Abstract: A method for inspection for a photovoltaic module or cell is disclosed. The method includes acquiring one or more polarimetric images of the photovoltaic module or cell using a camera which may include a polarization sensor, analyzing the one or more polarimetric images, and identifying a presence of a defect in the photovoltaic module or cell. A device for inspection for a photovoltaic module or cell is also disclosed, wherein the device includes a camera having a polarimetric sensor and is configured to be positioned at one or more locations relative to a location of the photovoltaic module or cell.

Abstract: A system for evaluating a battery cell includes an imaging device configured to take a first image of at least part of the battery cell when the battery cell is in a first deformation state, and take a second image of the at least part of the battery cell when the battery cell is in a second deformation state. The system also includes a processor configured to analyze the first image and the second image, identify a first region of the first image that represents a suspected discontinuity, the first region corresponding to a portion of the battery cell, compare the first region of the first image to a second region of the second image, the second region corresponding to the portion of the battery cell, and determine that the suspected discontinuity is an actual discontinuity based on a difference between the first region and the second region.

Abstract: In one respect, disclosed is an in-situ current-voltage (I-V) measurement device for photovoltaic modules in a photovoltaic array, comprising a variable load, wherein the variable load is configured to be connected in parallel with a module, wherein the module is connected in series with at least one other module in a string, such that the module supplies current simultaneously to the string and to the variable load, and wherein the variable load is controlled by a controller, and wherein the controller is configured to shift an I-V operating point of the module, based at least upon varying the variable load.

Abstract: A monitoring system that is configured to monitor a property is disclosed. The monitoring system includes a sensor that is configured to generate sensor data that reflects an attribute of the property; a solar panel that is configured to generate and output power; and a monitor control unit. The monitor control unit is configured to: monitor the power outputted by the solar panel; determine that the power outputted by the solar panel has deviated from an expected power range; based on determining that the power outputted by the solar panel has deviated from the expected power range, access the sensor data; based on the power outputted by the solar panel and the sensor data, determine a likely cause of the deviation from the expected power range; and determine an action to perform to remediate the likely cause of the deviation from the expected power range.

Abstract: A sensing device includes an aperture structure having an aperture and imaging optics configured to direct polychromatic light toward the aperture. The imaging optics separates the light according to spectral range longitudinally along a first axis The aperture substantially transmits a spectral range of the light and substantially blocks other spectral ranges of the light. An optical detector is arranged to receive the spectral range of the light that is transmitted through the aperture. The optical detector generate an electrical output that corresponds to a centroid of the spectral range of the light.

Abstract: A shutter test device is provided for determining whether or not detectors detecting flame spectrum at UV and IR wave lengths by forming virtual flame/fire spectrum work, and estimating detection time per milliseconds, estimating the time period in which tubes explode, as well as the time period in which the fire extinguishing system works. The shutter provides or prevents delivery of light source radiations to the detector under control of the control unit. The control unit receives alarm signal generated by detectors detecting sent radiation via cable or wireless estimates response time activated as a result of alarm signal and tests working of the fire extinguishing system subject to said alarm, and the activation period, and calculates the time period of activation.

Abstract: A device that is attached to portable solar panels so as to allow users to readily verify panel quality and performance. In one example implementation, a device may perform a self-test by measuring the illuminated I-V (current-voltage) curve or dark I-V curve of the solar panel. The measured values derived from the self-test may be compared against a threshold to identify whether either the solar cells and/or the interconnects of the solar panel may have suffered damage affecting the performance of the portable solar panels. A user in the field may be able to dynamically determine whether the performance degradation is due to weather or setup conditions, or if the deviations are due to cell breakage, creases, and/or cracks on the solar cell or other comprised performance factors, such as compromised integrity of the system interconnect.

Abstract: Example methods and systems described herein include periodically adjusting load applied to a power generating device according to a testing cycle, detecting a peak power point of the power generating device and an associated load that results in the peak power point, adjusting the load applied to the power generating device to match the associated load that results in the peak power point, and based on the adjusted load drawing power outside of a threshold amount of the peak power point, (i) calculating a correction factor to apply to a reference voltage of the power generating device and (ii) adjusting a frequency of the testing cycle.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for monitoring a transient time in a device under test. A circuit includes a transient edge clipper circuit electrically coupled to the device under test. The transient edge clipper circuit is configured to remove voltage levels of a voltage waveform of the device under test which exceed a threshold range to generate a clipped voltage waveform. The circuit also includes logic circuitry electrically coupled to the transient edge clipper circuit. The logic circuitry is configured to generate a time delayed pulse signal representation of the clipped voltage waveform by injecting a predetermined time delay. The circuit also includes a converter circuit electrically coupled to the logic circuitry. The converter circuit is configured to generate a current signal based on the pulse signal representations.

