Abstract: In various representative aspects, an apparatus for clamping and grounding solar panel frames to a mounting rail is disclosed herein. The apparatus comprises a fastener with an enlarged end, and a shank, with the enlarged end having one or more sharp protrusions that resemble teeth, and a washer with one or more sharp protrusions, and an opening. When installed, the shank is inserted through the opening of the washer, the sharp protrusions of the enlarged end penetrate either the lower or upper surface of the mounting rail and the sharp protrusions of the washer penetrate the other surface of the solar panel frames while at the same time creating a grounding path through the apparatus.

Abstract: A photovoltaic device includes: a p-type diffusion layer (11) and a n-type diffusion layer (12) on a back face of a semiconductor substrate (1); electrodes (4 to 6); and a wiring board (8). The electrodes (4, 6) are disposed on the p-type diffusion layer (11), and the electrodes (5) are disposed on the n-type diffusion layer (12). The wiring board (8) has wires (82) connected to the electrodes (4, 6) by conductive adhesive layers (7) and wires (83) connected to the electrodes (5) by the conductive adhesive layers (7). The electrodes (6) are disposed, on both ends of the n-type diffusion layer (12) with respect to the x-axis direction, between an end region of the n-type diffusion layer (12) and an edge of the semiconductor substrate (1).

Abstract: In an example, a method includes providing a photovoltaic string comprising a plurality of from 2 to 45 strips, each of the plurality of strips being configured in a series arrangement with each other, each of the plurality of strips being coupled to another one of the plurality of strips using an electrically conductive adhesive (ECA) material, detecting at least one defective strip in the photovoltaic string, applying thermal energy to the ECA material to release the ECA material from a pair of photovoltaic strips to remove the defective photovoltaic strip, removing any residual ECA material from one or more good photovoltaic strip, aligning the photovoltaic string without the damaged photovoltaic strip, and a replacement photovoltaic strip that replaces the defective photovoltaic strip, and curing a reapplied ECA material on the replacement photovoltaic strip to provide the photovoltaic string with the replacement photovoltaic strip.

Abstract: A measurement device which enables to determine the optimum angle values and orientations of collectors/cells and which enables to measure both direct radiation and diffuse radiation, essentially includes a main body; a solar cell which generates current from solar energy; an actuation mechanism which is adapted to move the solar cell in horizontal and vertical axis; an upper cover which prevents the sun beams reaching the solar cell by covering the upper part of the main body; a second cover on each one of the lateral walls of the upper cover; a current detector which measures the current generated by the solar cell, a control unit which includes a processing unit adapted to generate angle signals that will move the first motor and second motor and determine the optimum angle values according to current information corresponding to the angle signals and the angle information corresponding to the current information.

Abstract: Present invention discloses a microfluidic energy harvester for converting solar energy into electrical energy. A preferred embodiment of the present microfluidic energy harvester includes a substrate having an embedded central microchannel, electrolyte configured to reside and/or flow in said central microchannel and electrode assembly having one or more pair of electrodes arranged in a series and integrated with said central microchannel from sides ensuring direct contact between said pair for electrodes with said electrolyte while it reside and/or flow in said central microchannel for ensuing electrochemical photovoltaic effect to convert the solar energy into the electrical energy under direct solar illumination by working under regenerative conditions.

Abstract: A support assembly for mounting photovoltaic modules on a support surface and a mounting system including the same are disclosed herein. The support assembly may comprise a the body portion including a base portion and at least one upright support member coupled to the base portion, the at least one upright support member comprising an integrally formed ballast tray slot in one side thereof for receiving an upturned edge of a ballast tray; and at least one clamp subassembly coupled to the at least one upright support member of the body portion, the at least one clamp subassembly configured to be coupled to one or more photovoltaic modules. In addition to a plurality of support assemblies, the mounting system may further comprise at least one ballast tray support bracket, the ballast tray support bracket supporting a portion of a ballast tray on the support surface.

