are also presented.

Abstract: A photovoltaic module for an agricultural greenhouse includes a front plate, intended to be in contact with the sunlight, a back substrate and an assembly of photovoltaic cells arranged between the front plate and the back substrate. The photovoltaic module has a cell packing factor of substantially between 0.2 and 0.8, and includes at least one layer of a light-cascade doped material enhancing photosynthesis for absorbing the sunlight in at least one range of wavelengths for retransmitting same in at least a second range of wavelengths, enhancing the photosynthesis of at least one plant species.

Abstract: A solar energy collector produces electricity and heat using an optically transparent vessel containing one or more photovoltaic cells and a liquid that substantially fills the vessel. The vessel has a top with a flat exterior surface and a bottom with a concave exterior surface that is coated on the outside with a reflective material. Solar radiation traveling through the top of the vessel into the liquid and through the bottom strikes the reflective material on the outside of the vessel and is reflected back through the bottom, into the liquid and to a focal line adjacent to the interior surface of the top. Cooled liquid is fed into the vessel through an entry port and heated liquid is removed through an exit port. One or more photovoltaic solar cells are located adjacent to the interior surface of the top aligned with the focal line.

Abstract: A solar cell module (1) disclosed herein includes a solar cell (2), a fluorescence condensing plate (3), and a reflecting plate (4). The solar cell (2) is provided on at least a portion of at least one of end surfaces (that is, intersecting surfaces each intersecting with a light-obtaining surface) of the fluorescence condensing plate (3). At least one of two mutually opposite portions on each of which the solar cell (2) is absent has a bent surface. The reflecting plate (4) is provided on a surface of a portion on which the solar cell (2) is absent. With this arrangement, light that is guided toward any flat section or zigzag section on which the solar cell (2) is not placed is reflected by the reflecting plate (4) to ultimately reach the solar cell (2).

Abstract: A dye-sensitized photoelectric converter with enhanced light absorptance and photoelectric conversion efficiency is provided. The dye-sensitized photoelectric converter includes a transparent substrate (e.g., glass), a (negative) electrode composed of a transparent conductive layer such as FTO (fluorine-doped tin(IV) oxide SnO2), a semiconductor layer holding multiple types of photosensitizing dyes, an electrolyte layer, a counter (positive) electrode, a counter substrate, and a sealing medium (not illustrated). In some embodiments, the multiple types of photosensitizing dyes have minimum excitation energies that are different from one another. In some embodiments, the multiple types of dyes have steric configurations that are different relative to one another.

Abstract: The invention concerns concentration solar batteries which are protected against heating caused by the fraction of solar radiation which does not enable excitation of the photovoltaic cells (101) constituting said generator. It consists in covering the concentrator (106) which reflects the solar flux (107) towards the photovoltaic cells (101) with a filter (206) which enables the useless part of the radiation to be eliminated. It consists in using for that purpose either an absorbent material or an oblique or Fresnel stepped arrangement of the outer surface (107) of said transparent layer enabling said useless part to be reflected outside the photovoltaic cells (101).

Abstract: Crystalline silicon photovoltaic (PV) cell-based and thin film PV material-based PV modules include a light management material configured to absorb solar energy incident on the PV module across a broad frequency spectrum and re-emit at least a portion of the absorbed solar energy in a narrow frequency spectrum at which the PV cells or PV materials are efficient at converting photon energy to electrical energy.

Abstract: A luminescent solar concentrator including a light-guiding slab containing a luminescent material that generates light emissions in response to received sunlight, spaced-apart outcoupling structures that provide a distributed outcoupling of the light emissions through predetermined locations on one of the “broadside” (e.g., upper or lower) surfaces of the light-guiding slab, and optical elements positioned to redirect the outcoupled light emissions such that the light emissions are concentrated onto a predetermined target (e.g., a PV cell). Each optical element includes a collimating surface portion and optional returner surface.

Abstract: A light convergence device, a manufacturing method thereof and a solar battery system are provided. The light convergence device (10) includes a light convergence substrate (100). The light convergence substrate (100) includes a rotating paraboloid (101). A photonic crystal layer (300) is formed on the rotating paraboloid (101). The photonic crystal layer (300) is used to reflect a light with a special frequency, and totally reflect all the visible light, such that photoelectric conversion efficiency of a solar battery system is greatly increased. An up-conversion layer (200) is formed on the photonic crystal layer (300). The up-conversion layer (200) includes up-conversion material with up-conversion function for spectrum. The up-conversion material is used to increase absorbing efficiency of the light convergence device (10) for solar energy.

