Abstract: A composite particle including a core member including a rare earth ion which shows an upconversion effect and a retaining material which retains the rare earth ion, and a semiconductor member covering a part or all of the surface of the core member, wherein the retaining material includes a semiconductor material having a band gap greater than energy difference necessary for a second step excitation in the rare earth ion to occur, or an insulating material, and the semiconductor member includes a semiconductor material having a band gap smaller than the energy difference between a first excited state and a ground state of the rare earth ion.

Abstract: A PV panel uses an array of small silicon sphere diodes (10-300 microns in diameter) connected in parallel. The spheres are embedded in an uncured aluminum-containing layer, and the aluminum-containing layer is heated to anneal the aluminum-containing layer as well as p-dope the bottom surface of the spheres. A phosphorus-containing layer is deposited over the spheres to dope the top surface n-type, forming a pn junction. The phosphorus layer is then removed. A conductor is deposited to contact the top surface. Alternatively, the spheres are deposited with a p-type core and an n-type outer shell. After deposition, the top surface is etched to expose the core. A first conductor layer contacts the bottom surface, and a second conductor layer contacts the exposed core. A liquid lens material is deposited over the rounded top surface of the spheres and cured to provide conformal lenses designed to increase the PV panel efficiency.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a solar cell is discussed. The method may include injecting first impurity ions at a first surface of a substrate by using a first ion implantation method to form a first impurity region, the substrate having a first conductivity type and the first impurity ions having a second conductivity type, and the first impurity region having the second conductivity type; heating the substrate with the first impurity region to activate the first impurity region to form an emitter region from the first impurity region; etching the emitter region from a surface of the emitter region to a predetermined depth to form an emitter part from the emitter region; and forming a first electrode on the emitter part to connect to the emitter part and a second electrode on a second surface of the substrate to connect to the second surface of the substrate.

Abstract: Provided are solar cell and a solar cell module including the same. The solar cell includes a first light conversion layer, a lower electrode layer disposed on the first light conversion layer, a light absorption layer disposed on the lower electrode layer to absorb solar light, and an upper electrode layer disposed on the light absorption layer. Here, the first light conversion layer includes a lower refraction layer through which the solar light is transmitted and first light conversion particles absorbing refracted light, in which the solar light is refracted by the lower refraction layer, to generate first emission light.

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

Abstract: In accordance with certain embodiments, semiconductor dies are at least partially coated with a polymer and a conductive adhesive prior being bonded to a substrate having electrical traces thereon.

Abstract: A interconnected arrangement of photovoltaic cells is readily and efficiently achieved by using a unique interconnecting strap. The strap comprises electrically conductive fingers which contact the top light incident surface of a first cell and extend to an interconnect region of the strap. The interconnect region may include through holes which allow electrical communication between top and bottom surfaces of the interconnect region. In one embodiment, the electrically conductive surface of the fingers is in electrical communication with an electrically conductive surface formed on the opposite side of the strap through the through holes of the interconnect region. The interconnection strap may comprise a laminating film to facilitate manufacture and assembly of the interconnected arrangement.

Abstract: Provided are a solar cell and a solar cell module including the same. The solar cell includes a bottom electrode layer, a light absorption layer disposed on the bottom electrode to absorb solar light of a visible light region, top electrode layer disposed on the light absorption layer, and a light conversion layer disposed on the top electrode layer.

Abstract: A device for adaptable wavelength conversion and a device for energy conversion are described. The device for adaptable wavelength conversion comprises at least one layer comprising a wavelength converting material and arranged to receive and re-emit a light beam. The device is further arranged to manipulate the at least one layer to operate in a closed state, in which a surface of the at least one layer is substantially covered with the wavelength converting material and to operate in an open state, in which the surface of the at least one layer is substantially uncovered with the wavelength converting material. The device for adaptable wavelength conversion can be applied in combination with a solar cell or photovoltaic cell thereby enabling the solar cell to receive radiation having a suitable spectrum under varying lighting conditions.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an energy conversion device comprises a nuclear battery, a light source coupled to the nuclear battery and operable to receive electric energy from the nuclear battery and radiate electromagnetic energy, and a photocell operable to receive the radiated electromagnetic energy and convert the received electromagnetic energy into electric energy. The nuclear battery comprises a radioactive substance and a collector operable to receive particles emitted by the radioactive substance.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a solar module structure comprising in sequence a back sheet that can reflect light, a first polymeric layer blended with phosphors, a double-sided photovoltaic cell layer, a second polymeric layer and a cover plate that is made of tempered glass. The solar module of the present invention can significantly increase the photoelectrical conversion efficiency.

