Abstract: The present invention provides a spectrally selective planar optical radiation concentrator, in which different spectral components of solar energy can be collected for different applications such as heat, illumination and electricity. The optical radiation concentrator has two basic components, an angle selective optical filter and a light redistribution reflector for collecting, trapping and concentrating radiant energy. It further comprises a light deflecting component and a fluorescent wavelength shifter to improve acceptance angle and concentration efficiency respectively. The planar optical radiation concentrator exhibits the potential for light weight, high concentration ratio and efficiency, and the ability for passive tracking.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composite substrate with high thermal conductivity and applicable to concentrating solar power generating plates. The thermal conducting substrate and the circuit substrate are manufactured, respectively, for separating the light concentrating area and the circuit area so that the material with high thermal conductivity can be used completely to the thermal conducting substrate for guiding heat. Then, the material having common thermal conductivity can be chosen as the material for the circuit substrate, which needs no extra thermal conduction. Thereby, regarding to the selection of substrate material, the present can balance well between thermal conducting efficiency and cost control.

Abstract: To optimize photovoltaic energy in situ and without expensive heliostat systems, the power from full, diffracted, as well as low-angle sunlight can be significantly increased by utilizing flat or curved reflectors and/or lenses in any configuration around and/or above a solar cell, attached or independent, no matter the size or how situated, alone or multiply, with supports, heat sinks, or cooling vanes enclosed partly or entirely in a protective transparent envelope; enhanced photonic capture by this integrally reflective and modular CSP technology could with increased cell receptivity be further employed for nocturnal usage from stellar, lunar, and urban illumination as well as office, store, and household lighting both night and day.

Abstract: A system and method for improved photovoltaic module structure is described. One embodiment includes a photovoltaic module comprising a front substrate, a photovoltaic structure attached to the front substrate, wherein the photovoltaic structure comprises at least one photovoltaic cell, a back substrate, wherein the back substrate is spaced apart from the photovoltaic structure, and a structural component, wherein the structural component is located between the back substrate and the photovoltaic structure. In some embodiments, the structural component may be configured to provide thermal conduction between the front substrate and the back substrate, and/or the structural component may be configured to retain the front substrate and/or back substrate during breakage.

Abstract: There is provided a dye-sensitized photovoltaic device, which can achieve low-resistivity of an optical transparent electrode film composing first and second electrodes and can improve photovoltaic power generation characteristics, includes: a first substrate; a first electrode disposed on the first substrate; a catalyst layer formed on the first electrode and having a catalytic activity for a redox electrolyte; an electrolysis solution contacted with the catalyst layer and dissolving a redox electrolyte in a solvent; a porous semiconductor layer contacted with the electrolysis solution and including semiconductor fine particles and dye molecules; a second electrode disposed on the porous semiconductor layer; a second substrate disposed on the second electrode; and a sealant disposed between the first and second substrates, and sealing the electrolysis solution. The first and second electrodes are composed of an annealed layer of an ITO fine particles contained film coated on the first and second substrates.

Abstract: Provided are a solar cell encapsulant material which facilitates production of solar cell modules and which is excellent in all of adhesiveness, long-term stability of adhesion power, transparency and heat resistance, and a solar cell module produced by using the encapsulant material. The solar cell encapsulant material has at least an adhesive layer (layer (I)) and a layer (layer (II)) of a resin composition (C) that contains an ethylene-?-olefin random copolymer (A) satisfying the following requirement (a) and an ethylene-?-olefin block copolymer (B) satisfying the following requirement (b): (a) The heat of crystal fusion of the copolymer, as measured at a heating rate of 10° C./min in differential scanning calorimetry, is from 0 to 70 J/g; (b) As measured at a heating rate of 10° C./min in differential scanning calorimetry, the crystal melting peak temperature of the copolymer is 100° C. or higher, and the heat of crystal fusion thereof is from 5 to 70 J/g.

