Abstract: A crystallographically textured metallic substrate includes surfaces for connection and for receiving a thin layer deposit, and is made up of an alloy presenting a cubic crystalline system with centered faces and a predominantly cubic crystallographic texture {100}<001>, the receiving surface including grains mainly presenting crystallographic planes {100} parallel to the receiving surface. The alloy is iron-nickel with weight % relative to total weight: Ni?30%, Cu?15%, Cr?15%, Co?12%, Mn?5%, S<0.0007%, P<0.003%, B<0.0005%, Pb<0.0001%, and in the alloy: 34%?(Ni+Cr+Cu/2+Co/2+Mn). The alloy includes up to 1% in weight of one or several deoxidizing elements chosen among silicon, magnesium, aluminium and calcium, the rest of the elements in the alloy being iron and impurities.

Abstract: A solar concentrator comprising: A luminescent layer having luminescent particles capable of becoming excited by absorbing solar light of a first absorption frequency and, once excited, being capable of being stimulated to emit luminescent light at a first emission frequency. A light source for generating a pump light of the first emission frequency for stimulating the excited luminescent particles having absorbed solar light such that when the pump light traveling in a direction of travel stimulates the luminescent particles having absorbed solar light at the first absorption frequency the luminescent particles emit luminescent light at the first emission frequency in the direction of travel of the pump light, intensifying the pump light. A light guide adjacent to and optically coupled with the luminescent layer, the light-guide for assisting in guiding the intensified pump light via total internal reflection to a light collection area.

Abstract: Nanorod and nanowire compositions are disclosed comprising copper indium selenide, copper indium gallium selenide, copper indium sulfide, or a combination thereof. Also disclosed are photovoltaic devices comprising the nanorod and/or nanowire compositions. Also disclosed are methods for producing the nanorod and nanowire compositions, and photovoltaic devices described herein.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of fabricating a microlens. The method includes forming a self assembly monolayer having a strong hydrophobicity on a substrate; forming a plurality of ink droplets on the self assembly monolayer by jetting a transparent ink using an inkjet apparatus, the transparent ink including a first solvent having a first boiling point, a second solvent having a second boiling point lower than the first boiling point and a silicon oxide (SiOx) solid material dispersed in the first and second solvents; and drying the plurality of ink droplets.

Abstract: A photovoltaic array, including: (a) supports laid out on a surface in rows and columns; (b) photovoltaic modules positioned on top of the supports; and (c) fasteners connecting the photovoltaic modules to the supports, wherein the supports have an upper pedestal surface and a lower pedestal surface such that the photovoltaic modules are positioned at a non-horizontal angle when edges of the photovoltaic modules are positioned on top of the upper and lower pedestal surfaces, and wherein a portion of the fasteners rotate to lock the photovoltaic modules onto the supports.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to provide a gas barrier characteristic film that has a gas barrier characteristic and that is excellent in the repetitive reproducibility of the gas barrier characteristic. The film is a gas barrier characteristic film in which an [A] layer and a [B] layer mentioned below are sequentially layered on at least one surface of a macromolecular base, the [A] layer being a crosslinked resin layer whose pencil hardness is greater than or equal to H and whose surface free energy is less than or equal to 45 mN/m, and the [B] layer being a silicon-containing inorganic layer whose thickness is 10 to 1000 nm.

Abstract: A light-emitting device includes: a light-emitting element including a transparent electrode, a reflecting electrode, and an organic layer that includes a light-emitting layer; a transparent multilayer body including a low-refractive-index layer and a high-refractive-index layer, the high-refractive-index layer being provided in contact with the transparent electrode; a first uneven structure at an interface between the low-refractive-index layer and the high-refractive-index layer, the first uneven structure including depressions and projections, a height of each of the projections relative to the depressions being 400 nm or more; and a second uneven structure at an interface between the reflecting electrode and the organic layer, the second uneven structure including depressions and projections, a height of each of the projections relative to the depressions in the second uneven structure being 20 nm or more and 100 nm or less.

Abstract: A solar cell module includes an encapsulant and a solar cell in the encapsulant. The encapsulant includes a light-receiving side encapsulant at a light-receiving surface side of the solar cell, and a colored rear side encapsulant at a rear surface side of the solar cell. The rear side encapsulant contains an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer. An interface between the rear side encapsulant and the light-receiving side encapsulant is in contact with a side surface of the solar cell. In a part of an area where no solar cell is provided, the rear side encapsulant bulges to the light-receiving surface side.