Abstract: Provided is a novel CaS-based phosphor with which chemical reactions can be inhibited even if said CaS-based phosphor is heated with a heterogeneous material. This phosphor includes: a crystalline parent material represented by the composition formula Ca1-xSrxS.yZnO (in the formula, 0?x<1, 0<y?0.5); and a luminescent center.

Abstract: A metallic-dielectric photonic crystal is formed with a periodic structure defining a plurality of resonant cavities to selectively absorb incident radiation. A metal layer is deposited on the inner surfaces of the resonant cavities and a dielectric material fills inside the resonant cavities. This photonic crystal can be used to selectively absorb broadband solar radiation and then reemit absorbed radiation in a wavelength band that matches the absorption band of a photovoltaic cell. The photonic crystal can be fabricated by patterning a sacrificial layer with a plurality of holes, into which is deposited a supporting material. Removing the rest of the sacrificial layer creates a supporting structure, on which a layer of metal is deposited to define resonant cavities. A dielectric material then fills the cavities to form the photonic crystal.

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

Abstract: Inorganic phosphor-containing polymer particles that include an inorganic phosphor and a transparent material. The transparent material is preferably a vinyl resin that is a polymer of a vinyl compound. It is preferable that the vinyl compound includes 10% by mass or more of a vinyl compound having a viscosity (at 25° C.) of from 5 mPa·s to 30 mPa·s, or includes at least one of a compound having a structure represented by the following Formula (I-1) or the following Formula (I-2). In Formulae (I-1) and (1-2), each of R1 and R2 independently represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group. R1 and R2 may be linked to each other to form a ring. The inorganic phosphor is preferably surface-modified with a surface treatment agent, more preferably surface-modified with a coupling agent, still more preferably surface-modified with a silicone oligomer having a reactive substituent.

Abstract: Described herein are wavelength converting devices comprising a glass plate and a wavelength conversion layer over a glass plate that can be applied to solar cells, solar panels, or photovoltaic devices to enhance solar harvesting efficiency of those devices. The wavelength conversion layer of the wavelength converting device comprises a polymer matrix and one, or multiple, luminescent dyes that convert photons of a particular wavelength to a more desirable wavelength.

Abstract: A spectrum manipulation device and method for increasing an energy conversion efficiency of a photovoltaic cell arrangement, the device including: (a) a black body adapted to absorb an input electromagnetic energy having an input energy flux spectrum, and to emit a first output electromagnetic energy having a different, output energy flux spectrum; (b) a transparent cover, adapted to thermally insulate the black body from an ambient environment, and to receive light and direct the light towards the black body; (c) an optical device, facing the black body, and adapted to: (i) receive the first output energy and emit a second output electromagnetic energy having a narrow, modified energy flux spectrum, with respect to the output energy flux spectrum, and (ii) recycle some of the first output electromagnetic energy to the black body; (d) a photovoltaic cell having a photon absorption surface, disposed to be in optical communication with the optical device, and (e) a housing containing the black body and the opti

Abstract: A solar cell module capable of suppressing a decrease of a light gathering function with use and offering an excellent light gathering function over a long period of time, and a photovoltaic power generation device using the solar cell module are provided. A solar cell module 1 includes a light gathering member 2 formed of a fluorescent material 7 provided in a transparent base material 6, the light gathering member 2 absorbing external light by the fluorescent material 7 and causing emitted light to propagate to be emitted from an end face 2c, and a solar cell element 3 installed on the end face 2c of the light gathering member 2, the solar cell element 3 receiving the light and generating electric power.

Abstract: A waveguide is provided on which an electromagnetic wave impinges, the electromagnetic wave having a wavelength ? included in a given interval ?? of interest centered on a ?centr. The waveguide comprises a film defining a surface on a plane on which the electromagnetic waves are apt to impinge, having a thickness in a direction substantially perpendicular to the surface, the film being realized in a material having a first refractive index; a plurality of scatterers being randomly distributed in two directions in at least a portion of the surface of the film, the scatterers having a substantially constant cross section along said substantially perpendicular direction. The scatterers are realized in a material having a second refractive index lower than the first refractive index, wherein the wavelength of the incident electromagnetic waves is comprised between 0.

