Abstract: Embodiment methods and structures include a resonant plasmonic nanostructure located within a thin-film solar cell. This plasmonic nanostructure may trap light and thereby improve the efficiency and light absorption of the cell without increasing physical thickness. In various embodiments, the plasmonic nanostructure may be located within a p-type semiconductor layer of the solar cell. In further embodiments, the index of refraction may vary within the p-type semiconductor layer.

Abstract: A solar cell module (10) includes: a low refractive index material layer (1) provided on an object (4); a high refractive index material layer (2), provided on the low refractive index material layer (1), which has a higher refractive index than the low refractive index material layer (1); and a solar cell element (3) provided on that surface of the high refractive index material layer (2) which intersects that surface (counter surface facing the low refractive index material layer (1)) of the high refractive index material layer (2) which is in contact with the low refractive index material layer (1). Further, the high refractive index material layer (2) contains a fluorescent material dispersed therein.

Abstract: A photovoltaic module is provided. The photovoltaic module has excellent electricity generation efficiency and durability.

Abstract: A solar energy conversion assembly for efficiently capturing solar energy by providing additional chances to absorb reflected sunlight. The assembly includes one or more solar cells that each include a light-receiving surface. A fraction of light incident upon the light-receiving surface is reflected. The assembly includes a photovoltaic (PV) enhancement film of transparent material such as plastic positioned to cover at least a portion of the light-receiving surface. The PV enhancement film includes a substrate positioned proximate to or abutting the light-receiving surface. The film includes a plurality of total internal reflection (TIR) elements on the substrate opposite the light-receiving surface.

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

Abstract: The present invention relates to a photovoltaic device comprising silicon microparticles and to a method of producing the same.

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

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

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to focusing luminescent concentrators wherein directional emission, obtained by placing an absorber/emitter within a microcavity or photonic crystal, may be oriented by a macroscopic concentrator and focused to a point or line for 3D or 2D concentration, respectively. The focusing luminescent concentrators disclosed herein may provide high concentration ratios without the need for tracking, and may reduce re-absorption losses associated with conventional concentrators. The present disclosure further relates to photovoltaic cells and/or optical detector devices comprising a focusing luminescent concentrator. The devices and methods presently disclosed are also useful, for example, in solar, thermal and thermophotovolatic applications.

Abstract: A solar energy device includes a first prism with a dichroic surface and a reflective surface opposite the dichroic surface. A first solar cell is positioned to receive light rays passing through the dichroic surface. A second solar cell positioned to receive light rays from the reflective surface.

Abstract: A photovoltaic element for conversion of electromagnetic radiation to electrical energy, having at least one first electrode, at least one n-semiconductive metal oxide, at least one dye for absorption of electromagnetic radiation, at least one organic hole conductor material, and at least one second electrode. The organic hole conductor material has an absorption spectrum which has a maximum in the ultraviolet or blue spectral region and, toward higher wavelengths, an absorption edge declining with wavelength and having a characteristic wavelength ?HTL. A decadic absorbance of the hole conductor material at a wavelength ?HTL within the declining absorption edge is 0.3. The photovoltaic element includes a longpass filter, which has a transmission edge rising with wavelength and having a characteristic wavelength ?LP. A transmission of the longpass filter at ?LP is 50% of a maximum transmission of the longpass filter, where ?HTL?30 nm??LP??HTL+30 nm.

Abstract: Disclosed are fluorescent dye compounds of Formula (I): wherein R1, R2, and G are as described herein. The fluorescent dyes are suitable for use in luminescent solar collectors or as a colorant. Methods of making the fluorescent dyes and luminescent solar collectors comprising them are also described.

Abstract: Disclosed are fluorescent dye compounds of Formula (I) or (II): where R, R?, m and k are as described herein. The dye compounds are suitable for use in luminescent solar collectors. Methods of making the dye compounds and luminescent solar collectors comprising them are also described.