Abstract: Short-circuit current, maximum power, and open circuit voltage during a single flash are determined by varying intensity, voltage, and current. An apparatus determines the substrate doping and the series resistance of the solar cell. The series resistance of the cell is determined from a voltage step from the maximum power voltage operating point to the open-circuit condition. Methods are described for determining the substrate doping from stepping or sweeping the voltage. The first uses a voltage step and finds the change in charge that results. This determines a unique doping if the series resistance is known. The second uses data for a case of varying current, voltage, and light intensity, and compares this data to the case of varying voltage and intensity with no current. By transposing both cases into the steady state, agreement between the two data sets is found for unique doping and series resistance values.

Abstract: A kit comprising one or more of the following one or more solar modules (10); one of more connectors (30); and one or more integrated flashing pieces (40), wherein the one or more solar modules, the one or more connectors, and the one or more integrated flashing pieces include a first buss (16) and a second buss (18); wherein the one or more solar modules, the one or more connectors, the one or more integrated flashing pieces, or a combination thereof include a capacitor between the first buss and the second buss so that the capacitor blocks direct current from passing through the first buss, the second buss, or both and allows an alternating: current signal, an alternating voltage signal or both to pass trough the first buss, the second buss, or both so that a discontinuity, partial discontinuity, or continuity of the one more solar modules, the one or more, connectors, the one or more integrated flashing pieces, or a combination of connections therebetween are detectable when the one or more solar modules,

Abstract: A repair apparatus of a sheet type cell is capable of appropriately repairing and detoxifying defects of a sheet type cell having semiconductor characteristics. The repair apparatus repairs a sheet type cell in which a storage layer is sandwiched by layers of a positive electrode and a negative electrode and at least the storage layer has semiconductor characteristics. The repair apparatus applies electrical stimulation between the positive electrode and the negative electrode, measures electrical characteristics of the sheet type cell when the electrical stimulation is applied, and specifies a value of the electrical stimulation by the electrical stimulation source while considering measured electrical characteristics.

Abstract: Systems and methods for manufacturing solar panels are disclosed. Solar cells are placed on a conveyor that transports the cells from a start point to an end point. A laser scribing module scribes the cells at a predetermined depth. A paste dispensing module deposits a predetermined amount of conductive paste on the surface of the solar cells. A cleaving apparatus divides the cells into smaller strips. A shingling module creates a string of cells by overlapping the strips. A targeted annealing module cures the paste, and a layup module places the strings on a backsheet. A glass cover is then added to one side of the strings.

Abstract: One example embodiment includes a PV module comprising a conductive backsheet, a substantially transparent front plate, a plurality of PV cells, a plurality of conductive spacers, and a power conversion device. The PV cells can be disposed between the conductive backsheet and the front plate and can be arranged in a plurality of rows. The PV cells within each row can be connected to each other in parallel and the rows can be connected in series. The PV cells can be interconnected between the conductive spacers. The power conversion device can be redundantly connected to the PV cells via a last conductive spacer connected to a last row. The power conversion device can substantially maintain a maximum peak power of the PV module and can convert a lower voltage collectively generated by the PV cells to a predetermined stepped up voltage greater than or equal to 12 volts.

Abstract: A sense resistor is coupled between a power source and one or more power pins of an integrated circuit (IC) chip including a circuit component (e.g., a microcontroller unit (MCU)). An on-chip amplifier (e.g., a programmable gain amplifier or op-amp) amplifies the voltage drop over the sense resistor to a level that is within the dynamic range of an on-chip analog-to-digital converter (ADC). In some implementations, the measured signals can be time-stamped and stored in a trace buffer and aligned with other trace data using a front-end tool (e.g., a personal computer). In some implementations, circuitry is included for detecting and handling power consumption events associated with the circuit component. In some implementations, a program counter associated with the circuit component is synchronously sampled with the power consumption measurements and/or other data sources.