Abstract: A solar cell is provided that increases a rate of sunlight absorbed into a photoelectric conversion layer by forming a transparent conductive layer into a plurality of layers having different oxygen contents and different light absorption coefficients, and a manufacturing method thereof. The solar cell includes a substrate, a transparent conductive layer, and a photoelectric conversion layer. The transparent conductive layer includes a first layer having a first light absorption coefficient, and a second layer formed on the first layer and having a second light absorption coefficient higher than the first light absorption coefficient.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the photovoltaic generation of electrical energy. The present invention relates more particularly to photovoltaic roofing products for use in photovoltaically generating electrical energy. One aspect of the invention is a photovoltaic roofing element including a roofing substrate; a photovoltaic element disposed on the roofing substrate; an electrical connector operatively connected to the photovoltaic element, the electrical connector having a top side, a down-roof side and an electrical terminus; and a shield disposed adjacent the electrical terminus of the electrical connector on its down-roof side, its top side, or both.

Abstract: A light concentrating optical element includes: a substrate; and a plurality of micro-optical members dispersed inside the substrate. The plurality of micro-optical members each direct light having been transmitted through the substrate and having entered a micro-optical member along an entering direction, so that the light exits the micro-optical member along a matching direction matching the entering direction, and direct light having entered the micro-optical member along an other entering direction, so that the light exits the micro-optical member along an exiting direction, resulting in an advancing direction of light having entered the substrate through a substrate front surface and advancing through the substrate being deflected via the plurality of micro-optical members to extend along the matching direction; and the light having been deflected so as to advance through the substrate along the matching direction is concentrated at an end area of the substrate.

Abstract: This layered element, in particular for a photovoltaic device, includes a polymer layer, a moisture-sensitive layer, and a protective coating forming a moisture barrier inserted between the polymer layer and the moisture-sensitive layer. The protective coating includes an antireflection multilayer comprising at least two thin layers differing in refractive index from each other.

Abstract: A photovoltaic (PV) solar concentration structure having at least two troughs encapsulated in a rectangular parallelepiped optical plastic structure, with the troughs filled with an optical plastic material, the troughs each having a reflective internal surface and approximately parabolic geometry, and the troughs each including photovoltaic cells situated so that light impinging on the optical plastic material will be concentrated onto the photovoltaic cells. Multiple structures can be connected to provide a solar photovoltaic collection system that provides portable, efficient, low-cost electrical power.

Abstract: A construction element (29) which extends in two dimensions comprises a solar energy converter member (1) which also extends along and defines one surface of the construction element (29). The construction element (29) further comprises a building construction member (30) which extends along the construction element (29) and defines the second surface thereof. At least a part of the solar energy converter member (1) is integral with at least a part of the building construction member (30) whereby this integral part both contributes to the requirements for solar energy conversion as well as to requirements for constructions.

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 method and device for harvesting and storing solar energy is provided. The device converts solar energy to electrical energy via the photovoltaic effect. The device includes a pair of electrodes, at least one of which is transparent to allow solar energy to pass through. A medium is disposed between the electrodes which exhibits a combination of photovoltaic and ferroelectric properties. When solar energy passes through the transparent electrode and is received by the medium, electron-hole pairs establish a voltage potential between electrodes in the device via the photovoltaic effect. The voltage potential may be retained and the mobile charge may be stored in the absence of solar energy via the ferroelectric effect.

Abstract: A hollow photovoltaic fiber. The hollow photovoltaic fiber includes semiconductor formed on the inner surface of a hollow tube or on a flexible substrate subsequently formed into a hollow tube. The hollow photovoltaic fiber is suitable a variety of semiconductor devices, including solar cells. Light entering the hollow photovoltaic fiber deposits energy in the semiconductor as it travel through the tube. The hollow photovoltaic fiber exhibits improved energy conversion efficiency over planar thin film solar cells due to the large semiconductor surface area and longer light travel path provided by the tube. Embodiments of the hollow photovoltaic fiber are lightweight and flexible allowing the creation of non-planar solar cells and the applications for solar cells to extend into such areas as the manufacture of photovoltaic textiles or photovoltaic non-woven fabrics.

