Abstract: The disclosure relates to multiple quantum well (MQW) structures for intrinsic regions of monolithic photovoltaic junctions within solar cells which are substantially lattice matched to GaAs or Ge. The disclosed MQW structures incorporate quantum wells formed of quaternary InGaAsP, between barriers of InGaP.

Abstract: A photovoltaic device includes one or more layers of a photovoltaic stack formed on a substrate by employing a high deposition rate plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (HDR PECVD) process. Contacts are formed on the photovoltaic stack to provide a photovoltaic cell. Reduced defect zones are disposed adjacent to contact regions in portions of the photovoltaic cell and are formed by an anneal configured to improve overall performance.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for producing a mesoporous titanium dioxide thin film from a titanium precursor by using a polymer-grafted alumina composite as a support. The porous titanium dioxide thin film is obtained by using the polymer-grafted hybrid alumina composite as a support for sol-gel reaction, and thus it has a mesoporous structure and high surface area, thereby providing a high dye adsorption ratio. Therefore, a dye-sensitized solar cell using the mesoporous titanium dioxide thin film as a photoelectrode material has high energy conversion efficiency. In addition, it is possible to improve the long-term stability of a dye-sensitized solar cell through efficient infiltration of high-viscosity polymer and solid electrolyte as well as liquid electrolyte.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an exclusive alloy substrate material for CIGS solar cells. Particularly, the present invention provides a substrate material having a thermal expansion coefficient similar to that of a CIGS layer. The substrate material according to the present invention may prevent damage such as interlayer separation due to differing thermal expansion coefficients from occurring because the substrate material has a thermal expansion coefficient similar to that of the CIGS layer.

Abstract: A photoelectric conversion element includes an optically transparent support, a porous semiconductor layer containing fine semiconductor particles and a photosensitizer, a conductive layer, and a counter electrode provided in that order, each of the porous semiconductor layer and the conductive layer contains a carrier-transport material. The porous semiconductor layer includes at least two layers each containing fine semiconductor particles having different particle sizes. The fine semiconductor particles contained in a layer of the layers located closest to the counter electrode, the layers constituting the porous semiconductor layer, have an average particle size of 380 nm or less.

Abstract: A resin composition comprising a polymer obtained by reacting polyethylene terephthalate with polycarbodiimide, wherein the decomposition rate of polycarbodiimide is from 1% to 40%, has a low decomposition rate of carbodiimide. The resin composition is capable of producing a film having excellent hydrolysis resistance.

Abstract: Discussed is a solar cell including a semiconductor substrate including a base area and a doping area, a doping layer formed on the semiconductor substrate, the doping layer having a conductive type different from the doping area, a tunneling layer interposed between the doping layer and the semiconductor substrate, a first electrode connected to the doping area, and a second electrode connected to the doping layer.

Abstract: An integrated back-sheet for a back contact photovoltaic module is provided. The integrated back-sheet is formed from a polymer substrate and a conductive metal foil that is die cut to provide a metal foil circuit that is adhered to the polymer substrate. A back contact solar cell module incorporating the integrated back-sheet with the die cut metal foil circuit is also provided. Processes for forming such integrated back-sheets and back contact solar cell modules are also provided.

Abstract: A method for forming a photovoltaic device includes forming an absorber layer with a granular structure on a conductive layer; conformally depositing an insulating protection layer over the absorber layer to fill in between grains of the absorber layer; and planarizing the protection layer and the absorber layer. A buffer layer is formed on the absorber layer, and a top transparent conductor layer is deposited over the buffer layer.

Abstract: A thin film type solar cell and a method for manufacturing the same is disclosed, wherein the method comprises sequentially depositing a front electrode layer and a semiconductor layer on a substrate; forming a first separating channel by removing predetermined portions of the front electrode layer and the semiconductor layer; forming a contact portion and a second separating channel by removing predetermined portions of the semiconductor layer; forming a first insulating layer in the first separating channel; and forming a plurality of rear electrodes at fixed intervals by each second separating channel interposed in-between, wherein each rear electrode is electrically connected with the front electrode layer through the contact portion. The present invention needs only one cleaning process after carrying out the laser-scribing process, whereby the yield can be improved owing to the simplified manufacturing process.