Abstract: A fault analysis apparatus is an apparatus for measuring a reaction of a semiconductor device having a wiring extending in two directions orthogonal to each other. The fault analysis apparatus comprises a laser light source that outputs laser light, a control unit that sets a scan direction which is a direction of scanning an irradiation position of the laser light in the semiconductor device, a laser scanner that scans the laser light according to the scan direction, an electric signal detector that measures the reaction of the semiconductor device to the laser light and outputs a measured value, and an image processing unit that creates a two-dimensional map according to the irradiation position and the measured value. The control unit sets the scan direction such that the scan direction intersects the wiring extending directions at an angle greater than 0° but smaller than 90°.

Abstract: A method for testing a photovoltaic panel connected to an electronic module. The electronic module includes an input attached to the photovoltaic panel and a power output. The method activates a bypass to the electronic module. The bypass provides a low impedance path between the input and the output of the electronic module. A current is injected into the electronic module thereby compensating for the presence of the electronic module during the testing. The current may be previously determined by measuring a circuit parameter of the electronic module. The circuit parameter may be impedance, inductance, resistance or capacitance.

Abstract: A PV system includes an irradiance meter to measure solar irradiance received by a PV array in the system. A PV inverter is electrically connected to the PV array via a DC link to regulate the voltage of the PV array. A controller receives an input from the irradiance meter regarding the solar irradiance received by the PV array, causes the PV inverter to alter the operating voltage of the PV array to each of a plurality of voltage values, detects current values in the PV array responsive to the altering of the voltage to each of the voltage values, and generates a power performance curve for the PV array based on the voltage values at which the PV array is operated and the detected current values, with the power performance curve being generated at a known level of solar irradiance based on the input from the irradiance meter.

Abstract: In different exemplary embodiments, a solar cell is provided, including: a substrate with a first region and a second region, wherein the first region includes at least a first electrical conductivity and the second region includes at least a second electrical conductivity which is greater than the first electrical conductivity; and a passivation on the surface of the substrate; and a contact-structure on the surface of the substrate, wherein the contact-structure includes a plurality of contacts; wherein two contacts of the plurality of contacts are disposed at a first distance with respect to each other in the first region; wherein two further contacts of the plurality of contacts are disposed at a second distance with respect to each other in the second region; and wherein the second distance is greater than the first distance.

Abstract: The present invention relates to electrical test apparatuses for photovoltaic components and methods of testing photovoltaic components.

Abstract: Provided are methods and systems for treating shunts on solar cell substrates. Also provided are solar cells including such substrates. A shunt detected on a substrate proximate to a metallized grid pattern is electrically disconnected from at least the bus portion of the grid, which reduces shunt's impact on performance on the solar cell. An antireflective layer may be disposed between the shunt and a portion of the grid extending over the shunt. The exposure pattern of a photoresist used to form the antireflective layer may be adjusted accordingly to achieve this result. In some embodiments, the metallized grid may be modified by adjusting the exposure pattern of a photoresist used to form this grid. The grid may be modified to avoid any contact between the grid and the shunt or to disconnect a portion of the grid contacting the shunt from the bus portion area of the grid.

Abstract: Provided is a system and method for detecting and correcting a suboptimal operation of one or more maximum power point tracking (MPPT) devices in a solar photovoltaic power generation (SPVPG) system. MPPT devices may become stuck in a local maximum in a power curve and fail to reach an optimal maximum power point. Described herein are methods and systems for detecting sub-optimal performance of an MPPT device and managing components within the SPVPG system to cause the MPPT device to track a different maximum power point.

Abstract: Apparatus (1) for manufacturing solar cell matrices includes several stringers (2) for forming strings from solar cells, a lay-up and interconnection station (5) for arranging and interconnecting the strings to form a solar cell matrix, and a transportation system (3) for transferring the strings from the stringers (2) to the lay-up and interconnection station (5), wherein the stringers (2) are arranged perpendicular to the direction of flow of the transportation system (3), or in an acute angle to an axis perpendicular to the direction of flow of the transportation system (3). Furthermore, a process for operating such apparatus (1), wherein the several stringers (2) are controlled such that collision between different strings is avoided in the transportation system (3).

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a photovoltaic cell using a semiconductor wafer having a front side and a rear side, wherein the photovoltaic cell produces electricity when the front side of the semiconductor wafer is illuminated.