Abstract: Provided is a solar cell module wherein a rear surface protective sheet has excellent long-term durability, and transmissivity of ultraviolet that reaches the solar cell is retained for a long time. This solar cell module is configured by laminating a front surface protective sheet, a light receiving-side sealing sheet, a solar cell element, a rear surface-side sealing sheet, and a rear surface protective sheet in this order. The solar cell module is characterized in that the light receiving-side sealing sheet has a transmissivity of 50% or more with respect to light having a wavelength of 300 nm, and the rear surface-side sealing sheet contains a reactive ultraviolet absorbent.

Abstract: A solar cell module is provided with a solar cell, a sealing member embedding the solar cell therein, a front surface protective member, and a back surface protective member. The storage modulus of the sealing member for the temperature range of 20-40° C. is from 6×107 Pa to 1×109 Pa (inclusive), and the average linear expansion coefficient, which is the average of linear expansion coefficients in the length direction and in the width direction when the temperature of the back surface protective member is changed from 20° C. to 25° C., is 40 ppm/° C. or less. A solar cell protective sheet is a laminate wherein an adhesive layer contains a (meth)acrylic polymer including functional groups reactive with carboxyl groups is laminated on the surface of a transparent resin sheet formed from at least one light-transmitting resin material selected from (meth)acrylic resins, polycarbonate resins and fluororesins.

Abstract: A concrete roof tile having a panel-shaped base body made from cast material, is characterized in that the base body is furnished with at least two holes in which wires are routed. This facilitates the use thereof in conjunction with a solar panel. In a method for manufacturing a concrete roof tile, a clay or concrete roof tile is digitised, the model is modified in such manner that a flat surface is created on an upper side thereof to enable a solar module to be mounted thereon, a mould is prepared from the model, in which concrete roof tile base bodies are cast, and one solar module is fastened to each base body.

Abstract: Provided is a silicon solar cell including a first electrode, a lower light absorption layer disposed on the first electrode, an upper light absorption layer disposed on the lower light absorption layer, and an intermediate reflector layer provided between the lower light absorption layer and the upper light absorption layer. The intermediate reflector layer includes copper oxide.

Abstract: A solar cell is discussed. The solar cell according to an embodiment includes a photoelectric conversion unit including a first conductive type region and a second conductive type region formed on the same side of the photoelectric conversion unit; and an electrode formed on the photoelectric conversion unit and including an adhesive layer formed on the photoelectric conversion unit and an electrode layer formed on the adhesive layer, wherein the adhesive layer has a coefficient of thermal expansion that is greater than a coefficient of thermal expansion of the photoelectric conversion unit and is less than a coefficient of thermal expansion of the electrode layer.

Abstract: A dye-sensitized photoelectric conversion device of the present invention has high energy conversion efficiency, even if the amount of iodine added into the electrolyte solution is significantly reduced. The dye-sensitized photoelectric conversion device has a porous photoelectrode layer comprising dye-sensitized semiconductor particles, an electrolyte solution layer, and a counter electrode layer in order. The electrolyte solution layer comprises an electrolyte solution containing 0.05 to 5 M of an aliphatic quarternary ammonium ion, 0.05 to 5 M of an imidazolium ion, and 0.1 to 10 M of iodide ion. The ions are dissolved in an organic solvent. Consequently, the amount of iodine added into the electrolyte solution can be reduced significantly.

Abstract: A solar cell module comprises a solar cell and sealing material provided on the rear surface side of the solar cell. The sealing material includes a colored layer that reflects light from the light-receiving surface side of the solar cell, and a transparent layer that is provided between the colored layer and the solar cell. The transparent layer has, in a space between adjacent solar cells, a side surface raised along the rear surface-side corner portion of the solar cell.

Abstract: A microsystem enabled photovoltaic (MEPV) module including: an absorber layer; a fixed optic layer coupled to the absorber layer; a translatable optic layer; a translation stage coupled between the fixed and translatable optic layers; and a motion processor electrically coupled to the translation stage to controls motion of the translatable optic layer relative to the fixed optic layer. The absorber layer includes an array of photovoltaic (PV) elements. The fixed optic layer includes an array of quasi-collimating (QC) micro-optical elements designed and arranged to couple incident radiation from an intermediate image formed by the translatable optic layer into one of the PV elements such that it is quasi-collimated. The translatable optic layer includes an array of focusing micro-optical elements corresponding to the QC micro-optical element array.