Abstract: An alternating current (AC, or ac) solar electric power generation system includes a primary concentrator to concentrate sunlight, one optional reflector to redirect the concentrated sunlight, a concentrating solar PV (CPV) module, a rotary electric connector, and a motor with an optional gearbox to spin the CPV module. The photovoltaic cells produce a varying electric output that is transmitted to the stationary contact by the rotary connector. Two groups of solar cells installed in the opposite direction with a phase difference of 180 degrees generate the one-phase AC electric power. An air and water mist, or other coolant system may cool the solar cells.

Abstract: A system for generating electrical power from solar radiation utilizing a thin film III-V compound multijunction semiconductor solar cell mounted on a support in a non-planar configuration.

Abstract: Photovoltaic devices including an insulating layer and an intra-laminate disk layer on a plurality of thin film layers are provided. A first conductive strip, defining a first lead, is positioned on the insulating layer and connected to a first bus bar. A second conductive strip is positioned on the insulating layer and connected to a second bus bar. An adhesive layer is over the device and defines an adhesive gap through which the first lead and the second lead extend. An encapsulating substrate is on the adhesive layer, and defines a connection aperture through which the first lead and the second lead extend. The intra-laminate disk layer is positioned under the adhesive gap defined by the adhesive layer and the connection aperture defined by the encapsulating substrate. Methods of manufacturing photovoltaic devices are also provided.

Abstract: An ethylene copolymer composition which includes a zinc ionomer containing, as a main component, a copolymer having a constituent unit derived from ethylene and a constituent unit derived from (meth)acrylic acid, and a dialkoxysilane having an amino group, is provided. This makes it possible to increase the stability during sheet production. It is preferable that the content ratio of the dialkoxysilane is 15 parts by mass or less based on 100 parts by mass of the zinc ionomer.

Abstract: A solar power system and a solar energy chasing method. Errors may be corrected in the installation area of a solar energy collecting plate with solar cells, particularly, in the installation direction thereof. Therefore, a control angle may be operated and determined, so that the solar cells or the solar energy collecting plate may be rotated precisely in the desired direction. In the case of disposing a plurality of solar energy collecting plates, the solar energy collecting plates may be controlled according to a predetermined rotation angle, thereby increasing solar energy absorbing efficiency.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a solar cell, including the steps of: forming an SiNx film over a second principal surface of an n-type semiconductor substrate; forming a p-type diffusion layer over a first principal surface of the n-type semiconductor substrate after the SiNx film forming step; and forming an SiO2 film or an aluminum oxide film over the p-type diffusion layer.

Abstract: A solar cell includes a substrate of a first conductive type, a plurality of first electrodes which are positioned on one surface of the substrate and extending in a first direction, an emitter region which is electrically connected to the first electrodes and is of a second conductive type opposite the first conductive type, a plurality of second electrodes which are positioned on another surface of the substrate and extending in the first direction, and a back surface field region including a plurality of first field regions which are locally formed at locations corresponding to the second electrodes in the same direction as the second electrodes and are electrically connected to the second electrodes. A distance between adjacent first field regions is less than a distance between adjacent second electrodes.

Abstract: Solder can be used to wet and bind glass substrates together to ensure a hermetic seal that superior (less penetrable) than conventional polymeric (thermoplastic or thermoplastic elastomer) seals in electric and electronic applications.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sheet for sealing a rear surface of a solar cell in which degradation due to hydrolysis of the material constituting the solar cell is prevented, and the weather resistance is excellent such that electric output properties of the solar cell can be maintained not only under conditions of actual usage of the solar cell module but also conditions for evaluation under high temperatures and high moistures, and provides a sheet for sealing a rear surface of a solar cell comprising a laminate in which at least two substrates are laminated by an polyurethane-based adhesive, wherein the polyurethane-based adhesive comprises an adhesive having hydrolysis resistance which satisfies the following conditions: condition 1: the lamination strength of the adhesive is 1 N/15 mm or more after keeping the laminate in a chamber which acts as a highly accelerated stress test system under pressurized steam conditions of 105° C. and 1.

