Abstract: A separable solar energy storage device, comprising a solar energy reception device, a solar energy conversion circuit, an extension cord for connecting the solar energy reception device and the solar energy conversion circuit, and storage batteries connecting to the solar energy conversion circuit, the solar energy reception device can be disposed, through connection to the extension cord, at the optimal position for the most efficient reception of solar energy, so as to enable storage batteries to achieve the optimal energy-storage efficiency.

Abstract: A system and method for mounting a solar panel includes a housing and a cover configured to pivotally connect to the housing. The cover disengages the housing when the cover is at a release angle from the housing.

Abstract: A backup power supply apparatus. The apparatus includes a light absorbing device which consists of at least one light absorbing element. The light absorbing elements are pivotally engaged with each other and are foldable for being housed inside a casing for portability. The light absorbing elements may be unfolded to absorb light from a light source to generate electric power output required by a load.

Abstract: Chips, and methods of manufacturing thereof, comprising a base having a surface, and a plurality of components integrated in the base. Each component is coupled to at least one individual electrode disposed on the surface and to a counter-electrode. Each component operates as an electric generator, when activated by a power supply external to the chip. The counter-electrode is disposed such that each activated component creates a polarization voltage and/or a polarization current between that at least one individual electrode and the counter-electrode, when a medium is brought into contact with the surface.

Abstract: A concentrating photovoltaic module comprising: a lightguide member having at least one exit face and a plurality of entrance faces; and at least one solar cell placed immediately after the exit face of the lightguide member; wherein the lightguide member is comprised of a light transmissive, solid medium having no refractive-index-discontinuity portion and a surface of the lightguide member is smooth and wherein the lightguide member makes sunbeams incident on the plurality of entrance faces, totally reflected on side faces, and emergent from the exit face, whereby the sunbeams can be concentrated on the solar cell with high efficiency.

Abstract: A web of photovoltaic roofing material exhibited by an elongated, substantially thin, and flexible web including a central photovoltaic area encapsulated within a polymeric material, the polymeric material including both side and end extending edges beyond the photovoltaic area. A pair of contact terminals extend from a selected end of the flexible web and establish electrical communication with the photovoltaic area. Overlapping edges of succeeding webs of roofing material are secured in place by elongated clamping strips and batten caps. An elongated flexible web, incorporating numerous detachable and individual sections, may be wound upon a spool and the spool may in turn be secured to a trolley, such as which may be traversable along an eave extending edge of the roof for applying the photovoltaic material.

Abstract: A solar cell plate for generating electric current, is designed advantageously in that it is comprised of a number of individual plates that can be moved in relation to one another to produce a convenient packing size.

Abstract: The invention relates to a solar photovoltaic array module design, which constitutes three steps of optical concentrations of photovoltaic electric power generation systems. A compound parabolic concentrator (CPC) is mounted under a first optical concentrating fresnel lens that concentrates the intensity of sunlight to five times above normal level. Then the focused sunlight is further concentrated twenty times by the second optical concentrator CPC. The high mirror quality of CPC allows 98% of the reflected rays to be focused at the bottom of the CPC. At this point, the intensified sunlight passes through a third optical concentrator glass lens, which with anti-reflection coating on the top of the glass lens' surface, incident on the multi-junction solar cell accomplish the third optical concentration for the photovoltaic electric energy conversion.

Abstract: A transparent electromagnetic shield to protect solar panels and the like from dust deposition. The shield is a panel of clear non-conducting (dielectric) material with embedded parallel electrodes. The panel is coated with a semiconducting film. Desirably the electrodes are transparent. The electrodes are connected to a single-phase AC signal or to a multi-phase AC signal that produces a travelling electromagnetic wave. The electromagnetic field produced by the electrodes lifts dust particles away from the shield and repels charged particles. Deposited dust particles are removed when the electrodes are activated, regardless of the resistivity of the dust. Electrostatic charges on the panel are discharged by the semiconducting film. When used in conjunction with photovoltaic cells, the power for the device may be obtained from the cells themselves. For other surfaces, such as windshields, optical windows and the like, the power must be derived from an external source.