Abstract: Photovoltaic modules are mounted onto a solar tracker array torque tube via pairs or left-handed and right-handed photovoltaic array connectors or brackets. The left-handed and right-handed photovoltaic array connectors have orientation projections that couple with and extend into the interior body of the torque tube. Pairs of left-handed photovoltaic array connectors and pairs of right-handed photovoltaic array connectors of adjacent photovoltaic modules can further be fastened together, thereby securing the photovoltaic modules to the torque tube and distributing the load of the overall number of photovoltaic modules mounted on the solar tracker array.

Abstract: A photovoltaic module is presented, which may include a photovoltaic panel and a converter circuit having a primary input connected to the photovoltaic panel and a secondary output galvanically isolated from the primary input. The primary input may be connectible to multiple input terminals within a junction box and at least one of the input terminals may be electrically connected to a ground. The photovoltaic module may include multiple interconnected photovoltaic cells connected electrically to multiple connectors (for example bus-bars). The photovoltaic module may include input terminals operable for connecting to the connectors and an isolated converter circuit. The isolated converter circuit may include a primary input connected to the input terminals and a secondary output galvanically isolated from the primary input.

Abstract: The present disclosure disclosures a sensor and a control method of the sensor. The sensor may include a protective housing, an optical component, a control component, an interface component, and a circuit board mounted within the protective housing. The circuit board may include a plurality of detection components, including a photosensitive detection component and a tilt angle detection component. The control method of the sensor may include determining whether the photovoltaic module operates in an angle detection range of the photosensitive detection component, and determining whether an actuation condition of the photosensitive detection component is satisfied. In response to a determination that the actuation condition of the photosensitive detection component is satisfied, the photosensitive detection component may be actuated. In response to a determination that the actuation condition of the photosensitive detection component is not satisfied, the tilt angle detection component may be actuated.

Abstract: A module main body having a solar photovoltaic element is arranged on an inner surface side of a back cover, and a front cover is arranged on a front surface of the module main body. A light shielding filter is arranged in the front cover, and the light shielding filter shields light having a longer wavelength than a threshold wavelength of the solar photovoltaic element but transmits light having a shorter wavelength than the threshold wavelength toward the module main body or shields the infrared ray.

Abstract: Photovoltaic panel (or solar panel) comprising: at least one luminescent solar concentrator (LSC) having an upper surface, a lower surface and one or more outer sides; at least one photovoltaic cell (or solar cell) placed on the outside of at least one of the outer sides or on the outside of at least one part of the lower surface of said luminescent solar concentrator (LSC); at least one rigid or semi-rigid support placed on the outside of said at least one photovoltaic cell (or solar cell), said at least one rigid or semi-rigid support being placed in direct contact with said at least one photovoltaic cell (or solar cell); at least one transparent frame placed outside said at least one rigid or semi-rigid support, said at least one transparent frame being placed in direct contact with said at least one rigid or semi-rigid support; optionally, at least one transparent protective shell placed between said at least one transparent frame and said at least one rigid or semi-rigid support, said at least one tra

Abstract: A photovoltaic panel is provided, including a plastic support sheet having a cellular core; a laminate of photovoltaic cells fixed to the support sheet; and a plastic and/or composite frame including longitudinal profile sections for laterally protecting the laminate of photovoltaic cells and the support sheet, and corner-shaped portions connecting the longitudinal profile sections together in order therewith to form a closed frame.

Abstract: A photovoltaic panel having a photovoltaic module supported by a distributed support frame is described. The distributed support frame may include a support member extending over a back surface of the photovoltaic module. For example, one or more support members may extend laterally from a support hub mounted on the back surface. The distributed support frame may reduce a span length of the photovoltaic module between support locations, and thus, may reduce a likelihood that a module laminate will crack under a design load.

Abstract: A modular photovoltaic (PV) system can include a PV cell, a frame coupled to the PV cell, and a converter. The frame is configured to support a plurality of pairs of externally accessible connectors, each pair having a positive voltage connector and a negative voltage connector, the positive voltage connector of each pair of the plurality electrically connected to each other and the negative voltage connector of each pair of the plurality electrically connected to each other. The converter is configured to receive voltage from the PV cell and change the voltage for output at one or more pairs of the externally accessible connectors. The converter may include Maximum Power Point Tracking services to manage the power output from the PV cell. Multiple PV systems may be connected to each other in coplanar and non-coplanar relationships. In some embodiments, the frames have triangular, rectangular, or other polygonal shapes.

