Abstract: The present invention generally provides a method of forming a high quality passivation layer over a p-type doped region to form a high efficiency solar cell device. Embodiments of the present invention may be especially useful for preparing a surface of a boron doped region formed in a silicon substrate. In one embodiment, the methods include exposing a surface of the solar cell substrate to a plasma to clean and modify the physical, chemical and/or electrical characteristics of the surface and then deposit a charged dielectric layer and passivation layer thereon.

Abstract: The present invention provides a solar cell having a silicone resin layer. The solar cell comprises a silicone resin film that is at least partially cured and a photovoltaic element formed adjacent the silicone resin film.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a solar cell that can recycle a substrate, and a manufacturing method thereof. The solar cell includes: i) a plurality of nano-structures distanced from each other and extended in one direction; ii) a first conductive layer covering a first end of at least one of the plurality of nano-structures; iii) a second conductive layer distanced from the first conductive layer and covering a second end of the nano-structure; and iv) a dielectric layer disposed between the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer.

Abstract: A thin film photovoltaic cell is provided having a substrate; a back contact provided on the substrate; a p-type semiconductor absorber layer provided on the back contact; a n-type semiconductor layer provided on the p-type semiconductor absorber layer; a dielectric organic material layer provided on the n-type semiconductor layer; a transparent conductive film provided on the dielectric organic material layer; and, optionally, an antireflective layer provided on the transparent conductive film. Also provided is a method of manufacturing a thin film photovoltaic cell.

Abstract: A solar battery element has a structure equipped with: photoelectric converting semiconductor particles formed by a particulate base substance, semiconductor layers of a first conductive type formed by a material different from that of the particulate base substance that cover at least portions of the particulate base substance, and semiconductor layers of a second conductive type that cover portions of the semiconductor layers of the first conductive type so as to form pn junctions therewith; a first electrode that contacts the semiconductor layers of the first conductive type; a second electrode that contacts the semiconductor layers of the second conductive type; and an insulating binder for immobilizing the photoelectric converting semiconductor particles between the first electrode and the second electrode.

Abstract: A dye-sensitized solar cell including one or more photoelectric cells for performing photoelectric transformation; a first substrate and a second substrate, the first and second substrates facing each other; an electrolyte between the first substrate and the second substrate; an inner sealing member between the first substrate and the second substrate to define the one or more photoelectric cells and to seal the electrolyte within the one or more photoelectric cells; an outer sealing member a distance apart from the inner sealing member and surrounding the inner sealing member; and a fluid filled between the inner sealing member and the outer sealing member.

Abstract: A method for forming a thin film photovoltaic device. The method includes providing a transparent substrate including a surface region. A first electrode layer is formed overlying the surface region. A copper layer is formed overlying the first electrode layer and an indium layer overlying the copper layer to form a multi-layered structure. The method subjects at least the multi-layered structure to a thermal treatment process in an environment containing a sulfur bearing species and form a copper indium disulfide material. The copper indium disulfide material includes a thickness of substantially copper sulfide material. The thickness of the copper sulfide material is removed to expose a surface region having a copper poor surface characterized by a copper to indium atomic ratio of less than about 0.95:1. The method subjects the copper poor surface to a metal cation species to convert the copper poor surface from an n-type semiconductor characteristic to a p-type semiconductor characteristic.

Abstract: The invention relates to an inventive electrochemical device and an inventive metal-air fuel cell and Zinc-air fuel cell are also revealed. The inventive electrochemical device can also be used as an amplifier, a power generator, a detector, a photoelectric conversion device or a charger.