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

Abstract: A solar cell module includes a front plate, at least one solar cell chip, and at least one anti-ultraviolet light element. The front plate has at least one anti-ultraviolet light segment and at least one light receiving segment. The solar cell chip is disposed at one side of the front plate, and a vertical projection of the light receiving segment of the front plate overlaps at least one portion of the solar cell chip. The anti-ultraviolet light element is disposed at the other side of the front plate opposite to the solar cell chip, and covers the anti-ultraviolet light segment of the front plate but exposes the light receiving segment of the front plate. The anti-ultraviolet light element allows visible light to pass therethrough, but blocks the ultraviolet light.

Abstract: An optical device (1) is provided. The optical device comprising a switchable layer (2) at least one alignment layer (6) a light guiding system (5), whereas the switchable layer (2) comprises a luminescent material (3) for absorbing and emitting light, whereby the alignment of the luminescent material (3) is changeable and the light guiding system (5) guides the emitted light, whereby the switchable layer (2) is in contact with the at least one alignment layer (6) and the luminescent material (3) exhibits anisotropic properties, whereby the optical device (1) comprises a light energy-converting means (7), wherein the light guiding system (5) is in physical contact with the energy converting means (7).

Abstract: A photovoltaic apparatus includes an absorber including a first quantum dot layer having a first plurality of quantum dots of a first quantum dot material in a first matrix material, and an up-converter layer positioned adjacent to the absorber layer, the up-converter layer including a second quantum dot layer having a second plurality of quantum dots of a second quantum dot material and a second matrix material.

Abstract: The present invention is premised upon a photovoltaic device suitable for directly mounting on a structure. The device includes an active portion including a photovoltaic cell assembly having a top surface portion that allows transmission of light energy to a photoactive portion of the photovoltaic device for conversion into electrical energy and a bottom surface having a bottom bonding zone; and an inactive portion immediately adjacent to and connected to the active portion, the inactive portion having a region for receiving a fastener to connect the device to the structure and having on a top surface, a top bonding zone; wherein one of the top and bottom bonding zones comprises a first bonding element and the other comprises a second bonding element, the second bonding element designed to interact with the first bonding element on a vertically overlapped adjacent photovoltaic device to bond the device to such adjacent device or to the structure.

Abstract: A solar conversion assembly comprises: a) a type III-V multiple cell stack solar cell device b) a silicon solar cell device c) a band splitting device located relative to the type III-V solar cell device and the silicon solar cell device. The band splitting device splits light falling on the splitting device into a plurality of wavelength bands and directs a first of said bands to the type III-V solar cell device and the second of said bands to the silicon solar cell device.

Abstract: A colored solar cell device includes: a solar cell module; a transparent adhesive layer; and a color filter attached to the solar cell module through the transparent adhesive layer and including a transparent filter substrate and a wavelength-selective reflecting film that is formed on the transparent filter substrate, that contacts the transparent adhesive layer and that includes at least one first dielectric layer made from a material selected from the group consisting of TiO2, Nb2O3, ZnS, and ZrO2. The first dielectric layer has a thickness ranging from 1 nm to 300 nm. The transparent filter substrate has a refractive index n0. The first dielectric layer has a refractive index n1 greater than n0.

Abstract: A structural element is described to control the color of light transmitted and reflected from an intrinsically semitransparent photovoltaic cell and/or module for use with a PV window and methods for fabricating the same. Color control elements are described that will 1) control or shift the color spectrum of light transmitted through the PV window, 2) control or shift the color spectrum of light reflected from the outside of the window, and 3) control or shift the color spectrum of light reflected from the inside of the PV window.

Abstract: A photoluminescence wavelength tunable material may include a composite including a graphene oxide layer and metal nanoparticles attached on the graphene oxide layer. By attaching the metal nanoparticles to the graphene oxide, the photoluminescence wavelength (i.e., the color of emitted light) of the graphene oxide may be tuned while maintaining the structure and physical properties of graphene oxide. The photoluminescence wavelength tunable material may be applied to an energy harvesting device such as a solar cell which exhibits high efficiency with less loss of light.