Abstract: A high efficiency solar battery using a fluorescent substance to efficiently use incident light and thereby improve conversion efficiency. The solar battery of the present invention comprises: a front part including a front electrode and configured to receive light; a generating part disposed behind the front part to generate electricity from specific wavelengths of light incident through the front part; and a rear part disposed behind the generating part and comprising a rear electrode, wherein a first fluorescent substance is dispersed in the front part so as to absorb light having wavelengths different from the specific wavelengths, convert the absorbed light into light having the specific wavelengths, and output the converted light.

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.

Abstract: A light trapping optical cover employing an optically transparent layer with a plurality of light deflecting elements. The transparent layer is configured for an unimpeded light passage through its body and has a broad light input surface and an opposing broad light output surface. The light deflecting elements deflect light incident into the transparent layer at a sufficiently high bend angle with respect to a surface normal and direct the deflected light toward a light harvesting device adjacent to the light output surface. The deflected light is retained by means of at least TIR in the system formed by the optical cover and the light harvesting device which allows for longer light propagation paths through the photoabsorptive layer of the device and for an improved light absorption. The optical cover may further employ a focusing array of light collectors being pairwise associated with the respective light deflecting elements.

Abstract: A solar cell module includes: a solar cell; a protection plate having transparency and disposed on a light receiving side of the solar cell; and a wavelength conversion layer converting a wavelength of light and disposed between the solar cell and the protection plate. The wavelength conversion layer includes a particle, which is dispersed in the wavelength conversion layer. The particle absorbs light having a predetermined wavelength. The particle includes an element as a light emission center for emitting light having a wavelength larger than absorbed light.

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

Abstract: The invention relates to a solar photovoltaic energy conversion apparatus. The apparatus consists of a substrate, a buffer layer formed on the substrate layer, a first transparent conductive oxide layer formed on the buffer layer, periodic protrusions containing first silicon layers formed on the first transparent conductive oxide layer, second silicon layers formed on the first silicon layers, a second transparent conductive oxide layer covering the first silicon layers, the second silicon layers and the first transparent conductive oxide layer, and an anti-reflective protective layer. The first silicon layer and the second silicon layer are the electrodes with the opposite type of charge carriers. The first transparent conductive layer and the second transparent conductive layer are the electrodes with the opposite type of charge carriers. This TCO-based hybrid solar photovoltaic energy conversion device not only can allow the transmission of visible sunlight but also can enhance the photovoltaic energy.

Abstract: An air drying system for use in a concentrated solar power generation system using a fluid heat transfer medium includes a first vent pipe and a first desiccant pack. The first vent pipe extends from the concentrated solar power generation system and includes a first inlet open to ambient air, and a first outlet open to an interior of the solar power generation system in fluid communication with the fluid heat transfer medium. The first desiccant pack is positioned within the first vent pipe between the first inlet and first outlet and is positioned to reduce moisture content of ambient air flowing into the first vent pipe.

Abstract: Provided is an organic photovoltaic cell having excellent photovoltaic conversion efficiency. An organic photovoltaic cell 100 comprises a first electrode 6, an active layer 4 capable of generating charges by incident light, a second electrode 2, and a wavelength conversion layer 9 capable of wavelength conversion of incident ultraviolet light into light having longer wavelength than that of the ultraviolet light and outputting the resulting light, in this order.

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

Abstract: Provided is an organic photovoltaic cell having a long lifetime. An organic photovoltaic cell 100 comprises a first electrode 2, a second electrode 4, an active layer 3 provided between the first electrode 2 and the second electrode 4 and capable of generating a charge by incident light, and a barrier layer that is configured to be a surface of the organic photovoltaic cell, and that includes an inorganic sealing layer 7 comprising an inorganic material, a resin layer 8 formed from a resin, and an ultraviolet absorbing layer 9 in this order from the active layer 3.

Abstract: A dye-sensitized solar cell including: a first substrate and a second substrate positioned to face each other; a first electrode layer on the first substrate and comprising a light absorption layer; a second electrode layer on the second substrate to face the first electrode layer and comprising a catalyst layer; an electrolyte between the first substrate and the second substrate; a first reflection layer on one surface of the second substrate; and a phosphor layer on one surface of the second electrode layer, the first reflection layer, or the second substrate, wherein the first reflection layer has a photonic crystal structure in which a plurality of dielectric substances having different refractive indexes are alternately arranged.