Abstract: An object is to provide a photovoltaic system with good anti-contamination properties. To achieve the object, a solar cell module constituting a photovoltaic system comprises a solar cell panel, a first frame member that is disposed next to a first rail side portion of a first lateral rail member and that protects a first panel side portion of the solar cell panel, and a second frame member that is disposed next to a second rail side portion of a second lateral rail member and that protects a second panel side portion opposite the first panel side portion. The level of an upper surface of the first frame member in a vertical direction is equal to or higher than the level of an upper surface of the first lateral rail member in the vertical direction.

Abstract: A photovoltaic cell includes: (1) a front contact; (2) a back contact; (3) a set of stacked layers between the front contact and the back contact; and (4) an encapsulation layer covering side surfaces of the set of stacked layers. At least one of the set of stacked layers includes a halide material having the formula: [AaBbXxX?x?X?x?X??x??][dopants], where A is selected from elements of Group 1 and organic moieties, B is selected from elements of Group 14, X, X?, X?, and X?? are independently selected from elements of Group 17, a is in the range of 1 to 12, b is in the range of 1 to 8, and a sum of x, x?, x?, and x?? is in the range of 1 to 12.

Abstract: A holding frame includes a main frame member extending along a first side of the light-receiving surface, and a sub-frame member extending along a second side adjacent to the first side, wherein the main frame member includes a main outer wall extending along the first side, main holding units formed on the main outer wall to hold the solar cell panel from the first-side side, and a main bottom piece formed on the main outer wall protruding towards inside of the holding frame. The sub-frame member includes a sub-outer wall extending along the second side, sub-holding units formed on the sub-outer wall to hold the solar cell panel from the second-side side, and a cylindrical part formed to include the sub-outer wall, extending along the second side on the back surface side of the solar cell panel.

Abstract: A backsheet for a solar cell module, including a substrate sheet and a cured coating film formed from a coating material that contains a curable functional group-containing fluorinated polymer and an acrylic polymer.

Abstract: An encapsulating sheet for solar cell for encapsulating a solar cell, in which, in a case in which a square sheet obtained by cutting the sheet so that a planar shape becomes a square shape is heated at the atmospheric pressure and 150° C. for 15 minutes and is thus thermally shrunk, when a length of one side of the square sheet before being thermally shrunk is represented by L, a direction in parallel with a first side is considered as a first direction, and a direction perpendicular to the first side is considered as a second direction, and in the thermally-shrunk square sheet, a shortest length in the first direction is represented by M1, and a shortest length in the second direction is represented by M2, 0?|(M1?M2)/L|?0.4 is satisfied.

Abstract: A photovoltaic cell, for example a thin-film photovoltaic cell, having a substrate glass made of aluminosilicate glass, has a glass composition which has SiO2 and Al2O3 as well as the alkali metal oxide Na2O and the alkaline earth oxides CaO, MgO, and BaO, and optionally further components. The glass composition includes 10 to 16 wt.-% Na2O, >0 to <5 wt.-% CaO, and >1 to 10 wt.-% BaO, and the ratio of CaO:MgO is in the range of 0.5 to 1.7. The aluminosilicate glass used is crystallization stable because of the selected quotient of CaO/MgO and has a transformation temperature >580° C. and a processing temperature <1200° C. Therefore, it represents a more thermally stable alternative to soda-lime glass. The aluminosilicate glass is used as a substrate glass, superstrate glass, and/or cover glass for a photovoltaic cells, for example for thin-film photovoltaic cells, in particular those based on semiconductor composite material, such as CdTe, CIS, or CIGS.

Abstract: A junction box connected to a photoelectric converter and including a body with a diode. The body includes first parts that are parallel to each other, a second part connecting ends of the first parts, and a bridge connecting the first parts. The diode is in the bridge, and the second part is spaced from the bridge to form an opening.

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: A cooling sheet for photovoltaic modules, a method of manufacturing the same, a backsheet for photovoltaic modules, a method of manufacturing the same, and a photovoltaic module are provided. The cooling sheet for photovoltaic modules which includes a resin layer can be prepared by coating or impregnating one surface of a porous substrate with a super-absorbent polymer (SAP) containing a fluid. Here, the resin layer includes the fluid-containing SAP which is formed on one surface of the porous substrate or impregnated with the porous substrate. When the cooling sheet for photovoltaic modules is attached to the outside of the weather-resistant substrate to prepare the backsheet for photovoltaic modules, it is possible to suppress an increase in power generation temperature of a photoelectric cell by evaporation of the fluid, for example water, included in the SAP, thereby improving the power generation efficiency of the photovoltaic module.