Abstract: A dye-sensitized solar cell (“DSSC”) includes an anode, a cathode, a semiconductor layer, a dye covalently attached to the semiconductor layer, and an electrolyte, wherein the semiconductor layer includes a metal oxide and an organic or inorganic insulating component to facilitate forward transfer of electrons to the anode. The semiconductor additive or insulating component may include, for example, alpha aluminum oxide, gamma aluminum oxide, fumed silica, silica, diatomaceous earth, aluminum titanate, hydroxyapatite, calcium phosphate, iron titanate, and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: To provide a thin-film solar battery including a substrate, a first electrode, a photoelectric conversion layer and a second electrode, the first electrode, the photoelectric conversion layer and the second electrode being placed over the substrate, wherein the photoelectric conversion layer has a laminated layer structure which includes at least a p-type layer and an n-type layer, and wherein the n-type layer is formed of a compound containing elements of Group 13, Group 16 and at least one of Groups 2, 7 and 12, the Group 13 includes at least indium, and the Group 16 includes at least sulfur.

Abstract: The invention provides phosphors composed of Eu(1-x-w)MaxMbwMgMc10O17, wherein Ma is Yb, Sn, Ce, Tb, Dy, or combinations thereof, and 0<x<0.5, Mb is Ca, Sr, Ba, or combinations thereof, and 0?w?0.5, and Mc is Al, Ga, Sc, In, or combinations thereof. The blue phosphors emit blue light under the excitation of ultraviolet light or blue light, and the phosphors may be further collocated with different colored phosphors to provide a white light illumination device. The blue phosphors of the invention can efficiently utilize light in solar cells.

Abstract: Solid state dye sensitized photovoltaic cells, as well as related components, systems, and methods, are disclosed.

Abstract: The assemblies of the present invention comprise an electrode, an light absorber layer and a polyimide film. The polyimide film contains from about 40 to about 95 weight percent of a polyimide derived from: i. at least one aromatic dianhydride, at least about 85 mole percent of such aromatic dianhydride being a rigid rod type dianhydride, and ii. at least one aromatic diamine, at least about 85 mole percent of such aromatic diamine being a rigid rod type diamine. The polyimide films of the present disclosure further comprise a filler that: i. is less than about 100 nanometers in all dimensions; and ii. is present in an amount from about 5 to about 60 weight percent of the total weight of the polyimide film.

Abstract: Provided is a method of forming a nanocomposite solution, and a nanocomposite photovoltaic device. In the method, a metal oxide nanorod solution is prepared and a nanoparticle solution is prepared. The metal oxide nanorod solution and the nanoparticle solution are mixed to form a nanocomposite solution.

Abstract: The invention discloses a junction module for a building integrated photovoltaic system, including a housing being formed with at least one chamber enclosed by a first sidewall and having a base for disposing the at least one chamber on and a cover for covering an opening of the at least one chamber. The cover has a second sidewall enclosing an outer surface of the first sidewall of the at least one chamber and constituting a part of an outer wall of the junction module. Accordingly, the cover does not occupy any space of the chamber, and it can ensure that the electrical components in the chamber have enough large clearance and creepage distance, which improves the electrical safety of the junction module without increasing the size of it.

Abstract: A photovoltaic device and related methods. The device has a structured material positioned between an electron collecting electrode and a hole collecting electrode. An electron transporting/hole blocking material is positioned between the electron collecting electrode and the structured material. In a specific embodiment, negatively charged carriers generated by optical absorption by the structured material are preferentially separated into the electron transporting/hole blocking material. In a specific embodiment, the structured material has an optical absorption coefficient of at least 103 cm?1 for light comprised of wavelengths within the range of about 400 nm to about 700 nm.

Abstract: A thin film solar cell including a Group IBIIIAVIA absorber layer on a defect free base including a stainless steel substrate is provided. The stainless steel substrate of the base is surface treated to reduce the surface roughness such as protrusions that cause shunts. In one embodiment, the surface roughness is reduced by coating surface with a thin silicon dioxide which fills the cavities and recesses around the protrusions and thereby reducing the surface roughness. After the silicon dioxide film is formed, a contact layer is formed over the ruthenium layer and the exposed portions of the substrate to complete the base.