Abstract: A benzoindole-based compound represented by Formula 1 below, a dye including the benzoindole-based compound, and a dye-sensitized solar cell including the dye: is prepared at a low cost, has a high molar absorption coefficient, and high photoelectron conversion efficiency, as compared to a conventional ruthenium dye. The benzoindole-based dye is an organic dye including an N-aryl electron donor and an acidic functional group an electron acceptor.

Abstract: Provided is a solar cell module that comprises a solar cell assembly. The solar cell assembly is encapsulated by a poly(vinyl butyral) encapsulant and contains a silver component that is at least partially in contact with the poly(vinyl butyral) encapsulant. The poly(vinyl butyral) encapsulant comprises poly(vinyl butyral), about 15 to about 45 wt % of one or more plasticizers, and about 0.1 to about 2 wt % of one or more unsaturated heterocyclic compounds, based on the total weight of the poly(vinyl butyral) encapsulant. Further provided are an assembly for preparing the solar cell module; a process for preventing or reducing the discoloration of a poly(vinyl butyral) encapsulant in contact with a silver component in the solar cell module; and the use of the solar cell module to convert solar energy to electricity.

Abstract: A luminescent solar concentrator comprises a primary waveguide and at least one photovoltaic cell. The primary waveguide has a curved surface which concentrates light on a perimeter. The photovoltaic cell is oriented at the perimeter so that it can both receive the concentrated light and receive direct light as well. A back sheet may be provided that provides structural support and protection. The perimeter may have the shape of a polygon where a photovoltaic cell is oriented along each edge. Modules and arrays of such units are also disclosed.

Abstract: Solar concentrators are disclosed that improve the efficiency of PV cells and systems using them. The solar concentrators may be designed such that they include one or more chromophores that emit light to a PV cell. Various materials and components of the solar concentrators are also described.

Abstract: A luminescent solar collector comprises a sheet and a light energy converter operatively connected to the sheet, the sheet comprising a thermoplastic polymer and dispersed therein at least two dyes A and B; wherein dye A is a fluorescent dye of Formula (I) and dye B is either a perylene dye of Formula (II) or a diketopyrrolopyrrole dye of Formula (III): wherein R, m, R1, R2, R3, R4, and k are as described herein. The luminescent solar collector has improved output.

Abstract: A luminescent solar collector contains a first fluorescent dye and a dye compound of Formula (I) or (II): where R, R?, m, and k are as described herein. The luminescent solar collector has improved output.

Abstract: To improve the efficiency of a wavelength conversion film, and improve the photoelectric conversion efficiency of a solar cell. In a solar cell module having a front glass, a sealing material, a solar battery cell and a back sheet, a wavelength conversion material is mixed into the sealing material. In the wavelength conversion material, a fluorescent substance whose surface is coated with polymer which emits green to near infrared light when excited by near ultraviolet to blue light is sealed. This reduces the quantity of light in sunlight which is not oriented toward the solar battery cell, thereby achieving high efficiency of wavelength conversion as well as improvement of the photoelectric conversion efficiency of the solar cell.

Abstract: A solar power generation system includes a plurality of individual modules, each formed from a photovoltaic cell, a solar concentrator, a sealed evaporative cooling system and a heat sink. The solar concentrator focuses sunlight onto a front side the cell to generate electricity. The cooling system circulates a coolant in a liquid state to an evaporative cooling chamber having a wall defined at least partially by a back side of the cell to remove heat from the cell by direct contact between the coolant and the cell, and emits coolant in a vapor state to a condenser where the vapor coolant is condensed to a liquid state. The heat sink may be any suitable body of water, such that the condenser may be at least partially submerged therein. The modules are combined to form a platform that is rotated on the body of water by a drive device to provide tracking of the sun.

Abstract: A photovoltaic device including at least one active layer and a transparent cover plate which contains on at least one side an array of geometrical optical relief structures and which is in optical contact with a surface receiving side of the at least one active layer of a photovoltaic device, characterized in that the optical relief structures include a base and a single apex which are connected by at least three n-polygonal surfaces where n is equal to 4 or higher.