Abstract: Provided is an organic photovoltaic cell having a long lifetime. An organic photovoltaic cell 100 comprises a first electrode 2, an active layer 3 capable of generating a charge by incident light, a second electrode 4, and a barrier layer 6 in this order. The barrier layer 6 comprises an inorganic layer 7 comprising an inorganic material and an organic layer 8 comprising an organic material. One or both of the inorganic layer 7 and the organic layer 8 have a function of blocking ultraviolet light.

Abstract: A photovoltaic device having at least one active layer and a cover plate that contains on one side an array of optical structures and that is in optical contact with the light receiving surface of the active layer(s) in order to reduce the reflection losses of the surface. The plate or sheet may also be used in combination with luminescent molecules, which are inside or in contact with the plate, to improve the spectral response of the photovoltaic device. The optical relief structures having a base and a single flat apex that are connected by at least three n-polygonal surfaces where n is equal to 5 or higher.

Abstract: A phosphor-contained solar cell comprises a photoelectric conversion layer for conversing the photo energy to electrical energy; a phosphor layer, disposed on at least one side of the photoelectric conversion layer, for improving the photoelectric conversion efficiency; the phosphor is up conversion phosphor or down conversion phosphor; wherein the up conversion phosphor is selected from X2Mo2O9:X or X2Mo2O9:X,X; the down-conversion phosphor is selected from JQX(PO4)2:X3+ or JQX(PO4)2:X2+,X2+; wherein X represents anyone of rare earth metal, J represents lithium, sodium or potassium, Q represents anyone of alkaline earth metal.

Abstract: A front sheet of solar cell, a method of manufacturing the same and a photovoltaic module are provided. The front sheet of solar cell can effectively block infrared rays (IRs) by forming an IR blocking layer including a cholesteric liquid crystal (CLC) material on a substrate. Thus, an increase in temperature of a cell can be suppressed so that the power generation efficiency of the cell can be improved. Also, the multi-layered sheet can be configured so that a UV blocking layer including a fluorine-based polymer and a wavelength conversion material can be formed on the IR blocking layer. Thus, wavelengths of a UV region can be converted into wavelengths of a VR region so that the power generation efficiency of the cell can be improved, and discoloration and deformation caused by UVs can be prevented so that the weather resistance can be improved.

Abstract: A solar cell device includes a solar cell. The solar cell includes a first light-capturing element configured to receive photonic energy. The solar cell device also includes a device interface for communicatively coupling an electrically chargeable device with the solar cell to receive electrical energy converted by the solar cell from the photonic energy. The solar cell device also includes a second light-capturing element for receiving and providing photonic energy as a supplemental source of energy to the solar cell.

Abstract: A selective light absorbing semiconductor surface is disclosed. Said semiconductor surface is characterized by the presence of indentations or protrusions comprising a grating of dimensions such as to enhance the absorption of selected frequencies of radiation. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, said grating is formed on the surface of a doped semiconductor for the purposes of optical frequency down conversion. The semiconductor is doped so as to create energy levels within the forbidden zone between the conduction and valence bands. Incident radiation excites electrons from the valence to conduction band from where they decay to the meta-stable newly created energy level in the forbidden zone. From there, electrons return to the valence band, accompanied by the emission of radiation of lower frequency than that of the incident radiation. Optical frequency down-conversion is thus efficiently and rapidly accomplished.

Abstract: A conversion solar cell structure responds to a greater portion of the solar spectrum. The solar-cell structure has a solar cell and a conversion material disposed over the solar cell.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fluorescent material for converting wavelengths used in a light transmitting layer of a solar cell module, by mixing a fluorescent substance and a vinyl compound. Also, disclosed is a resin composition for converting wavelengths by polymerizing the vinyl compound of the fluorescent material for converting wavelengths and then mixing it with a transparent dispersion medium resin. Therefore, there can be provided a fluorescent material for converting wavelengths capable of converting a light that contributes less to solar energy generation in the incident solar radiation, to a wavelength that contributes significantly to energy generation, as well as utilizing the solar radiation efficiently and stably without deteriorating, a resin composition for converting wavelengths and methods for producing thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides a dye loaded zeolite material comprising: a) at least one zeolite crystal having straight through uniform channels each having a channel axis parallel to, and a channel width transverse to, a c-axis of crystal unit cells; b) closure molecules having an elongated shape and consisting of a head moiety and a tail moiety, the tail moiety having a longitudinal extension of more than a dimension of the crystal unit cells along the c-axis and the head moiety having a lateral extension that is larger than said channel width and will prevent said head moiety from penetrating into a channel; c) a channel being terminated, in generally plug-like manner, at least at one end thereof located at a surface of the zeolite crystal by a closure molecule hose tail moiety penetrates into said channel and whose head moiety substantially occludes said channel end while projecting over said surface; and d) an essentially linear arrangement of luminescent dye molecules enclosed within a terminated chann