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

Abstract: 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 surface plasmon polariton photovoltaic absorber. A plasmonic photovoltaic device is provided that has a periodic subwavelength aperture array, for example a thin metal film coated with an array of semiconductor quantum dots. The plasmonic photovoltaic device generates an electrical potential when illuminated by electromagnetic radiation. In some embodiments, the absorber can contain both quantum dots of semiconductors and metal nanoparticles.

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

Abstract: The present invention provides a wavelength conversion-type photovoltaic cell sealing material, the sealing material including at least one light emitting layer containing a group of spherical phosphors, the group of spherical phosphors having a ratio of a median value D50 of the group of spherical phosphors to a total thickness t of the light emitting layer of from 0.1 to 1.0, where the median value D50 is a median value of a volume particle size distribution of the group of spherical phosphors, and an integrated value N of a number particle size distribution from D25 to D75 of the group of spherical phosphors being 5% or more, when D25 is a particle size value at 25% of an integrated value of the volume particle size distribution of the group of spherical phosphors and D75 is a particle size value at 75% of the integrated value of the volume particle size distribution of the group of spherical phosphors; and a photovoltaic cell module including the sealing material.

Abstract: Photovoltaic devices are driven by intense photoemission of “hot” electrons from a suitable nanostructured metal. The metal should be an electron source with surface plasmon resonance within the visible and near-visible spectrum range (near IR to near UV (about 300 to 1000 nm)). Suitable metals include silver, gold, copper and alloys of silver, gold and copper with each other. Silver is particularly preferred for its advantageous opto-electronic properties in the near UV and visible spectrum range, relatively low cost, and simplicity of processing.

Abstract: A photovoltaic module includes an encapsulated photovoltaic element and an infrared-transmissive decorative overlay simulating conventional roofing.

Abstract: A solar cell module according to the embodiment includes a back electrode layer formed on a top surface of a support substrate and including a first groove; a light absorbing layer formed on the back electrode layer and including a third groove; a front electrode layer formed on the light absorbing layer and including the third groove; and a wavelength conversion material formed in at least one of the first and third grooves.

Abstract: Apparatus and method, as may be used to acquire different components of solar irradiance in a solar-based power generation system or as may be used in a sky imager, are provided. A filter matrix (12) may be arranged to receive incident solar irradiance. The filter matrix may include an array of pixels (20) controllable to selectively acquire different components of the solar irradiance. A module, such as a photosensor (22) or calculator module (29) may be configured to determine a spatial location of at least one of the irradiance components relative to the array of pixels of the filter matrix. A controller (26) may be electrically coupled to the module to supply a control signal to the filter matrix based on the determined location of the irradiance component to pass a selected one of the irradiance components.

Abstract: An encapsulant material with enhanced light reflectivity, a crystalline silicon photovoltaic module and a thin film photovoltaic module are provided. The encapsulant material has a porous structure therein, and an average pore diameter of the porous structure is between several hundreds of nanometers and several hundreds of micrometers, so that the light reflectance of the encapsulant material is improved. Moreover, the encapsulant material is crosslinked by a physical or chemical crosslinking method, so heat resistance thereof is improved. Therefore, the encapsulant material is suitable for the crystalline silicon photovoltaic module and the thin film photovoltaic module, so as to increase power conversion efficiency of these modules.

Abstract: An absorption layer is provided on surface side of a solar cell, and is configured to absorb light in a wavelength range of 400 nm or more and below 700 nm and to transmit light in a wavelength range of 700 nm or more and 1200 nm or less. A first reflection layer is provided at one side of the absorption layer, which is an opposite side to the solar cell, and is configured to reflect the light in the wavelength range of 700 nm or more and 1200 nm or less. A filler layer is provided between the absorption layer and the reflection layer, and is configured to transmit light in the wavelength range of 400 nm or more and below 700 nm and to transmit light in a wavelength range of 700 nm or more and below 1200 nm.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fluorescent dye-silane hybrid resin manufactured by polycondensing an alkoxysilane bonded with a fluorescent dye with an organo-silane. More particularly, the present invention provides a fluorescent dye-siloxane hybrid resin that is manufactured by reacting a fluorescent dye having one or more functional groups with an alkoxysilane having an organic functional group to form an alkoxysilane bonded with the fluorescent dye and then polycondensing the alkoxysilane bonded with a fluorescent dye with an organo-silanediol and an organo-alkoxysilane having a thermocurable or ultraviolet-curable functional group without water. The fluorescent dye-silane hybrid resin has excellent thermostability, photostability, fluorescence characteristics, and processibility.