Abstract: Photovoltaic coatings and methods of making photovoltaic coatings are provided. The photovoltaic coating contains a semiconductor layer containing semiconductor elements such as silicon particles between bottom metal-semiconductor compounds and upper metal-semiconductor compounds. The upper metal-semiconductor compounds can exist at uppermost boundary portions between semiconductor elements and not substantially over uppermost surfaces of the semiconductor elements. The method can involve forming a semiconductor layer comprising semiconductor elements such as silicon particles over a conductive layer; forming first metal-semiconductor compounds at a bottom surface of the semiconductor layer; and forming second metal-semiconductor compounds at uppermost boundary portions between the semiconductor elements.

Abstract: In growing a single-crystal silicon by the present invention in a Czochralski method, after a surface of a silicon melt is brought into contact with a seed crystal in a crucible, the silicon melt being added with germanium, the single-crystal silicon is pulled while rotated, and the solar-cell single-crystal silicon substrate is sliced from the single-crystal silicon containing germanium, whereby a germanium content of solar-cell single-crystal silicon substrate is set in the range of not less than 0.03 mole % to less than 1.0 mole % when resistivity ranges from 1.4 to 1.9 ?cm. Therefore, conversion efficiency is enhanced when compared with conventional single-crystal silicon substrates. Accordingly, solar cell power generation costs decreases, so that the single-crystal silicon of the present invention can widely be utilized as the substrate for the solar cell in which the high conversion efficiency is increasingly demanded.

Abstract: The invention provides photovoltaic concentrator solar cells and a method of forming these from a semiconductor wafer. The method has the steps of first doping the rear surface of said wafer so as to provide a first doped region. Depositing passivation layers on the front and rear surfaces. Forming a deep groove in the rear surface through the passivation layer and doping said rear surface so as to provide an oppositely doped second doped region in the deep groove. Then an opening is formed through the rear passivation layer to the first doped region; and electrical contacts are formed on the rear surface to electrically connect to the first and second doped regions. The photovoltaic concentrator solar cell has a semiconductor wafer with a passivation layer deposited on front and rear surfaces; and a first doped region at the rear surface.

Abstract: In the present invention, to keep the conductive paste from flowing, an organic layer is formed on the substrate, following which the conductive paste is printed and fired. An electrode could be formed with a method comprising steps of: applying an organic paste onto one side of a substrate so as to form an organic layer; applying a conductive paste onto the organic layer; and firing the conductive paste so as to form an electrode and burn off the organic layer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a thin film solar cell. The thin film solar cell comprises a substrate, a transparent conductive layer, a first semiconductor layer, a reflection layer, a reflection enhancing layer, a second semiconductor layer and an electrode layer. The transparent conductive layer is formed on the substrate. The first semiconductor layer is formed on the transparent conductive layer. The reflection layer is formed on the first semiconductor layer, and it is highly refraction and has a plurality of light-transmissive parts. The reflection enhancing layer is formed on the reflection layer, and it has at least a stacking layer including a low refraction index layer and a high refraction index layer. The second semiconductor layer is formed on the reflection enhancing layer. The electrode layer is formed on the second semiconductor layer. The light-transmissive parts are extended to the reflection enhancing layer.

Abstract: A polyester film including terminal carboxylic groups in an amount of from 2 eq/t to 23 eq/t, wherein an amount of carboxylic groups on a surface of the film is from 0.005 eq/m2 to 0.2 eq/m2, and a thickness of the film is from 120 ?m to 500 ?m.

Abstract: Methods of fabricating back-contact solar cells and devices thereof are described. A method of fabricating a back-contact solar cell includes forming an N-type dopant source layer and a P-type dopant source layer above a material layer disposed above a substrate. The N-type dopant source layer is spaced apart from the P-type dopant source layer. The N-type dopant source layer and the P-type dopant source layer are heated. Subsequently, a trench is formed in the material layer, between the N-type and P-type dopant source layers.

Abstract: A composite of a base and an array of needle-like crystals formed on the surface of the base is provided, in which the base side and the opposite side to the base with respect to the array can be isolated in a satisfactory manner. A composite 10 includes a transparent electrode 2 serving as the base, an array 4 of needle-like crystals 3 formed thereon, and a coating film 15 covering the surface of the needle-like crystals 3. The needle-like crystals 3 are made of, for example, zinc oxide, and the coating film 15 contains, for example, titanium oxide. The array 4 includes a first region R1 on the transparent electrode 2 side and a second region R2 on the opposite side to the transparent electrode 2 with respect to the first region R1.