Abstract: A solar element with increased efficiency and also a method for increasing the efficiency of a solar cell are provided. The solar cell comprises a luminescent element, an upconverter, and also at least one selectively reflecting structure.

Abstract: Provided are a hydrophobic antireflective substrate, a method for manufacturing the same, and a solar cell module including the same. The hydrophobic antireflective substrate includes: a substrate; a nanostructured layer having nanostructured portions formed on the substrate and nanoporous portions formed between the nanostructured portions; and a hydrophobic coating film formed on the nanostructured portions. The method for manufacturing a hydrophobic antireflective substrate includes: forming a nanostructured layer having nanostructured portions and nanoporous portions formed between the nanostructured portions on a substrate; and forming a hydrophobic coating film on the nanostructured portions.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for converting incident light to electrical energy and heat. the apparatus includes an evacuated enclosure having at least a portion for admitting incident light; and an absorber member disposed at least partially in said enclosure to receive incident light. The absorber includes a selective surface which converts a portion of the incident light to heat. The selective surface comprises a photovoltaic layer which converts a portion of the incident light to electrical energy. In some embodiments, the absorber includes an elongated inner tube having an outer surface including the selective surface.

Abstract: The present invention can provide a protective sheet for a solar cell module that is able to adequately ensure adhesive strength between a base film and a fluororesin layer over a long period of time, and a solar cell module provided therewith. The protective sheet for a solar cell module of the present invention comprising a base film, a thermal adhesive resin layer directly adhered on at least one side of the base film and composed of a thermal adhesive resin having a functional group, and a fluororesin layer directly adhered on the thermal adhesive resin layer and composed of a fluororesin having a functional group capable of forming a chemical bond by reacting with the functional group of the thermal adhesive resin.

Abstract: A light concentration device includes: a plate including two principal faces and an edge between the two principal faces, a refractive index gradient existing between the two principal faces, and a diffraction grating functioning in reflection or semi-reflection that cooperates with one of the principal faces of the plate having the highest refractive index, the principal face having the lowest refractive index forming a front entry face for the light, at least one exit zone for the light being disposed on the edge.

Abstract: A bifacial solar cell is discussed. The bifacial solar cell includes a substrate, a p+-type doped region positioned at a first surface of the substrate, a P-type electrode part electrically connected to the p+-type doped region, an n+-type doped region positioned at a second surface of the substrate, and an N-type electrode part electrically connected to the n+-type doped region. The P-type electrode part is formed of a first inorganic solid powder including a first powder, which contains silver (Ag) and has an average diameter of about 0.2 ?m to 1 ?m, and a second powder, which contains a group III element and has an average diameter of about 1 ?m to 5 ?m. The N-type electrode part is formed of a second inorganic solid powder including only the first powder.

Abstract: A mold having an uneven structure is provided, wherein surface roughness Ra of the uneven structure, a maximum value Ra?(max) and a minimum value Ra?(min) of line roughness Ra? satisfy the following Expression (1). 0.13?(Ra?(max)?Ra?(min))/Ra?0.

Abstract: The invention describes an extensible membrane system to which a photovoltaic device is secured.

Abstract: Generally, solar cell backsheets may include high to ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene. Advantageously, said backsheets may be single layer structures. Said backsheets may be used in conjunction with photovoltaic devices, photovoltaic modules, photovoltaic arrays, or components thereof. Said backsheets may be formed by methods including compression molding, compression molding then skiving, RAM extrusion, screw extrusion, band sintering, and hybrids thereof.

Abstract: A support system for a solar panel includes a triangular truss with connection points for mounting a photovoltaic module, and a cradle structure that supports the triangular truss and is connected to at least two side supports of the triangular truss. The cradle structure may be driven for rotation about an axis for tracking the sun and several cradle structures can be linked together for tracking movement using a buried linkage system. The truss may also be foldable for ease of transportation and storage.