Abstract: A photoelectric conversion element according to an embodiments includes: a first metal layer; a semiconductor layer formed on the first metal layer; a second metal layer formed on the semiconductor layer, the second metal layer comprising a porous thin film with a plurality of openings each having a mean area not smaller than 80 nm2 and not larger than 0.8 ?m2 or miniature structures having a mean volume not smaller than 4 nm3 and not larger than 0.52 ?m3; and a wavelength converting layer formed between the semiconductor layer and the second metal layer, at least a refractive index of a portion of the wavelength converting layer being lower than a refractive index of a material of the semiconductor layer, the portion being at a distance of 5 nm or shorter from an end portion of the second metal layer.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a spectrally selective panel that comprises a first panel portion that is at least partially transmissive for light having a wavelength in the visible wavelength range. The panel also comprises a first reflective component that is arranged to reflect incident light within an infrared (IR) wavelength band and within an ultraviolet (UV) wavelength band while being at least partially transmissive for light having a wavelength within the visible wavelength band.

Abstract: A bag includes a frame having a base, a pair of side walls, and a pair of end walls. The base, side walls, and end walls are engaged to one another to define an interior portion accessible via an open end of the frame. An inner lining is removably positionable within the frame and an outer jacket is removably positionable about the frame. The outer jacket is configured to engage the inner lining adjacent the open end of the frame to secure the outer jacket and the inner lining about the frame. A solar charging unit is mountable on the frame. The solar charging unit includes one or more solar cell arrays and one or more energy storage devices. The solar charging unit is configured to provide charging power to one or more portable electronic devices coupled thereto.

Abstract: A multilayer anti-reflection structure for a backside contact solar cell. The anti-reflection structure may be formed on a front side of the backside contact solar cell. The anti-reflection structure may include a passivation level, a high optical absorption layer over the passivation level, and a low optical absorption layer over the high optical absorption layer. The passivation level may include silicon dioxide thermally grown on a textured surface of the solar cell substrate, which may be an N-type silicon substrate. The high optical absorption layer may be configured to block at least 10% of UV radiation coming into the substrate. The high optical absorption layer may comprise high-k silicon nitride and the low optical absorption layer may comprise low-k silicon nitride.

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: An organic device, including an organic compound having charge-transporting ability (i.e., transporting holes and/or electrons) and/or including organic light emissive molecules capable of emitting at least one of fluorescent light or phosphorescent light, has a charge transfer complex-contained layer including a charge transfer complex formed upon contact of an organic hole-transporting compound and molybdenum trioxide via a manner of lamination or mixing thereof, so that the organic hole-transporting compound is in a state of radical cation (i.e., positively charged species) in the charge transfer complex-contained layer.

Abstract: A photoelectric conversion device includes a plurality of photoelectric conversion regions disposed over a substrate, and a colored region disposed among the photoelectric conversion regions over the substrate, the colored region forming an image over the substrate.

Abstract: A solar cell including: a silicon (Si) substrate; a buffer layer disposed on a side of the silicon substrate; a germanium (Ge) junction disposed on a side of the buffer layer opposite the silicon substrate; a first electrode electrically connected to the germanium junction; and a second electrode electrically connected to the germanium junction, wherein the buffer layer has a lattice constant that increases in a direction from the silicon substrate to the germanium junction.

Abstract: A solar cell and a method of manufacturing the same are disclosed. The solar cell includes a substrate of a first conductive type; an emitter layer of a second conductive type opposite the first conductive type; at least one first electrode on the emitter layer and electrically connected to the emitter layer; a passivation layer on the substrate, the passivation layer including a plurality of exposing portions to expose respective portions of the substrate; and an electrode conductive layer on the passivation layer, the electrode conductive layer including a plurality of second electrodes electrically connected to the respective plurality of exposing portions, wherein in each of the plurality of exposing portions, an area of an exposed surface of the substrate is greater than an area of a virtual interface that is coplanar with an interface between the substrate and the passivation layer and which is located over the exposed surface.

Abstract: Example embodiments relate to a solar cell configured to scatter incident light to be penetrated so as to increase a light progress path and includes a polymer-dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) layer on at least one of a first and a second electrodes.