Abstract: A composite light converter for polycrystalline silicon solar cell and silicon solar cell using the converter includes a composite light converter disposed on the surface of a polycrystalline solar cell and connected by the electrode ribbon; upper and lower ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) sheets disposed such that the solar cell and the composite light converter are disposed between the EVA sheets; a low iron tempered glass disposed on the upper EVA sheet to transmit light; and a back sheet disposed under the lower EVA sheet and formed of a fluorine film or a PET film. Here, the composite light converter is a polymer binder containing light-emitting components, in which a polymer layer is formed on the surface of a polycrystalline silicon wafer comprising an electrode; the polymer layer is formed of two types of nano inorganic components that are active filling materials inside the converter.

Abstract: A light-emitting polymer composition includes a polysiloxane polymer having tritium that emits radiation and a wavelength-shifter chemically bonded to the polysiloxane polymer or a siloxane carrier dispersed within the polysiloxane polymer. The wavelength-shifter emits light in response to the radiation.

Abstract: In methods and apparatus for improving the power generated, and thus efficiency of solar cells, a double or triple junction tandem solar cell that has one or two photon filters of the invention in between the solar cell layers, respectively. The photon filter is arranged to reflect photons with wavelength shorter than ?x and arranged to be transparent to photons of wavelength longer than ?x by focussing the lower energy photons out of small area apertures on the other side of the photon filter and arranging the other side of the photon filter to reflect at least some of the photons of wavelength longer than ?x. By using the photon filters of the invention in between the solar cell layers, photons can be trapped between filters to solar cell layers at an energy at which the quantum efficiency of the solar cell layer is the best.

Abstract: The present invention provides a solar cell module which has a higher degree of freedom for design and can be easily manufactured at lower cost. The solar cell module (10) includes a light guide plate (1); at least one adhesive layer (4) provided on respective at least one surface of the light guide plate (1); and a solar cell element (3) which is provided on another surface perpendicular to the at least one surface. The solar cell module (10) further includes at least one light-transmitting film (2) adhered to the light guide plate (1) via the respective at least one adhesive layer (4) in which a fluorescent substance is dispersed. Therefore, it is not necessary to prepare a light guide plate in which a fluorescent substance is dispersed. Moreover, the adhesive layer(s) (4) can be freely patterned and/or stacked.

Abstract: An article, such as a solar cell or module, is presented. In one embodiment, the article includes a photovoltaically active region and a photovoltaically inactive region. A filler material is disposed in the inactive region; the filler material includes a reflective material configured to scatter at least 50% of light incident on the filler material. Another embodiment is an article that includes a photovoltaically active region and a photovoltaically inactive region. A filler material is disposed in the inactive region; the filler material includes a wavelength converting material. Other embodiments are described herein in which the filler material described above and disposed in the inactive region includes both the reflective material and the wavelength converting material.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed including a wave-guide containing a luminescent material which responds to incident light by emitting frequency-shifted light. A first portion of the frequency-shifted light is internally reflected within the wave-guide to a wave-guide output, and a second portion of the frequency-shifted light is transmitted out of the wave-guide. The apparatus further includes a diffuse reflector positioned proximal to the waveguide to reflect at least some of the second portion of the frequency-shifted light hack in to the waveguide to be internally reflected within the wave-guide to a wave-guide output.