Abstract: A system and method for increasing photovoltaic cell efficiency is provided, comprising a photovoltaic cell, a filter covering the photovoltaic cell at a first angle to the photovoltaic cell, and a mirror positioned adjacent to the filter at a second angle to the photovoltaic cell, the mirror operable to reflect light into the filter.

Abstract: Disclosed are a sealing material for solar cell modules and a manufacturing method thereof capable of endowing good transparency and heat resistance to the sealing material for solar cell modules while using a polyethylene-based resin. The disclosed sealing material for solar cell modules uses a polyethylene-based resin with a density of 0.900 g/cm3 or less, and an MFR between 0.1 g/10 min and 1.0 g/10 min. The sealing material is obtained by melt molding a resin composition containing a polyethylene-based resin with density 0.890 g/cm3 or less, and a polymerization initiator contained at 0.02 mass % or more but less than 0.5 mass % of the composition, wherein the density difference of the resin composition before and after the melt molding is within 0.05 g/cm3, and the MFR difference of the resin composition before and after the melt molding is 1.0 g/10 min or greater.

Abstract: A photovoltaic module for converting light energy into electrical energy. The photovoltaic module has a convex curvature which is exposed outward. The photovoltaic module prevents sagging, which would otherwise occur due to the increased weight caused by an increase in size.

Abstract: A dye-sensitized solar cell that includes a semiconductor layer, to which a photosensitive dye generating electrons is adhered; a photo electrode disposed on a side of the semiconductor layer so as to transfer electrons; and an auxiliary electrode disposed on the other side of the semiconductor layer so as to transfer the electrons, and at least one semiconductor layer and at least one auxiliary electrode are stacked alternatively. Thus, an amount of molecules of the photosensitive dye may be increased without increasing the moving distance of electrons, and the efficiency of the solar cell may be increased.

Abstract: Provided herein are solar collectors having reflective sheets which are slidably insertable and/or removable for quick installation, construction, removal, repair, and/or replacement. Also provided are solar collectors having reflective sheets under tension. Further provided are methods for constructing solar collectors. In another aspect, provided herein are guide rails for guiding and/or retaining slidably removable reflective sheets and holding the reflective sheets in a prescribed shape.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a solar cell encapsulant sheet which makes it possible to suitably produce flexible solar cell modules in which the solar cell encapsulant sheet is well adhered to a solar cell element by encapsulating a solar cell element by roll-to-roll processing in a continuous manner without the need to perform a crosslinking process and without causing wrinkles and curls. The present invention provides a solar cell encapsulant sheet including a fluoropolymer sheet and an adhesive layer that includes a maleic anhydride-modified olefin resin on the fluoropolymer sheet, the maleic anhydride-modified olefin resin being a resin in which an ?-olefin-ethylene copolymer that includes 1 to 25% by weight of ?-olefin units is graft-modified with maleic anhydride, and a total amount of maleic anhydride being 0.1 to 3% by weight.

Abstract: A solar cell includes an integrated structure and a reflector. The integrated structure includes a first electrode layer, a P-type silicon layer, an N-type silicon layer, and a second electrode layer arranged in the above sequence; a P-N junction near an interface between the P-type silicon layer and the N-type silicon layer; a photoreceptive surface exposing the P-N junction. The photoreceptive surface is on a curved surface of the integrated structure and is configured to receive incident light beams. The reflector is on another side of the integrated structure, opposite to the photoreceptive surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mounting system, which is configured for mounting at least one photovoltaic module (20) and a solar collector (30) on a substructure suitable therefor. The mounting system (1) comprises at least one U-shaped mounting carrier (2) for fastening the at least one photovoltaic module (20) and for accommodating at least one solar collector (30), the U-shaped mounting support being fastened to the substructure by means of a mounting rail (3), wherein the mounting carrier (2) has support clamping receptacles (9) for fastening the at least one photovoltaic module (20) to at least one of the outer surfaces of the mounting carrier.