Abstract: A method of depositing III-V solar collection materials on a GeSn template on a silicon substrate including the steps of providing a crystalline silicon substrate and epitaxially growing a single crystal GeSn layer on the silicon substrate using a grading profile to grade Sn through the layer. The single crystal GeSn layer has a thickness in a range of approximately 3 ?m to approximately 5 ?m. A layer of III-V solar collection material is epitaxially grown on the graded single crystal GeSn layer. The graded single crystal GeSn layer includes Sn up to an interface with the layer of III-V solar collection material.

Abstract: Disclosed is an active material for a counter-electrode. The material comprises a carbon aerogel and platinum loaded on the carbon aerogel, the platinum having a mass content of 1% to 5% in the active material for a counter-electrode. The active material for a counter-electrode has a relatively high photoelectric conversion efficiency. In addition, also provides are a method for preparing the active material for a counter-electrode, a solar cell counter-electrode using the active material for a counter-electrode and a method for preparing the solar cell counter-electrode.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an optoelectronic device includes steps of: providing an optoelectronic structure; forming a first metal contact layer having a pattern on the upper surface of the optoelectronic structure; forming a dielectric layer on the first metal contact layer and the optoelectronic structure; removing the dielectric layer on the first metal contact layer; and forming an electrode structure on the first metal contact layer.

Abstract: Methods of fabricating metal wrap through solar cells and modules for thin silicon solar cells, including epitaxial silicon solar cells, are described. These metal wrap through solar cells have a planar back contact geometry for the base and emitter contacts. Fabrication of a metal wrap through solar cell may comprise: providing a photovoltaic device attached at the emitter side of the device to a solar glass by an encapsulant, the device including busbars on the device emitter; forming vias through the device base and emitter, the vias terminating in the busbars; depositing a conformal dielectric film over the surface of the vias and the back surface of the base; removing portions of the conformal dielectric film from the ends of the vias for exposing the busbars and from field areas of the base; and forming separate electrical contacts to the busbars and the field areas on the back surface of the solar cell.

Abstract: A solar cell and a solar cell module including a plurality of solar cells are discussed. The solar cell according to an embodiment includes a substrate of a first conductive type, an emitter layer of a second conductive type opposite the first conductive type disposed on the substrate, a plurality of first electrodes electrically connected to the emitter layer, a second electrode electrically connected to the substrate, a first current collector electrically connected to the plurality of first electrodes, and a second current collector electrically connected to the second electrode. The second current collector includes a plurality of second electrode current collectors electrically connected to the second electrode, and a current collector connector for connecting the plurality of second electrode current collectors to one another.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a Se or S based thin film solar cell and a method for fabricating the same, which may improve the structural and electrical characteristics of an upper transparent electrode layer by controlling a structure of a lower transparent electrode layer in a thin film solar cell having a Se or S based light absorption layer. In the Se or S based thin film solar cell having a light absorption layer and a front transparent electrode layer, the front transparent electrode layer comprises a lower transparent electrode layer and an upper transparent electrode layer, and the lower transparent electrode layer comprises an oxide-based thin film obtained by blending an impurity element into a mixed oxide in which Zn oxide and Mg oxide are mixed (also, referred to as an ‘impurity-doped Zn—Mg-based oxide thin film’).

Abstract: Disclosed are a solar cell and a method of fabricating the same. The solar cell includes a back electrode layer on a support substrate, a light absorbing layer on the back electrode layer, a buffer layer on the light absorbing layer, and a front electrode layer on the buffer layer.

Abstract: A device and method for producing electricity by harnessing sunlight to produce an amplified voltage signal, the device including: (a) a sealed chamber, defined by a transparent housing; (b) an excitable medium, disposed within the chamber, in which, when the medium is exposed to solar light having wavelengths in a range of 0.

Abstract: A solar cell apparatus according to the embodiment includes a support substrate; a back electrode layer on the support layer; a light absorbing layer on the back electrode layer; a first buffer layer having first conductivity on the light absorbing layer; a second buffer layer having second conductivity on the first buffer layer; and a window layer on the second buffer layer.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a solar cell includes a first center alignment step S10 of setting a substrate center position as a reference position for processing of an impurity implanting step S20 and a second center alignment step S30 of setting a substrate center position as a reference position for processing of an electrode forming step S40.

Abstract: The present invention discloses the use of a metal nanoparticle which comprises at least one semiconductor attached to it, wherein the at least one semiconductor is an atomic quantum cluster (AQC) consisting of between 2 and 55 zero-valent transition metal atoms, as photocatalysts in photocatalytic processes and applications thereof.