Abstract: This invention relates to a photovoltaic device including an electrode such as a front electrode/contact. In certain example embodiments, the front electrode of the photovoltaic device includes a multi-layered transparent conductive coating which is sputter-deposited on a textured surface of a patterned glass substrate. In certain example embodiments, a maximum transmission area of the substantially transparent conductive front electrode is located under a peak area of a quantum efficiency (QE) curve of the photovoltaic device and a light source spectrum used to power the photovoltaic device.

Abstract: A photosensitive device includes a plurality of organic photoconductive materials disposed in a stack between a first electrode and a second electrode, including a first continuous layer of donor host material, a second continuous layer of acceptor host material, and at least one other organic photoconductive material disposed as a plurality of discontinuous islands between the first continuous layer and the second continuous layer. Each of these other photoconductive materials has an absorption spectra different from the donor host material and the acceptor host material. Preferably, each of the discontinuous islands consists essentially of a crystallite of the respective organic photoconductive material, and more preferably, the crystallites are nanocrystals.

Abstract: Photovoltaic cells with thiazole-containing polymers, as well as related components, systems, and methods, are disclosed.

Abstract: Photovoltaic cells with silole-containing polymers, as well as related systems, methods and components are disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed regarding photoelectrochemical solar cells formed using inkjet printing and nanocomposite organic-inorganic materials, such as for converting solar energy into electricity. An exemplary solid photoelectrochemical solar cell formation includes thin layers of nanocomposite organic-inorganic materials.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a solar cell comprising a double tube composed of two glass tubes differing in the diameter and a photovoltaic conversion layer formed between the two glass tubes, the double tube being sealed at both ends of a part in which the photovoltaic conversion layer is formed, wherein at least one of the two glass tubes is composed of a glass comprising, in mass % based on the oxides, from 60 to 70% of SiO2, from 4 to 10% of Al2O3, from 0 to 3% of B2O3, from 0 to 4% of MgO, from 2 to 9% of CaO, from 1 to 10% of SrO, from 0 to 2% of BaO, from 10 to 16% of Na2O, from 0 to 5% of K2O, from 0 to 2% of ZrO2 and from 0 to 2% of CeO2.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a thin-film compound solar cell having an n-type buffer layer formed therein for providing a heterojunction with a p-type compound semiconductor light absorbing layer formed on a back electrode by applying a chemical bath deposition (CBD) process using an aqueous solution for dipping the light absorbing layer to deposit particles on the surface thereof. In this process, the temperature of the solution is controlled from low to high to increase sizes of the particles to be deposited on the light absorbing layer so as to form the buffer layer which possesses a high optical transmittance, tight adherence to the light absorbing layer and conformity with the transparent electrode formed thereon even if it would be made of InS material generally possessing a small bandgap and hard to pass light of short wavelengths.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a photovoltaic device, especially hybrid solar cells, comprising at least one layer comprising evaporated fluoride and/or acetate; and to a method for preparing the same.

Abstract: A photovoltaic apparatus is provided. The photovoltaic apparatus includes a photovoltaic module. The photovoltaic apparatus also includes at least one support strip attached to a bottom surface of the photovoltaic module. Each support strip has a first edge portion, a center portion, and a second edge portion. The second edge portion includes a flange having a first end and a second end. A photovoltaic array is also provided. The photovoltaic array includes a first photovoltaic apparatus and a second photovoltaic apparatus. The photovoltaic array is attached to a support structure.