Abstract: Disclosed is a concentrating solar cell module panel includes: a frame including a side plate and a base plate; carriers that are provided on the base plate at position spaced apart from each other at regular intervals, and each of which is provided with a solar cell; and a lens plate that is provided on an upper end of the frame and concentrates incident light on each of the solar cells. The side plate includes a transverse plate and a longitudinal plate longer than the transverse plate. The base plate comprises a plurality of base plate pieces arranged in a longitudinal direction of the concentrating solar cell module panel and coupled to each other, each of the base plate pieces being coupled to a lower portion of the longitudinal plate by a screw.

Abstract: The invention relates to a solar panel module comprising a first and a second cover plate as well as at least one photovoltaic cell located between the cover plates. The first cover plate and the second cover plate are staggered with respect to each other, wherein a portion of the first cover plate near a first longitudinal side extends beyond a first longitudinal side of the second cover plate, while a portion of the second cover plate near a second longitudinal side, extending parallel to the first longitudinal side, extends beyond a second longitudinal side of the first cover plate, which is extending parallel to the first longitudinal side. The photovoltaic cell is located between the first longitudinal side of the second cover plate and the second longitudinal side of the first cover plate.

Abstract: A solar energy collector includes a planar waveguide formed of multiple material layers having at least two different dielectric constants. Two or more dichroic filters disposed within the waveguide core, and two or more minors are also disposed within the waveguide core. At least one optical to electrical detector positioned in alignment with each of the dichroic filters, and at least one optical to electrical detector is aligned with each of the mirrors. The dichroic filter may be formed from a plurality of material layers.

Abstract: There is provided a sheet-shaped sealing material that has excellent shock absorbency, sealing properties, cold and heat resistance, and light resistance even if the thickness is small. The sheet-shaped sealing material according to the present invention comprises: a silicone resin (A); and a plurality of particles (B) dispersed in the silicone resin and each having a cavity portion therein. The thickness of the sheet-shaped sealing material is, for example, 0.05 to 4 mm. The plurality of particles (B) comprise, for example, foamed particles that is thermally expanded.

Abstract: A portable electronic device includes a housing including an outer surface and an inner surface. A core electronic component is configured to be provided inside of the housing. A transparent material is provided at the outer surface of the housing. A solar cell is provided on the inner surface of the housing and spaced apart from the transparent material by a predetermined distance. The transparent material is configured to receive light from an external source and direct the light to the solar cell.

Abstract: Solar cell receiver subassemblies for use in a concentrating solar system that concentrates the solar energy onto a solar cell for converting solar energy to electricity. The subassemblies may include an optical element defining an optical channel and forming an optical path. The subassemblies may also include a solar cell receiver comprising a support and a solar cell mounted on the support adjacent to the optical element and in the optical path of the optical channel. The solar cell may include one or more III-V compound semiconductor layers and may be capable of generating in excess of 20 watts of peak DC power. The subassemblies may also include a heat shield mounted over and peripherally adjacent to exterior sides of the optical element to cover and block concentrated light from reaching a surface of the support adjacent to the solar cell.

Abstract: A stretchable photovoltaic device, a stretchable photovoltaic module and a carrier for facilitating formation of a stretchable photovoltaic device and/or module are provided. The stretchable photovoltaic device includes a stretchable part, at least one photovoltaic cell and a surface over which that at least one photovoltaic cell is disposed. The stretchable part has a given length that is operable to change in response to a force being applied to the device. The given length may, for example, elongate when the force causes the device to elongate. Alternative and/or additionally, the given length may compress when the force causes the device to compress.

Abstract: A multi-junction solar cell having a Ge or GaAs substrate, as well as a solar cell structure having several subcells deposited on the substrate, the substrate having peripheral side faces, and the solar cell structure having a peripheral circumferential surface, which runs spaced apart from the side faces. To prevent oxidation and penetration of moisture, the circumferential surface of the solar cell structure is coated with a protective, electrically insulating first coating under essential exclusion of the upper surface facing the rays, or that without encroaching on the solar cell structure, the side faces of the substrate are coated with a protective, electrically insulating second coating or that both the side faces of the substrate as well as the circumferential surface of the solar cell structure are coated with a third coating by essential exclusion of the upper surface facing the rays.