Abstract: The present invention provides a solar cell module which has high design freedom and can be easily manufactured at low cost. A solar cell module (10) includes (i) a light guide plate (1), (ii) a fluorescence-dispersed film (2) in each of which a fluorescent substance is dispersed and which is adhered to respective at least one surface of the light guide plate (1), and (iii) a solar cell element (3) which is provided on another surface of the light guide plate (1) which another surface being perpendicular to the at least one surface. Therefore, it is not necessary to prepare a light guide plate in which a fluorescent substance is dispersed. Moreover, it is possible to arbitrarily pattern the fluorescence-dispersed film (2) or to stack the fluorescence-dispersed films (2).

Abstract: Disclosed is a semiconductor electrode which comprises a transparent electrode that is arranged on the surface of a light-transmitting substrate. The transparent electrode is provided with a metal oxide layer on a surface that is on the reverse side of a surface that is in contact with the substrate. The metal oxide layer contains fine silicon particles, which absorb a specific wavelength (11), and fine metal oxide particles. The fine silicon particles are arranged between the fine metal oxide particles.

Abstract: Infrared imaging at wavelengths longer than the silicon bandgap energy (>1100 nm) typically require expensive focal plane arrays fabricated from compound semiconductors (InSb or HgCdTe) or use of slower silicon microbolometer technology. Furthermore, these technologies are available in relatively small array sizes, whereas silicon focal plane arrays are easily available with 10 megapixels or more array size. A new technique is disclosed to up convert infrared light to wavelengths detectable by silicon focal plane arrays, or other detector technologies, thereby enabling a low-cost, high pixel count infrared imaging system.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods are provided for the continuous formation of solar cell material including an isolation chamber that reduces cross contamination between adjacent formation zones that are at different pressures.

Abstract: A photovoltaic device including a composite down-converting layer disposed on the device, is presented. The composite down-converting layer includes down-converting material particles dispersed in a matrix. The size of the down-converting material particles is a function of a difference in respective refractive indices (?n) of the down-converting material and the matrix such that: (i) for ?n less than about 0.05, the size of down-converting material particles is in a range from about 0.5 micron to about 10 microns, and (ii) for ?n at least about 0.05, the size of down-converting material particles is in a range from about 1 nanometer to about 500. A photovoltaic module having a plurality of such photovoltaic devices is also presented.

Abstract: A photovoltaic device having a down-converting layer disposed on the device, is presented. The down-converting layer have a graded refractive index, wherein a value of refractive index at a first surface of the down-converting layer varies from a value of refractive index at a second surface of the layer. A photovoltaic module having a plurality of such photovoltaic devices is also presented.

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

Abstract: The invention relates to photovoltaic device structures of more than one layer comprising rare earth compounds and Group IV materials enabling spectral harvesting outside the conventional absorption limits for silicon.

Abstract: Disclosed is a cable for use in a concentrating photovoltaic module. The cable includes at least one strand wrapped with an optically pervious or reflective sheath. The pervious sheath is made of a material that exhibits a penetration rate of 90% and survives a temperature of at least 140 degrees Celsius. The reflective sheath is made of a material that exhibits a reflection rate of 95% and survives a temperature of at least 140 degrees Celsius. The cable is used to connect an anode of the concentrating photovoltaic module to a cathode of the same. The material of the reflective sheath may be isolating.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fluorescence collector for concentrating and converting solar radiation into electrical energy, which collector is constructed from a substrate and at least one polymer- or sol-gel layer as carrier structures for at least one sort of semiconducting nanoparticles and at least one fluorescent dye. The solar radiation is coupled into the collector, reflected internally and then emerges at a defined location at which a photovoltaic cell is disposed. By means of the latter, the conversion of solar into electrical energy is then effected.

Abstract: An energy conversion device is provided for use, for example, in a photovoltaic solar cell. The device includes an up conversion composite material disposed in cavities in a semiconductor material or in a heat spreader bonded to the solar cell. The up conversion composite material is formed from a mixture of at least two different up conversion materials formed as crystal grains dispersed within an optically transmitting dispersion medium. The up conversion materials may include a crystal material doped with dopant atoms capable of absorbing photons having wavelengths longer than an absorption edge of the semiconductor material and emitting photons having wavelengths shorter than the absorption edge.