Abstract: A solar cell module includes a plurality of solar cells, a wavelength conversion layer, and a translucent protection plate. The solar cells are arranged in a plane direction. The wavelength conversion layer is disposed at a light-receiving side of the solar cells to convert a wavelength of light. The protection plate is disposed at a light-receiving side of the wavelength conversion layer. The protection plate has an inclined reflection surface at an end thereof to reflect light, which travels inside of the protection plate to the end of the protection plate, toward the solar cells.

Abstract: A glass system of a solar photovoltaic panel contains: an energy guiding assembly in which two energy collecting layers, two energy converting layers, and an energy storage system are fixed, the energy guiding assembly conducting a light energy in a single direction by ways of nano particles, the two energy collecting layers being provided to collect photon beams of the energy guiding assembly, each energy converting layer transmitting an electrical energy in each energy collecting layer toward the energy storage system. The energy guiding assembly also includes two glass layers on a top surface and a bottom surface of the energy guiding assembly respectively to retain a collecting panel, a reflecting panel, and a plurality of high vision light emit bonding films. The two energy collecting layers and the two energy converting layers cover two outer sides of the energy guiding assembly respectively.

Abstract: To provide a solar power generating and heat collecting system capable of efficient power generation and heat collection with a small-area solar cell element, a solar cell module (10) includes a power generating section (1) and a heat collecting section (4). The power generating section (1) includes: a light guide section (2) having a light receiving surface for receiving light from outside, the light guide section being for guiding light received on the light receiving surface; and a solar cell element (3) provided on an end face intersecting the light receiving surface of the light guide section (2), the solar cell element being for receiving light guided through the light guide section (2). The heat collecting section (4) is provided so as to face an opposite surface opposite the light receiving surface of the light guide section (2). In short, the power generating section (1) and the heat collecting section (4) are stacked on top of each other to constitute the solar cell module (10).

Abstract: The OLED display device includes a first stack and a second stack that are separated from each other between an anode electrode and a cathode electrode, with a charge generation layer sandwiched between the first stack and the second stack, each of the first stack and the second stack having an emission layer. The first stack includes a blue emission layer formed between the anode electrode and the CGL. The second stack includes a fluorescent green emission layer and a phosphorescent red emission layer formed between the cathode electrode and the CGL. The blue emission layer includes one of a fluorescent blue emission layer and a phosphorescent blue emission layer.

Abstract: A solar concentrator module (80) employs a luminescent concentrator material (82) between photovoltaic cells (86) having their charge-carrier separation junctions (90) parallel to front surfaces (88) of photovoltaic material 84 of the photovoltaic cells (86). Intercell areas (78) covered by the luminescent concentrator material (82) occupy from 2 to 50% of the total surface area of the solar concentrator modules (80). The luminescent concentrator material (82) preferably employs quantum dot heterostructures, and the photovoltaic cells (86) preferably employ low-cost high-efficiency photovoltaic materials (84), such as silicon-based photovoltaic materials.

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 wave-length 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 fluorescence conversion solar cell based on one or more panels composed of polymer doped with at least one fluorescent dye and/or glass panels coated with the doped polymer and photovoltaic cells mounted on the edges of the panels, which comprise one or more fluorescent dyes based on terrylenecarboxylic acid derivatives or a combination of these fluorescent dyes with further fluorescent dyes.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to luminescent solar concentrators, processes for the production of the same and uses thereof. The luminescent solar concentrators comprise a composite substrate including two or more films containing luminescent compounds and wavelength-selective mirrors, which concentrators may be connected to photovoltaic cells.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a photovoltaic generator, including at least one block with transparent walls and at least one reflecting wall, as well as photovoltaic cells, wherein the walls opposite the reflecting wall are transparent and include optically active dopants that transform incident solar radiation into radiation, the spectrum of which is shifted towards the range of the photovoltaic cells with the highest sensitivity, and at least one transparent wall is covered with a dichroic filter.

Abstract: The present invention provides a solar cell sealing film having enhanced transparency. A composition for a solar cell sealing film contains an ethylene-polar monomer copolymer, a crosslinker and a compound having an alkyleneoxy group. Thereby a solar cell sealing film having excellent all light beam transmittance and enhanced transparency can be formed.