Abstract: Disclosed is a solar cell apparatus. The solar cell apparatus includes a substrate including a transmission area and a non-transmission area extended in one direction, respectively, and disposed in parallel to each other, a solar cell disposed in the non-transmission area, and a refractive part provided in the transmission area and refracting at least a portion of an incident light to the non-transmission area.

Abstract: An apparatus for mounting a photovoltaic module is disclosed. The apparatus includes a clamp assembly, where the clamp assembly includes a clamp and a fastener engageable with the clamp. The clamp includes a sharp portion.

Abstract: One example of a solar voltaic concentrator has a primary Fresnel lens with multiple panels, each of which forms a Kohler integrator with a respective panel of a lenticular secondary lens. The resulting plurality of integrators all concentrate sunlight onto a common multi-junction photovoltaic cell. The integrators provide matching illumination in the different wavebands required by the different junctions. Luminaires using a similar geometry are also possible.

Abstract: A fluoropolymer composition having a total luminous transmittance (TT) of less than 15%, when measured according to ASTM D1003 on a sample having a thickness of about 50 ?m, said composition comprising: at least one hydrogen-containing fluoropolymer [polymer (A)]; from 5 to 80% by weight of (A) of at least one inorganic pigment [pigment (I)]; and from 1 to 99% by weight of (I) of at least one per(halo)fluoropolymer chosen among tetrafluoroethylene (TFE) copolymers having a dynamic viscosity at a shear rate of 1 rad×sec?1 of less than 100 Pa×sec at a temperature of 280° C. [polymer (B)]. By adding polymer (B) to the composition based on polymer (A) it is advantageously possible to obtain an even dispersion of the pigment (I) so that a composition possessing outstanding opacity and still being processable under the form of films, so as to provide adequate mechanical properties, can be manufactured therefrom.

Abstract: A photovoltaic module with snow melting function has a photovoltaic cell; a heat transfer plate attached to a non-light receiving surface side of the photovoltaic cell through a sealer layer; a heat-resistant insulating resin sheet inserted between the photovoltaic cell and the heat transfer plate; a surface protection layer attached to a light receiving surface side of the photovoltaic cell through a sealer layer; and an external power supply applying a current to the photovoltaic cell causing the photovoltaic cell to generate heat to a temperature for melting snow. A whole front surface of the photovoltaic cell is flat so as not to protrude from the surface protection layer. The heat-resistant insulating resin sheet is attached to the non-light receiving surface side of the photovoltaic cell through the sealer layer, and the heat transfer plate is attached to a back surface side of the heat-resistant insulating resin sheet.

Abstract: A reflective photovoltaic solar concentration system is formed by a primary reflecting mirror (1) changing the direction of the light beams entering the system and redirecting the beams toward a secondary reflecting mirror (2), changing again the direction of the received light beams and redirecting them toward a tertiary optical element (3), which in turn transmits the received light beams to a photovoltaic receiver. The tertiary optical element (3) has a convex-curved input face (4) of circular section, and truncated pyramid section (5) which transmits the received light beams by complete internal reflection to a photovoltaic receiver. The leading end (6) of the truncated pyramid section (5) has, immediately after the input face (4), a circular cross-section (6) which is progressively transformed into a square cross-section until reaching the trailing end (7) of the truncated pyramid section (5).

Abstract: A concentrating lens array according to the present disclosure includes a plurality of unit structures arranged at least one-dimensionally. Each unit structure includes: a first surface through which light enters inside of the structure; a second surface which reflects the light that has entered the structure through the first surface; a third surface which reflects the light that has been reflected from the second surface; and a fourth surface which lets the light that has been reflected from the third surface go out of the structure. In each unit structure, the second and third surfaces are located between an incident plane including the first surface and an emitting plane including the fourth surface. At least one of the second and third surfaces reflects the light after having converged the incoming light.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a sensing device for sensing the alignment with respect to the sun of a concentration photovoltaic CPV device of the type which comprises at least one principal optical element POE and a CPV receiver, a CPV system, or module, comprising a CPV receiver and an integrated sensing device, and an optimized method for aligning a concentration photovoltaic CPV system with respect to the sun.