Abstract: A solar module with solar cells comprising a front covering with an outer and an inner surface and further comprising optically active zones with a first color, and optically inactive zones having a second color different from the first color. The front covering having a first dot grid covering the optically active zones, the first dot grid having a large number of opaque colored dots that have a third color different from the first color, wherein addition of the first color and the third color yields an additive color. The front covering having a second dot grid covering a optically inactive zone, the second dot grid having opaque colored dots having a fourth color different from the second color, wherein addition of the second color and the fourth color yields an additive color, wherein the third color and the fourth color are selected for a calculated color deviation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for producing a solar cell module; the present invention is characterized in that: in the process of soldering and connecting crystalline silicon solar cells, the crystalline silicon solar cells are kept still at positions on a bottom layer, and soldering and connecting of all crystalline silicon solar cells are implemented by moving a soldering apparatus or by moving the bottom layer; by means of the method for soldering and connecting crystalline silicon solar cells in the present invention, the process of soldering and connecting crystalline silicon solar cells is simplified and accelerated, and meanwhile, problems such as hidden fractures and power attenuation of the module occurring in the process of soldering and connecting solar cells are resolved.

Abstract: A solar power generation assembly includes a vertical support column; a canopy including a plurality of solar modules for solar power generation; a first brace and a second brace on a first side of the support column to support the canopy; a third brace and a fourth brace on a second side of the support column to support the canopy; and a gutter system integrated into the canopy and directing precipitation along one or more of the second brace and the fourth brace to the support column. One or more of the first brace and the third brace manage electrical cables extending from the canopy to the support column.

Abstract: A solar cell assembly and a solar cell module are provided. The solar cell assembly includes a solar panel; and an installation member having a supporting portion configured for fixing the solar panel and a connecting portion configured for fixing the installation member onto a support beam. The supporting portion is disposed on a backside of the solar panel, the connecting portion extends out of an edge of the supporting portion along a direction parallel to the solar panel, the connecting portion locates outside of a coverage area of the solar panel, and the connecting portion defines a installation hole therein.

Abstract: A solar cell module includes solar cells having main surfaces to which inter-cell wiring members are connected, and an insulating member disposed on the main surfaces and the wiring members, and a first lead-out wire provided to the insulating member. The insulating member includes a first insulating layer formed of polyester resin, a second insulating layer formed of polyolefin or EVA and provided between the first insulating layer and the lead-out wires, and a third insulating layer formed of polyolefin or EVA and provided between the first insulating layer and the main surfaces. The third insulating layer has a thickness in a direction perpendicular to the main surfaces larger than a thickness of the second insulating layer.

Abstract: A solar module includes an encapsulant and solar cells in the encapsulant. The encapsulant includes a colored encapsulant on one side of the solar cells and a transparent encapsulant on the other side of the solar cells. An interface between the colored encapsulant and the transparent encapsulant is located more on the one side than a main surface of the other side of the solar cells and located more on the other side than a center in a thickness direction of the solar cells.

Abstract: A solar energy system for use with tufted geosynthetics on sloping ground without the use of a traditional racking system. A frame attaches to the tufted geosynthetic cover to provide a flap and a solar panel secures to the flap directly or through a polymeric layer that attaches to the frame positioned between the flap and the tufted geosynthetic land cover with the solar panel adhesively attached to the polymeric layer. The solar panel being attached to the tufted geosynthetic land cover generates energy upon exposure to light. A method of securing a solar panel to a tufted geosynthetic land cover system for generation of energy is disclosed.

Abstract: A packaged electronic device includes a semiconductor die with an electronic component and a contact structure connected to the electronic component, as well as an organic panel frame, a lamination structure that partially embeds the semiconductor die in an opening of the organic panel frame, and a ceramic substrate mounted to a first side of the semiconductor die.