Abstract: An electronic device module such as a solar cell is described. The electronic device module is made using a polymeric material in intimate contact with at least one surface of the electronic device, the polymeric material comprising a tapered block copolymer comprising an A block, and a B block.

Abstract: A base material for a solar cell module includes a base material film including at least one layer and a coating layer including at least one layer and formed on one surface or both surfaces of the base material film. The coating layer is a copolymer layer obtained by curing a liquid coating film consisting of an acrylic-based resin component consisting of metal alkoxide having a first reactive functional group, an acrylic-based monomer having a second reactive functional group that reacts with the first reactive functional group, and an acrylic-based monomer without the second reactive functional group; and an ethylene-based resin component having a carboxyl group binding to the first reactive functional group of metal alkoxide and including an ethylene monomer, a vinyl acetate monomer, and a monomer of carboxylic acid vinyl esters other than vinyl acetate.

Abstract: A holographic planar concentrator of solar energy employing an array of holographically-recorded diffraction grating elements adjoining the corresponding bifacial or monofacial PV-cell. Diffracting grating elements are configured to operate in transmission and/or reflection. The array is sandwiched and, optionally, encapsulated between the two layers of structurally supporting material that are impermeable to ambient moisture. The grating elements can be blazed and the material layer in which the gratings are recorded is protected from the moisture in the ambient environment by a moisture impermeable encapsulant.

Abstract: A photovoltaic module employing an array of photovoltaic cells disposed between two optically transparent substrates such as to define a closed-loop peripheral area of the module that does not contain a photovoltaic cell. The module is sealed with a peripheral seal along the perimeter; and is devoid of a structural element affixed to an optically transparent substrate and adapted to mount the module to a supporting structure. The two substrates may be bonded together with the use of adhesive material and, optionally, the peripheral seal can include the adhesive material. The module optionally includes diffraction grating element(s) adjoining respectively corresponding PV-cell(s).

Abstract: A solar concentrator having a photovoltaic cell in optical contact with a cover. A blazed grating is provided adjacent to and co-planar with the photovoltaic cell for preferentially diffracting light that does not directly intercept the photovoltaic cell toward the photovoltaic cell via total internal reflection in the cover.

Abstract: The invention relates to a solar concentrator, comprising a solid body made of a transparent material, which has a light coupling surface and a convex light decoupling surface, wherein the solid body has a light guide part between the light coupling surface and the convex light decoupling surface, wherein said light guide part is tapered in the direction of the convex light decoupling surface. The invention further relates to a production method, wherein the material is precision-molded between two molds.

Abstract: A solar cell module (1a) is constituted such that a solar cell panel (9) is held using a main frame member (10) that holds one side of the solar cell panel (9) and a sub-frame member (20) that holds an adjoining side that adjoins this one side, the main frame member (10) is constituted from a solar cell panel main holding portion (11), a main wall portion (12), and a main bottom piece (16), the sub-frame member (20) is constituted from a solar cell panel sub-holding portion (21), a sub-wall portion (22), and a sub-bottom piece (26), the sub-bottom piece (26) of the sub-frame member (20) is positioned above the main bottom piece (16) of the main frame member (10), the lower surface near the side end of this sub-bottom piece (26) abuts against the upper surface near the side end of the main bottom piece (16), and a water barrier piece (28) bent upward is formed at the inner side edge of this sub-bottom piece (26).

Abstract: Improved photovoltaic devices, and more specifically, improved building integrated photovoltaic devices are described herein. In one embodiment, the photovoltaic roofing structure may be comprised of a roofing tile having a top surface, a bottom surface, and a recessed portion; a photovoltaic module sized to fit within the recessed portion of the roofing structure.