Abstract: In particular embodiments, a method is described for forming photovoltaic devices that includes providing a substrate suitable for use in a photovoltaic device, depositing a conductive contact layer over the substrate, depositing a salt solution over the surface of the conductive contact layer, the solution comprising a volatile solvent and an alkali metal salt solute, and depositing a semiconducting absorber layer over the solute residue left by the evaporated solvent.

Abstract: A detachable and/or repositionable photovoltaic module for providing a solar powered electrical energy source. The module is preferably provided with a chemical semi-adhesive coating on its non-active backside which allows it to be attached to a variety of surfaces, such as tablets, cell phones, or automobile roofs in a manner that easily supports removal and re-installation. The module may be plugged into these devices as a power source. The module also is preferably provided with one or more lifting elements such as an extended tab, or extrusion of a portion of the module. The Module and lifting elements combination may also employ other semi-adhesives such as Velcro or magnets.

Abstract: Photovoltaic thin-film materials comprising crystalline tin sulfide alloys of the general formula Sn1-x(R)xS, where R is selected from magnesium, calcium and strontium, as well as methods of producing the same, are disclosed.

Abstract: A back sheet comprises an interconnect circuit coupling a plurality of solar cell tiles. A tiled solar cell, comprising a solar cell and encapsulating and glass layers, is inserted into the solar cell tiles. Each solar cell is individually addressable through the use of the interconnect circuit, The interconnect circuit is programmable and allows for dynamic interconnect routing between solar cells. As such, the dynamic interconnect routing may be configured so as to create strings of solar cells such that solar cells with an output specification are matched to solar cells with similar output specifications.

Abstract: A solar cell includes a semiconductor substrate, a tunneling layer on one surface of the semiconductor substrate, a first conductive type area on the tunneling layer, a second conductive type area on the tunneling layer such that the second conductive type area is separated from the first conductive type area, and a barrier area interposed between the first conductive type area and the second conductive type area such that the barrier area separates the first conductive type area from the second conductive type area.

Abstract: A method of making a coated substrate having a transparent conductive oxide layer with a dopant selectively distributed in the layer includes selectively supplying an oxide precursor material and a dopant precursor material to each coating cell of a multi-cell chemical vapor deposition coater, wherein the amount of dopant material supplied is selected to vary the dopant content versus coating depth in the resultant coating.

Abstract: Described herein are microstructured wavelength conversion films for enhanced solar harvesting efficiency of photovoltaic devices or solar cells. The microstructured wavelength conversion film comprises a luminescent medium that is provided with a microstructured surface, where the luminescent medium and the microstructured surface can be combined into a single layer or made up of two or more separate layers. A photovoltaic module which utilizes the medium to improve the performance of photovoltaic devices or solar cells is also provided, along with a method of improving a solar cell or photovoltaic device by utilizing the microstructured wavelength conversion film.

Abstract: A photovoltaic electrochromic device and a method of manufacturing the same are provided. According to the method, at least one thin-film solar cell is formed on a transparent substrate, wherein the thin-film solar cell at least includes an anode, a photoelectric conversion layer, and a cathode, and a portion of a surface of the anode is exposed from the thin film solar cell. An electrochromic thin film is then deposited on at least one surface of the cathode and the exposed surface of the anode. Thereafter, an electrolyte layer is formed on a surface of the thin-film solar cell to cover the electrochromic thin film. The anode and the cathode of the thin-film solar cell also serve as the anode and the cathode of the photovoltaic electrochromic device.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is provided multiple embodiments of a concentrated photovoltaic (CPV) receiver cell or die. In each embodiment of the present invention, the receiver die includes a multiplicity of through wafer vias or TWV's which are etched therethrough to effectively eliminate the bus bars on the top or front surface of the receiver die, connectors such as bus bars instead being effectively moved to the bottom or back surface of the receiver die. The movement of the connectors to the back surface of the receiver die provides the potential for a greater active surface area on the front surface for solar input.