Abstract: A solar module skirt assembly includes a skirt that is attached to a frame of a solar module, and a clip to attach the skirt to the solar module. The clip includes a first portion to attach to a frame of the solar module and to the skirt, a second portion to hold a portion of the frame of the solar module and a portion of the skirt, and a fastener to affix the clip to the frame of the solar module and the portion of the skirt.

Abstract: There is provided an interlayer film for laminated glass with which the adhesive force between the interlayer film and a laminated glass member of the laminated glass can be effectively improved. The interlayer film for laminated glass according to the present invention has one-layer structure or a two or more-layer structure, is provided with a first layer containing a thermoplastic resin, a plasticizer and a metal element as a surface layer of the interlayer film, and the first layer is a first layer having a contact angle of greater than 40.1° when measured by a sessile drop method using diiodomethane or a first layer having a contact angle of greater than 54.2° when measured by a sessile drop method using ethylene glycol.

Abstract: In order to improve the gain of a photovoltaic solar energy system, the system comprises: a plurality of bifacial photovoltaic solar cells, defining together a direct absorption surface as well as an indirect absorption surface, both surfaces being opposite and intended to absorb a solar radiation energy; a support chassis for supporting the cells, the chassis comprising a support structure on which the cells are attached. The chassis further includes a suspension for suspending the support structure, the suspension comprising a top end connected to a first end of the support structure, and the suspension defines a reflective surface configured to reflect light towards the indirect absorption surface defined by the cells.

Abstract: A solar cell module comprising a plurality of solar cells and a polyimide support, the support comprising a conductive layer on the top surface thereof divided into two electrically isolated portions—a first conductive portion and a second conductive portion. Each solar cell comprises a front surface, a rear surface, and a first contact on the rear surface and a second contact on the front surface. A the plurality of solar cells are placed on the first conductive portion with the first contact electronically connected to the first conductive portion. A second contact of each solar cell can be connected through the first conductive portion. A second contact of each solar cell can be connected to the second conductive portion. The two conductive portions serve as bus bars of two different polarities of the solar cell module.

Abstract: An adhesion promoter for non-conductive surfaces is disclosed that combines a polyolefin with co-resins in a colloidal suspension in water. The colloidal suspension in water is prepared from mixing a solid-powder composition that includes the polyolefin and the co-resins with water. The colloidal suspension in water is applied to a low surface energy, non-conductive substrate, such as thermoplastic olefins, in order to make the substrates conductive for electrostatic painting.

Abstract: Frames and processes of manufacture using single-wall frame sections coupled to other single-wall frame sections or double-wall frame sections using a connecting key are provided. The connecting key can be metallic, polymer, ceramic, a laminate, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: A solar cell panel can include a solar cell; a sealing member including a first sealing member disposed on a first surface of the solar cell and a second sealing member disposed on a second surface of the solar cell; a first cover member disposed on the first sealing member and including a glass substrate; and a second cover member disposed on the second sealing member and including a glass substrate, in which the sealing member includes a central region and an outer region positioned outside the central region, and the outer region includes a reinforcing region having a thickness greater than a thickness of the central region.

Abstract: A photovoltaic or light detecting device is provided that includes a periodic array of dome or dome-like protrusions at the light impingement surface and three forms of reflector/back electrode at the device back. The beneficial interaction between an appropriately designed top protrusion array and these reflector/electrode back contacts (R/EBCs) serve (1) to refract the incoming light thereby providing photons with an advantageous larger momentum component parallel to the plane of the back (R/EBC) contact and (2) to provide optical impedance matching for the short wavelength incoming light. The reflector/back electrode operates as a back light reflector and counter electrode to the periodic array of dome or dome-like structures. A substrate supports the reflector/back electrode.

Abstract: A light bulb includes a light bulb body that has a bulbous portion that narrows into a neck portion. The neck portion extends into a base portion. An array of LEDs is mounted in the bulbous portion. One or more solar photovoltaic panels are mounted in or on the neck portion. A battery is disposed in the light bulb body, which powers the LEDs and which is charged by the one or more solar photovoltaic panels.