Abstract: The electrical output efficiency of a photovoltaic thermal system can be restored from degradation due to light exposure by annealing a photovoltaic thermal cell at an elevated temperature. The elevated temperature at the photovoltaic thermal cell can be provided by redirecting the flow of a heat exchange fluid to bypass a heat exchanger unit. A boiler unit may be employed to provide additional heating of the heat exchange fluid during the anneal. Further, a variable configuration lid can be provided over a front surface of the photovoltaic thermal cell to control ventilation over the front surface. During the anneal, the position of the variable configuration lid can be set so as to trap heat above the front surface and to elevate the anneal temperature further.

Abstract: A calibration device and method of using the device to calibrate an analytical instrument capable of reading a photoluminescent oxygen probe. The device includes at least (a) a first mass of an oxygen sensitive photoluminescent dye retained within a hermetically sealed space so as to isolate the dye from environmental oxygen, and in fluid communication with an activated metal-air battery whereby any oxygen permeating into the hermetically sealed space is quickly consumed by the battery, and (b) a second mass of an oxygen sensitive photoluminescent dye in fluid communication with an environmental concentration of oxygen.

Abstract: A solar panel smart sensor system is disclosed. The sensor system permits solar power system owners and operators to monitor the voltage of individual panels in a solar array. The system uses a low wire-count bus in which the order of sensors on the bus is automatically determined. A novel technique is used to measure DC voltages of panels that may be floating hundreds of volts above ground. Bypass diodes are monitored to detect lost power generation capacity.

Abstract: A solar cell characteristic measuring device measures the output characteristics of a solar cell while avoiding junction capacitance. The device provides a solar cell load circuit by connecting the solar cell with an electronic load device setting a load current or voltage variably, and a measurement circuit connecting voltage and current detectors with the load. An operation point control element divides the magnitude of the load, taken from the solar cell, of the electronic load device into a plurality ranging from states of opening to short-circuiting, while driving the load device in the load circuit periodically and intermittently, changing the load magnitude stepwise and controlling the operation point of the solar cell, and a processing element reading and processing the detected values of the voltage and current detectors at each drive period of the electronic load device and for the period of the stable output voltage of the solar cell.

Abstract: Multilayer articles such as thin-film solar cells can be effectively tested under thermal load in a mini-module that includes a chamber or enclosure in which one or more laminated multilayer articles are housed. The inner dimensions of the chamber, at least along the axis that is perpendicular to the plane defined by the laminated solar cells, are configured to remain substantially constant during testing. Cooling the laminated solar cells in the mini-module device causes the encapsulant material to shrink and thereby induces accelerated failures in the laminated solar cells and associated structures. A technique of detecting the presence of defects or failures is near infrared radiation thermography wherein NIR images of the laminated solar cells are taken during the cooling process. The color patterns manifested from the cooled laminated solar cells can reveal the location, nature and extent of the defect or failure.

Abstract: The property of CIS based thin-film solar cell modules that the modules recover their conversion efficiency, etc. upon irradiation with a weak light is correctly evaluated. A CIS based thin-film solar cell module is subjected to a conventional damp heat test with a constant-light solar simulator (solar simulator) 1D in such a manner that the power of the light source 1E is regulated so that the solar simulator 1D emits a weak light corresponding to the amount of solar radiation in cloudy weather, i.e., resulting in an irradiance of 100-300 W/m2, and the module is continuously irradiated with the weak light throughout the test period under the same temperature, humidity, and storage period conditions as those in the conventional conditions for the test (1,000-hour storage in the dark at a temperature of 85° C. and a relative humidity of 85%).

Abstract: A calibration card and method of using the card to calibrate an analytical instrument capable of reading a photoluminescent oxygen probe. The card includes at least (a) a first mass of an oxygen sensitive photoluminescent dye retained within a hermetically sealed space so as to isolate the dye from environmental oxygen, and in fluid communication with an activated metal-air battery whereby any oxygen permeating into the hermetically sealed space is quickly consumed by the battery, and (b) a second mass of an oxygen sensitive photoluminescent dye in fluid communication with the environment whereby the second mass of photoluminescent dye is exposed to an environmental concentration of oxygen.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the present invention describe an apparatus that includes an oscillator, a ramp generator, and an inverter. The apparatus includes an oscillator, an inverter, and a ramp generator. The oscillator is configured to generate a waveform comprising a low time and a high time. The inverter is configured to receive the waveform generated by the oscillator, and invert the waveform. The ramp generator configured to increase a gate control voltage of a transistor connected to a solar cell, and rapidly decrease the gate control voltage of the transistor. During the low time of the waveform, a measurement of a current and a voltage of the solar cell is performed as the current and voltage of the solar cell are transmitted through a first channel and to a second channel.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to a solar simulator module of a solar cell production line. In one embodiment the solar simulator receives a solar cell module in a horizontal position and reorients the module into a vertical position. A light source is oriented to emit a flash of light in a substantially horizontal orientation toward the vertically oriented solar cell module. In one embodiment, an automated labeling device affixes a label including the electrical characteristics measured onto a back surface of the solar cell module. In one embodiment, a plurality of solar cell modules are received and tested simultaneously.