Abstract: Disclosed is an optical thin film for a thin-film solar cell, which is formed directly on a top surface of the thin-film solar cell having a transparent conductive film layer to provide a high infrared emissivity and a lower solar absorptivity to the thin-film solar cell. The optical thin film is formed through a vacuum vapor deposition process. The thin film makes it possible to provide enhanced infrared emissivity based on its reduced thickness, while suppressing unnecessary incoming solar radiation in a simplified structure to achieve a reduced solar absorptivity so as to maintain desired cell efficiency. The optical thin film of the present invention is capable of achieving reduction in weight of a solar cell, and suitable for use, particularly, in space environments.

Abstract: A metal substrate with an insulation layer has a metallic substrate having at least an aluminum base, and an insulation layer formed on the aluminum base of the metallic substrate. The insulation layer is a anodized film of aluminum that has a porous structure having plural pores and a Martens hardness of 1000 N/mm2 to 3500 N/mm2. A ratio of an average pore size of the plural pores to an average wall thickness of the plural pores ranges from 0.2 to 0.5.

Abstract: A solar cell is provided herein. The solar cell includes a substantially transparent substrate, a substantially thin and transparent nickel-based conformal layer deposited on the substrate surface, and at least one interconnect formed on the conformal layer to facilitate energy conversion of the solar cell. The conformal layer can be made from a nickel-based material and is designed to enhance ohmic contact to the interconnect. The conformal layer can also act to facilitate the conversion of light energy into electrical current by the interconnect, while minimizing energy loss, such that the overall conversion efficiency of the solar cell can be improved. The conformal layer can further facilitate transmission of electrical current along the solar cell. A method for manufacturing a solar cell is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tricycle having one front wheel and two rear wheels, the tricycle including: a seat frame mounted on a support frame to which the rear wheels are coupled, and having a concave seat formed at the front center thereof; side plates and a rear plate fixed at the bottom ends thereof to the both sides and the rear side of the seat frame; a plurality of space bars disposed spaced apart from each other between the side plates formed on the both sides of the seat frame; and a canopy mounted supportedly onto the plurality of space bars disposed between the side plates.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a compact solar concentrator module and array preferably with cooling and heat extraction system for converting solar energy to other energy forms preferably electric and thermal energies. The solar concentrator module comprises a vacant structure with a substantially reflective parabolic inside surface, as well as a focal device disposed within the vacant structure for receiving a solar energy converter or a solar cell preferably photovoltaic cell. the focal device being positioned proximate to the focal point of the reflective parabolic inside surface, and a transparent cover coupled to the vacant structure opposing to the reflective parabolic inside surface for transmitting sunlight therein.

Abstract: A method of producing nanoparticles of solar light absorbing compound materials based on pulsed laser ablation is disclosed. The method uses irradiation of a target material of solar light absorbing compound material with a pulsed laser beam having a pulse duration of from 10 femtoseconds to 500 picoseconds to ablate the target thereby producing nanoparticles of the target. The nanoparticles are collected and a solution of the nanoparticles is applied to a substrate to produce a thin film solar cell. The method preserves the composition and structural crystalline phase of the starting target. The method is a much lower cost fabrication method for thin film solar cells.

Abstract: A particulate structure containing a carbon nanotube thus exhibiting improved electron-transferring property, a semiconductor electrode for a photoelectrochemical cell containing a carbon nanotube thus exhibiting improved electron-transferring property, an electrolytic solution for a photoelectrochemical cell containing a carbon nanotube thus exhibiting improved oxidation-reduction property, a reduction electrode for a photoelectrochemical cell containing a carbon nanotube thus exhibiting improved reduction property; and a photoelectrochemical cell applying at least one aspect above.

Abstract: A solar battery module comprising: a transparent front surface board receiving an incidence of a light; a packed bed which allows a light, which passed through the front surface board, to pass through; a solar battery cell comprising a light receiving surface and is fixed by the packed bed, wherein a light which passed through the packed bed is received by the receiving light surface and is converted into electricity; and a light reusing sheet positioned at a back surface side of the light receiving surface of the solar battery cell, the light reusing sheet comprising a reflecting layer comprising a reflecting surface which reflects a light which was not received by the light receiving surface.