Abstract: A bag for transporting tools and building supplies includes a body, a divider, and a battery charger. The body includes a base member and at least one side panel coupled to the base member and extending from the base member. The base member and the at least one side panel cooperate to define an internal volume. The internal volume is accessible through a main opening defined by the at least one side panel. The divider is positioned within the internal volume and coupled to the body. The divider is configured to divide the internal volume into a first volume and a second volume. The battery charger is coupled to the body and configured to be selectively coupled to a removable battery. The battery charger extends into the first volume, and the removable battery extends into the second volume when the removable battery is coupled to the battery charger.

Abstract: A method for forming a solar panel can include attaching one or more tacking pads to one or both of a first surface of a first solar panel subassembly and a second surface of a second solar panel subassembly. The method further includes dispensing an adhesive onto at least one of the first and second surfaces. The first and second surfaces are placed in contact with the one or more tacking pads, thereby tacking the first and second solar panel subassemblies together, during which the first and second surfaces contact the adhesive, thereby decreasing a thickness and increasing a surface area of the adhesive. Subsequently, the adhesive is cured. The tacking pad(s) maintain fixed alignment of the solar panel subassemblies during curing of the adhesive, and establish a bond line of the adhesive.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include methods for producing polymer gels useful in the fabrication of organic cells. The method includes mixing poly(3-hexylthiophene) with phenyl-C61 butyric acid methyl ester and solvent to form a first solution, where the poly(3-hexylthiophene) includes at least some regioregular poly(3-hexylthiophene). The first solution is then cooled to a specified temperature to induce gelation to form an at least partially gelled solution that can be deposited onto a surface to form a coated surface. At least one or more steps of the method can occur as an extrusion process carried out in a twin-screw or single-screw extruder.

Abstract: A solar cell module is disclosed. The solar cell module includes a plurality of solar cells each including first electrodes collecting carriers of a first conductive type and second electrodes collecting carriers of a second conductive type opposite the first conductive type, the plurality of solar cells being positioned adjacent to one another, and a plurality of wiring members configured to electrically connect the first electrodes to the second electrodes of adjacent solar cells. The plurality of wiring members are positioned in parallel with one another. The plurality of wiring members include a first wiring member disposed in a corner area of one solar cell having a corner with a curved edge and a second wiring member disposed in a non-corner area of the one solar cell except the corner area.

Abstract: Solar cell devices as well as method and apparatus for producing solar cell devices are disclosed. Aspects of the disclosure provide a solar cell device that includes a string of solar cells. The string of solar cells are conductively connected in series and arranged in a shingled manner with sides of adjacent solar cells being overlapped. A first metal ribbon segment is conductively bonded to a front surface of an end cell, the front surface being configured to face a light incoming direction to receive energy from a light source.

Abstract: One embodiment described herein provides a photovoltaic roof module. The roof module can include at least a first photovoltaic roof tile, a second photovoltaic roof tile positioned adjacent to the first photovoltaic roof tile, and a spacer coupled to and positioned between the first and second photovoltaic roof tiles. The spacer is configured to facilitate a semi-rigid joint between the first and second photovoltaic roof tiles.

Abstract: Solar panel mounting assemblies having an arm support assembly for supporting a clamp assembly above an installation surface through a base and a base stud and configured to allow the clamp assembly to be adjusted in three dimensions while installing a solar panel module.

Abstract: A solar cell module includes: a solar cell element that has a surface; a first sealing layer that is provided on the surface; and a light diffusion portion that is provided between an outer peripheral area C1 of the surface and the first sealing layer in such a manner that the light diffusion portion has a curvature and that contains a resin having a reflectivity higher than that of the first sealing layer.

Abstract: A power supply control device includes: a power generator that converts energy into power; an environmental sensor that detects a state of an ambient environment; and a controller that controls an operation timing of a functional circuit that operates upon receipt of power supplied from the power generator based on the state of the ambient environment detected by the environmental sensor.

Abstract: A photovoltaic device can include a module and a rail. The module can have an edge formed around a perimeter of the module. The rail can include a coupling surface at a top side of the rail, and a recessed surface offset from the coupling surface and towards a bottom side of the rail.

Abstract: A space system including a layered structure on an outer surface of the space system, the layered structure including a conductive veil or nonwoven comprising conductive fibers, and a non-conductive sheet arranged on a surface of the conductive veil or nonwoven.