Abstract: A system for determining a thickness of a photovoltaic module may include a first displacement sensor and a second displacement sensor along a shared axis. The system may also include a support structure that supports the first and second displacement sensors and locates the sensors on either side of the photovoltaic module.

Abstract: After overlaying a conductive adhesive film and the wiring material on an electrode of a solar cell and temporarily fixing the wiring material to the solar cell by pressure bonding under first temperature/pressurizing condition, the quality of the temporarily fixed solar cell is inspected, a solar cell determined to be defective in the inspection step is removed and the defective solar cell is replaced with a non-defective solar cell. Then, the wiring material is temporarily fixed to the non-defective solar cell by pressure bonding the wiring material with the conductive adhesive film interposed therebetween, under the first temperature/pressurizing condition and the wiring materials are fixed to the solar cell by thermally setting the conductive adhesive film under second temperature condition to apply heat higher than the first temperature condition.

Abstract: An apparatus for both detecting and repairing a shunt defect in a solar cell substrate. A shunt detection module detects the shunt defect in the substrate, using at least one of lock-in thermography and current-voltage testing. A process diagnostic module determines whether the substrate should be passed without further processing by the apparatus, rejected without further processing by the apparatus, or repaired by the apparatus. A shunt repair module electrically isolates the shunt defect in the substrate. In this manner, a single apparatus can quickly check for shunts and make a determination as to whether the substrate is worth repairing. If it is worth repairing, then the apparatus can make the repairs to the substrate.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention generally provide methods and an apparatus for processing and qualifying a formed photovoltaic device to assure that the formed photovoltaic device meets desired quality and industry electrical standards. Embodiments of the present invention may also provide a photovoltaic device, or solar cell device, production line that is adapted to form a thin film solar cell device by accepting an unprocessed substrate and performing multiple deposition, material removal, cleaning, bonding, and testing steps to form a complete functional and tested solar cell device. The solar cell device production line, or system, is generally an arrangement of processing modules and automation equipment used to form solar cell devices that are interconnected by automated material handling system.

Abstract: The subject matter of the present invention is a method for monitoring a photovoltaic generator (1) for generating current with a number of solar cells connected between two external connections by repeated feeding of a current with a frequency spectrum into the generator current circuit, detecting thereby a respective frequency response in the frequency spectrum with the supplied current as the input variable and an electric variable of the generator as the output variable, and detecting a change in the frequency response for monitoring the photovoltaic generator (1) in the event of a change during repeated feeding.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for harnessing heat energy uses at least one thermally conductive material in communication with a heat collecting material in order to conduct heat from a first region of the heat collecting material to a second region of the heat collecting material. The thermally conductive material can be interspersed within the heat collecting material and/or applied externally to the heat collecting material. Heat drawn from the second portion can be stored and/or converted into another form of energy for providing power to a structure or vehicle. Conversion can use the differential between the temperature of the second region and the temperature of a cold sink. Additional heat can be added to the heat collecting material.

Abstract: The present invention allows a crystalline photovoltaic module having a super straight type structure in which a light-receiving surface side-sealing EVA layer 2, a photovoltaic cell matrix 3, a back surface side-sealing EVA layer 4 and a back surface-sealing weatherproof film 5 are laminated sequentially in this order on a light-receiving glass 1 and these components are formed into an integral piece to be reused after it has been used in the market for a long time by extending the lifetime of the photovoltaic module. The regeneration method includes peeling the back surface-sealing weatherproof film 5, laminating a new back surface side-sealing EVA layer 8 and a new back surface-sealing weatherproof film 9 in a portion in which the film has been peeled, and then curing for crosslinking the new back surface side-sealing EVA layer 8 that is laminated.