Abstract: A high voltage output solar cell which is small in size and high in power generation efficiency is provided. The solar cell is provided with a p-type or n-type monocrystalline semiconductor substrate (1) forming a power generation layer, a plurality of hole collecting layers (2), electron collecting layers (3), and grooves (7) provided inside of the semiconductor substrate (1) contiguous to a back surface which faces a light receiving surface of the semiconductor substrate (1), hole collecting layers (2) and electron collecting layers (3) being provided between adjoining grooves (7) and hole collecting layers (2) and electron collecting layers (3) being provided sandwiching grooves (7), and interconnect layers (8) which connect hole collecting layers (2) and electron collecting layers (3) sandwiching grooves (7), the grooves (7) being formed from the back surface side toward the inside of semiconductor substrate (1).

Abstract: Disclosed is a fluorine-containing resin film which is formed from a fluorine-containing resin composition and has a thickness of 10 to 50 wherein the fluorine-containing resin composition is prepared by adding 10 to 30 parts by mass of titanium oxide or a composite-oxide-type inorganic pigment to 100 parts by mass of a resin component comprising 60 to 95 parts by mass of a vinylidene fluoride resin and 5 to 40 parts by mass of a methacrylic acid ester resin, and wherein the peak intensity ratio of a II-type crystal, which is expressed by (A)/((A)+(B))×100 wherein A represents the peak height at 840 cm?1 and B represents the peak height at 765 cm?1 in a measurement chart produced by an infrared absorption spectrum, is 60% or more and the total crystallinity is 30% or more as calculated from an X-ray diffraction profile.

Abstract: Disclosed are a solar cell and preparing method of the same. The solar cell includes a back electrode layer on a support substrate, a molybdenum oxide layer on the back electrode layer, a light absorbing layer on the molybdenum oxide layer, and a front electrode layer on the light absorbing layer.

Abstract: A socket assembly includes a photovoltaic package having a substrate with a photovoltaic cell and contact pads electrically connected to the photovoltaic cell. A dielectric housing removably receives the photovoltaic package. The dielectric housing holds contacts in mating engagement with the contact pads. A metal shell receives the housing and the photovoltaic package, and the metal shell has a window providing access to the photovoltaic cell.

Abstract: A photovoltaic device that exhibits increased open-circuit voltage and an improved fill factor due to an improvement in the contact properties between the n-layer and a back-side transparent electrode layer or intermediate contact layer, and a process for producing the photovoltaic device. The photovoltaic device comprises a photovoltaic layer having a p-layer, an i-layer and an n-layer stacked on top of a substrate, wherein the n-layer comprises a nitrogen-containing n-layer and an interface treatment layer formed on the opposite surface of the nitrogen-containing n-layer to the substrate, the nitrogen-containing n-layer comprises nitrogen atoms at an atomic concentration of not less than 1% and not more than 20%, and has a crystallization ratio of not less than 0 but less than 3, and the interface treatment layer has a crystallization ratio of not less than 1 and not more than 6.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an electroconductive thick film paste composition comprising Ag and a Pb-free bismuth-tellurium-oxide both dispersed in an organic medium. The present invention is further directed to an electrode formed from the paste composition and a semiconductor device and, in particular, a solar cell comprising such an electrode. The present invention is also directed to the bismuth-tellurium oxide that is a component of thick film pastes.

Abstract: A solar cell element is disclosed. The solar cell element comprises a semiconductor substrate, a first electrode, a second electrode, a first wiring member and a second wiring member. The semiconductor substrate with a first surface and a second surface comprises a plurality of through-holes. The first electrode comprises a plurality of conduction portions and at least one first output extracting portion. The second electrode has a resistivity of less than 2.5×10-8 ?m (ohm-meter). The first wiring member comprises a first end face in a long direction thereof. The second wiring member comprises a second end face in a long direction thereof facing the first end face.

Abstract: Provided is the structure of a thin film solar cell. The structure of the thin film solar cell includes a first substrate, a first electrode provided on the first substrate, a p-type semiconductor layer provided on the first electrode, a first buffer layer provided on the p-type semiconductor layer, an optical absorption region provided on the first buffer layer, a second buffer layer provided on the optical absorption region, an n-type semiconductor layer provided on the second buffer layer, a second electrode provided on the n-type semiconductor layer, and a second substrate on the second electrode. The optical absorption region includes a silicon layer, a first layer on the silicon layer, and a second layer having a different energy band gap from the first layer, on the first layer.

Abstract: A method for producing an MWT-PERC solar cell is provided, in which openings in the substrate of the solar cell have contact passages and emitter regions that are present on the back side of the solar cell are completely removed outside the contact passages and a dielectric layer is applied on the back side, whereby a paste, which does not act in an electrically contacting manner opposite the substrate, is used for the contact passages.