Abstract: Provided herein are back sheets comprising and/or otherwise made from thermoplastic vulcanizates, PV modules comprising such TPV-based back sheets, and methods for forming the TPV back sheets and PV modules. TPV-based back sheets provide particular advantages over incumbent back sheets, including increased flexibility, greater electrical insulation properties, and more desirable barrier properties. The TPV-based back sheets of some embodiments provide PV modules improved endurance, particularly under the changing and often harsh environmental conditions in which PV modules are often deployed. The TPV-based back sheets of some embodiments also enable efficient construction of unusual PV module geometries, such as non-planar (e.g., curved and/or hinged) geometries.

Abstract: A laminated glass includes a first glass sheet, an electrically powered functional film, a reflective element to reflect infrared radiation, disposed between the first glass sheet and the functional film, at least one first thermoplastic interlayer disposed between the reflecting element and the functional film, and a second glass sheet. The laminated glass includes at least one interlayer including a zone that is opaque to radiation in the visible wavelength.

Abstract: A solar cell module having curvature in a vehicle front-rear direction which varies from a vehicle front side towards a vehicle rear side, the solar cell module includes: a sealing layer formed from resin and in which power generating elements are sealed; a front surface layer formed from resin and joined to a light-receiving surface side of the power generating elements in the sealing layer; and a rear surface layer formed from resin and joined to an opposite side from the light-receiving surface side of the power generating elements in the sealing layer, wherein a plate thickness of portions where the front surface layer, the sealing layer, and the rear surface layer are laminated together is formed so as to become proportionately thinner as the curvature in the vehicle front-rear direction increases.

Abstract: A support apparatus for a photovoltaic module and a photovoltaic system are provided. The support apparatus for a photovoltaic module is to be arranged on a water surface, and includes: a support body for mounting the photovoltaic module; and a floating body connected to the support body and configured to provide buoyancy for the support apparatus. A connection function for providing connection with the photovoltaic module and a buoyancy function for providing the buoyancy are separated. The support body having the connection function may be used for providing only connection with the photovoltaic module and not for providing buoyancy. In manufacturing and installation processes, it is unnecessary for the support body to be watertight, thus the manufacturing process of the support body may be greatly simplified, and the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

Abstract: A power generating apparatus for use in remote locations, the apparatus including a static base adapted to support a housing and an elongate device support element which is adapted to be upstanding in use, wherein the housing is insulated; an electrical energy storage assembly located within a compartment defined by the housing, the electrical energy storage assembly having an electrical input and an electrical output, and comprising one or more rechargeable batteries; an electrical energy generator carried externally by the housing, wherein the electrical energy generator is the sole source of electrical energy and is in the form of one or more photovoltaic panels configured to convert solar energy into electrical energy, the electrical energy from the electrical energy generator being electrically connected to the input of the energy storage assembly; and a powered device carried by the device support element, the powered device being selected from a camera, a lighting apparatus, a wireless communications a

Abstract: A solar tile and method for manufacturing solar tiles as a roofing surface with improved aesthetics that reduce the visual differences between solar and non-solar portions of tile. Roof tiles include an active area of thin-film photovoltaic material and an inactive area of thin-film photovoltaic material.

Abstract: A secondary battery having good performance especially in a high-temperature environment can be obtained by using an electrolyte solution for secondary batteries, which is characterized by containing an ionic liquid represented by formula (1) and a lithium salt. (In the formula, each of R1 and R2 independently represents an alkyl group having 1-5 carbon atoms; and n represents 1 or 2.

Abstract: A photovoltaic (PV) module having bi-directional couplings is described. The bi-directional couplings include a first coupling mounted on a support frame under a first edge of the PV module and a second coupling mounted on the support frame under a second edge of the PV module. The PV module can be a keystone module and the bi-directional couplings of the keystone module can connect to respective couplings of several adjacent PV modules. The bi-directional couplings can form male-to-female connections with the respective couplings to quickly combine the PV modules into a PV module assembly. The PV module assembly includes the bi-directionally connected PV modules supporting each other in both an x-direction and a y-direction.