Abstract: There are provided a restricted area including an area in which solar cell modules are installed, a preventer for preventing intrusion of an intruder into the restricted area, and a detector capable of detecting the intrusion of the intruder into the restricted area, and a predetermined electric shock preventer is activated by a signal outputted from the detector upon detection of the intruder to prevent the intruder from receiving an electric shock.

Abstract: A solar cell module comprising a substrate, a filler, a photovoltaic element and a protective layer, wherein at least one of the substrate, the filler, the photovoltaic element and the protective layer is separable from other constituent members. Constituent members having been separated and still serviceable can be reused.

Abstract: A reference output characteristic of a photovoltaic power system at the time of normal operation is obtained in accordance with an installation condition (topography of installation site, meteorological condition, configuration of the system itself, or the like) of the photovoltaic power system, an output characteristic in the photovoltaic power system during operation is actually measured, the obtained reference output characteristic and the measured output characteristic are compared and, based on the comparison result, the normality/abnormality of the output is diagnosed and, at the same time, the cause is diagnosed in the case of abnormality. The reference output characteristic at the time of normal operation can also be obtained based on the measured value of the past output characteristic.

Abstract: In a solar module (1) comprising a plurality of individual solar cells (2) connected together electrically in series, with at least one solar cell (5, 6) exposed to the same conditions and not linked to the other solar cells, which serves as sensor of the instantaneous incident light on the solar module and with a switching device (8) able to be slaved at least indirectly to the sensor so as to act on the output electric power of the solar module, according to the invention, at least two solar cells (5, 6), which are disposed a large distance apart, are provided as sensors whose output voltages or currents are conveyed to an evaluation circuit (7) and are compared with one another by the latter, and the evaluation circuit (7) connects by means of the switching device (8) a shunt which bypasses the series circuit of the solar cells (2) of the solar module (1) when a difference which exceeds a threshold value exists between the outputs of the two sensors.

Abstract: A method for powering a vehicle comprises, in one embodiment, receiving infrared radiation emitted as heat from a roadway surface, and converting energy of the infrared radiation to a form of energy that is useful for providing power to the vehicle. In another embodiment, a method for powering a vehicle comprises: insulating a first region of a road's surface with a material that transmits visible light but blocks infrared radiation, while leaving a second region of the surface uninsulated; conducting heat from portions of the road beneath the first region, to the second region; receiving infrared radiation emitted as heat from the second region; and converting energy of the infrared radiation to a form of energy that is useful for providing power to the vehicle.

Abstract: In a method of repairing a solar panel having a defective solar cell or cells, a replacement cell (or cells) is glued onto a defective solar cell or cells of the solar panel, and is electrically integrated in the solar panel.

Abstract: A solar power generation system having a solar cell provided therein and which is provided with a cooling mechanism, characterized in that the cooling mechanism has a cooling system for cooling the solar cell and a memory and operation for memorizing or operating an optimum cooling and driving state of the cooling system with respect to an output of the solar cell, wherein the cooling system is driven based on an output of the memory and operation system.

Abstract: In a solar module (1) comprising a plurality of individual solar cells (2) connected together electrically in series, with at least one solar cell (5, 6) exposed to the same conditions and not linked to the other solar cells, which serves as sensor of the instantaneous incident light on the solar module and with a switching device (8) able to be slaved at least indirectly to the sensor so as to act on the output electric power of the solar module, according to the invention, at least two solar cells (5, 6), which are disposed a large distance apart, are provided as sensors whose output voltages or currents are conveyed to an evaluation circuit (7) and are compared with one another by the latter, and the evaluation circuit (7) connects by means of the switching device (8) a shunt which bypasses the series circuit of the solar cells (2) of the solar module (1) when a difference which exceeds a threshold value exists between the outputs of the two sensors.

Abstract: Light sources are mounted within a light-proof enclosure in which photovoltaic panels are mounted to produce electrical power irrespective of weather conditions outside the enclosure.

Abstract: An integrated thin-film photoelectric conversion module includes a multi-layered film including a first electrode layer, a semiconductor layer and a second electrode layer stacked on a main surface of a substrate. The multi-layered film includes a cell region including a plurality of photoelectric conversion cells connected in series, a bypass diode region and a connection region. The connection region does not connect the bypass diode to the cell during reverse bias treatment of the cell and the bypass diode, while the connection region connects the bypass diode in antiparallel to at least one of the plurality of cells connected in series after the reverse bias treatment.