Abstract: A solar energy concentrating system with high light collection efficiency includes a light concentrating unit, a light homogenizing unit and photovoltaic modules. The light concentrating unit includes a parabolic reflector and an ellipsoidal reflector which are coaxial and confocal. The light homogenizing unit includes an infrared filter and a hollow spherical reflector with a hole in its surface. When the system is under illumination, light is concentrated by the light concentrating unit through the hole in the spherical reflector surface and reflected by the inner surface of the spherical reflector onto the photovoltaic modules. The infrared filter covers the hole in the spherical reflector surface and reduces the heat in the photovoltaic modules under concentrated light. The combination of the parabolic reflector and the ellipsoidal reflector obtain highly concentrated light, and the hollow spherical reflector ensures light uniformity on the photovoltaic modules and light utilization efficiency.

Abstract: A photovoltaic device comprising a substrate which has a porous first surface and a transparent conductive oxide layer located on a second surface opposite the first surface. A method of manufacturing the device is also described.

Abstract: A thin film solar cell and process for forming the same. The solar cell includes a bottom electrode layer, semiconductor light absorbing layer, top electrode layer, and a protective moisture barrier layer. In some embodiments, the barrier layer is formed of a water-insoluble material. The barrier layer helps protect the top electrode layer from exposure and damage caused by water and oxygen.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to an encapsulated flexible electronic device comprising a flexible electronic device, wherein the flexible electronic device is protected by a protective coating layer, a first cover sheet and a second cover sheet being made of patterned and developed dry photoresist films. The encapsulated flexible electronic device may be used to directly realize different type of electronic devices, such as smart sensor devices.

Abstract: A photovoltaic module comprising, in this order, a front sheet, a front encapsulant layer having a total area (B) consisting of one or more in-plane elements, one or more photoactive cells, a back encapsulant layer having an area (A), and a back sheet, wherein the front encapsulant layer having the total area (B) covers the area defined by the one or more photovoltaic cells and wherein the total area (B) of the front encapsulant layer is smaller than the area (A) of the back encapsulant layer, and wherein the contours of the one or more in-plane elements of the front encapsulant layer and the contour of the back encapsulant layer do not intersect.

Abstract: Methods are generally provided for adhering a support insert within a connection aperture defined in an encapsulating substrate of a photovoltaic device that has a first lead. The connection aperture generally has a perimeter defined by an aperture wall of the encapsulating substrate. The method can, in one particular embodiment, include threading the first lead through the connection aperture; and positioning a support insert within the connection aperture such that the first lead is still able to extend through the connection aperture. The support insert can generally define a channel within its construction that extends from a channel opening in the support insert to an exit port. An adhesive composition can be injected into the channel opening such that a first amount of the adhesive composition flows through the channel and out of the exit port to bond the support insert within the connection aperture.

Abstract: The present invention is a dye-sensitized solar cell that has a pair of electrodes that oppose each other, a sealing section that joins the pair of electrodes, an electrolyte that fills a cell space that is surrounded by the pair of electrodes and the sealing section, wherein the sealing section has a resin sealing section that contains a resin, the resin sealing section has a changing-thickness section, the thickness of which increases or decreases as a distance from the electrolyte is increased and which has an inclined face, and the resin sealing section comes into contact, along the inclined face of the changing-thickness section, with an electrode of the pair of electrodes that opposes the inclined face.

Abstract: A package structure and a solar cell with the same are provided. The package structure includes a transparent package bulk and at least one structure capable of changing a direction of light. The structure is disposed within the transparent package bulk and at a distance from a surface of the transparent package bulk. When applied to a solar cell, the package structure can reduce gridline shading.

Abstract: A wavelength conversion structure includes a light guide formed of a light-transmissive member having a laser light incident port that allows the laser light to be introduced and a phosphor-containing layer that covers at least part of the surface of the light guide. The light guide has a light diffusing structure having asperities and a light reflecting film. The asperities are formed over the surface of the light guide except a laser light incident surface having the laser light incident port. The light reflecting film is formed over the surface of the light guide along the asperities except the laser light incident port and the portion covered with the phosphor-containing layer.