Abstract: Discussed is a solar cell including a semiconductor substrate, a first tunneling layer entirely formed over a surface of the semiconductor substrate, a first conductive type area disposed on the surface of the semiconductor substrate, and an electrode including a first electrode connected to the first conductive type area.

Abstract: In order to provide an electro-conductive paste bringing no increase of the contact resistance for forming an electrode of a solar cell device, the electro-conductive paste is characterized by containing an electro-conductive particle, an organic binder, a solvent, a glass frit, and an organic compound including alkaline earth metal, a metal with a low melting point or a compound affiliated with a metal with a low melting point.

Abstract: A solar cell and method of fabrication are disclosed. In one embodiment of the present invention, the method comprises depositing a first doped amorphous silicon layer on a first surface of a silicon substrate, depositing a second doped amorphous silicon layer on the first surface of the silicon substrate. The second doped amorphous silicon layer is doped oppositely from the first doped amorphous silicon layer. An anneal is performed to transform the first doped amorphous silicon layer and second doped amorphous silicon layer to crystalline silicon layers.

Abstract: The present disclosure presents a partially-transparent (see-through) three-dimensional thin film solar cell (3-D TFSC) substrate. The substrate includes a plurality of unit cells. Each unit cell structure has the shape of a truncated pyramid, and its parameters may be varied to allow a desired portion of sunlight to pass through.

Abstract: A sunlight receiving device includes a substrate, and a plurality of resonators arranged on a surface of the substrate at certain intervals so as to form one of a plurality of loops, the plurality of loops partially bordering with each other, each one of the plurality of resonators having a length that resonates with sunlight of a certain wavelength, wherein energy of the sunlight is obtained via a resonator that belongs to one or more of the plurality of loops, the resonator being one of the plurality of resonators.

Abstract: Among other things, two networks, one on top of the other, are formed on a substrate based on coating materials containing emulsions or foams. The two networks can be formed of the same material, e.g., a conductive material such as silver, or can be formed of different materials. The coating materials forming the different networks can have different concentration of network materials.

Abstract: A solar cell supporting layer stack for mechanically supporting a solar cell is described. The solar cell includes: a rigid foam layer; one or more skin layers disposed adjacent to said rigid foam layer; and wherein said rigid foam layer and said one or more skin layers capable of providing mechanical support to said solar cell when said supporting layer stack is disposed adjacent to said solar cell.

Abstract: The present invention relates to modified surfaces. The surfaces comprise an inorganic material on which a phosphinic acid derivative is adsorbed. The phosphinic acid thus turns out to be a new anchoring group useful for surface derivatization. The invention has many applications for photoelectric conversion devices, batteries, capacitors, electrochromic displays, chemical sensors, biological sensors, light emitting diodes, electrodes, semiconductors, separation membranes, selective adsorbents, adsorbents for HPLC, catalysts, implants, nanoparticles, antiadhesives, and anticorrosion coatings, for example.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of making solar collector assemblies for photovoltaic conversion. The method comprises providing a mold for receiving encapsulant, the mold having serially arranged, alternating peaks and valleys. A respective PV solar cell is placed into each of a series of the valleys such that the light-receiving surfaces of the PV solar cells face upwards. Uncured encapsulant is delivered into the mold and onto the light-receiving surfaces, and from the light-receiving surfaces to a level at least as high as the peaks so as to form, above the light-receiving surfaces, optical concentrators for concentrating light received by the optical concentrators and directing the light to the light-receiving surfaces. The encapsulant is then cured.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a method of forming a doped gallium arsenide based (GaAs) layer from a solution based precursor. The doped gallium arsenide based (GaAs) layer formed from the solution based precursor may assist solar cell devices to improve light absorption and conversion efficiency. In one embodiment, a method of forming a solar cell device includes forming a first layer with a first type of dopants doped therein over a surface of a substrate, forming a GaAs based layer on the first layer, and forming a second layer with a second type of dopants doped therein on the GaAs based layer.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an electroconductive thick film paste composition comprising electrically conductive Ag, a second electrically conductive metal selected from the group consisting of Ni, Al and mixtures thereof and a Pb-free bismuth-tellurium-oxide all dispersed in an organic medium. The present invention is further directed to an electrode formed from the thick film paste composition and a semiconductor device and, in particular, a solar cell comprising such an electrode.