Abstract: An apparatus for both detecting and repairing a shunt defect in a solar cell substrate. A shunt detection module detects the shunt defect in the substrate, using at least one of lock-in thermography and current-voltage testing. A process diagnostic module determines whether the substrate should be passed without further processing by the apparatus, rejected without further processing by the apparatus, or repaired by the apparatus. A shunt repair module electrically isolates the shunt defect in the substrate. In this manner, a single apparatus can quickly check for shunts and make a determination as to whether the substrate is worth repairing. If it is worth repairing, then the apparatus can make the repairs to the substrate.

Abstract: A dye for a dye-sensitized solar cell according to embodiments of the present invention includes a compound having a silane group. The dye according to embodiments of the present invention may be used in a light absorption layer to improve photovoltaic efficiency and increase open-circuit voltage.

Abstract: The invention relates to a solid ionic conducting material which can be used as an electrolyte or as a component of a composite electrode. The material comprises a polymer matrix, at least one ionic species and at least one reinforcing agent. The polymer matrix is a solvating polymer optionally having a polar character, a non-solvating polymer carrying acidic ionic groups, or a mixture of a solvating or non-solvating polymer and an aprotic polar liquid. The ionic species is an ionic compound selected from salts and acids, said compound being in solution in the polymer matrix, or an anionic or cationic ionic group fixed by covalent bonding on the polymer, or a combination of the two. The reinforcing agent is a cellulosic material or a chitin.

Abstract: The invention provides a photoelectric conversion element and a solar battery having the photoelectric conversion element each of which has a structure with a high carrier generating rate. Further, the invention provides a photoelectric conversion element and a solar battery having the photoelectric conversion element of which high energy converting efficiency. According to the invention, the photoelectric conversion element and the solar battery having the photoelectric conversion element are characterized in that a pair of electrodes sandwich a mixed layer including a charge generating layer and a charge acceptor layer. The charge generating layer is formed of a first organic compound and an inorganic compound. The charge acceptor layer is formed of a second organic compound.

Abstract: Fabricating a solar cell stack includes forming a nanopatterned polymeric layer on a first surface of a silicon wafer and etching the first surface of the silicon wafer to transfer a pattern of the nanopatterned polymeric layer to the first surface of the silicon wafer. A layer of reflective electrode material is formed on a second surface of the silicon wafer. The nanopatterned first surface of the silicon wafer undergoes a buffered oxide etching. After the buffered oxide etching, the nanopatterned first surface of the silicon wafer is treated to decrease a contact angle of water on the nanopatterned first surface. Electron donor material is deposited on the nanopatterned first surface of the silicon wafer to form an electron donor layer, and a transparent electrode material is deposited on the electron donor layer to form a transparent electrode layer on the electron donor layer.

Abstract: A solar cell capable of improving cell efficiency, and a method for manufacturing the same is disclosed, the solar cell comprising a substrate; a first electrode on the substrate; a photoelectric conversion portion on the first electrode; a second electrode on the photoelectric conversion portion; and plural beads on the second electrode.

Abstract: A system may include a solar cell, a support defining an opening over the solar cell and comprising a retention feature, and an optical element disposed within the opening. The optical element may include a location feature engaged with the retention feature of the support. In some aspects, the optical element includes an upper surface to receive concentrated light and a lower surface through which light passes to the solar cell, and the location feature is disposed between the upper surface and the lower surface. The retention feature may be a lip defining the opening over the solar cell, and/or the location feature may consist of a notch defined by an edge of the optical element.

Abstract: An exemplary system and method for forming a solar panel system includes manufacturing solar panel sheets via thin film solar technology that include a flashing overlap and a non-dry adhesive located on the bottom surface of the sheets such that the solar panel sheets form a moisture barrier on the roof while providing a renewable solar energy source. The solar panel system that forms a moisture barrier on the roof of a structure may include a non-glare surface treatment to provide the appearance of standard 30 year shingles. Additionally, the solar panel system may include a temperature/pressure/light transmissibility sensor system configured to notify a homeowner when the solar panel system is dirty, obscured, or should be changed to reverse current mode to melt snow or ice buildup.