Abstract: The solar cell string of the present invention comprises a plurality of solar cells interconnected in series and/or parallel, one positive terminal, and one negative terminal, wherein at least a part of an electric line thereof is not housed in an insulating envelope, and the line is grounded at an electrical middle point between the positive and negative terminals or a point on the side of the negative terminal with respect to the electrical middle point, whereby an environmental resistant coating significantly responsible for a cost of a solar cell module and an insulating coating of a member for interconnecting solar cells in series and/or parallel can be simplified, and safety of an exposed electric line resulting from the simplification of the environmental resistant coating and the insulating coating can be improved.

Abstract: A layer configuration on a support, the layer configuration comprising a non-photoactive element exclusive of unsubstituted poly(3,4-alkylenedioxythiophene)s, the element containing at least one polymer selected from the group consisting of polycarboxy-polymers, optionally quaternized polyamine-polymers and poly(vinylphosphonic acid), the surface of one side of the element being contiguous with a positive electrode and the surface on the opposite side of the element being contiguous with a material capable of transporting holes.

Abstract: The use of newly discovered chemical reaction products, created when reactants combine to form products on the surface of a catalyst, to generate electricity, beams of radiation or mechanical motion. The invention also provides methods to convert the products into electricity or motion. The electric generator consists of a catalyst nanocluster, nanolayer or quantum well placed on a substrate consisting of a semiconductor diode, and a semiconductor diode on the surface of the substrate near the catalyst. The device to generate mechanical motion consists of a catalyst nanocluster, nanolayer or quantum well placed on a substrate, and a hydraulic fluid in contact with the non-reaction side of the substrate, with the surfaces of both the catalyst and substrate mechanically formed to enhance the unidirectional forces on the fluid. Both devices use a fuel-oxidizer mixture brought in contact with the catalyst.

Abstract: A mobile has mobile elements made from a solar cell, a hollow beam and a motivator. The solar cell is mounted to a substrate and connected via wires through the hollow beam to the motivator. The hollow beam supports the substrate at one end and the motivator at the other. The motivator may be a small electric fan or valved gas jet. The substrate is a flat plastic panel, such as a CD-ROM disc, a lightweight plastic sheet, and printed circuit board. The mobile elements may be connected as in a traditional Calder mobile, or in an aligned vertical stack. As the solar panels receive sufficient light, power for the motivator is generated, causing the mobile elements to move.

Abstract: A by-pass diode includes a first lead plate and a second lead plate respectively arranged on the top face and the bottom face of a rectifier laminate and extending therefrom in opposite directions in parallel relation to each other. The first lead plates is made thinner than the second lead plate. The first lead plate includes a rectangular body portion and a head portion extending from one end face of the rectangular body portion and connected to the rectifier laminate. The head portion further includes a reduced neck portion. The first lead plate has slits in the zone adjacent the head and neck portions connected to the rectifier laminate, the slits being notched deeply width-wise, alternately from each longitudinal side of the rectangular body portion. The by-pass diode is incorporated into a terminal housing for solar battery modules. In such a terminal housing, the link portions connecting the rectifier laminate to the lead plates are prevented from delamination, even under severe use conditions.

Abstract: An array of elongated concave parabolic trough-shaped reflectors is disclosed. The orientation of the array is biaxially kept essentially perpendicular to rays of the sun by an optical control such that sunlight is reflected and concentrated along a focal line of each elongated reflector by which (a) water in a tube disposed at the focal line is heated by reflected line focused sunlight impinged thereon and/or (b) line focused reflected sunlight is optically transformed into point focused reflected sunlight using Fresnel lenses from which electricity is generated using solar cells upon which the point focused reflected sunlight is impinged.

Abstract: A PV assembly comprises a base, having a length L, an upwardly extending PV module, having a length H, and a downwardly extending deflector. The PV module and the deflector are preferably secured to the base so that they are placeable at shipping and inclined-use angles. The module may be connected to the base by a living hinge. The deflector may comprise an outer surface having a solar reflectivity of at least about 0.2, and more preferably of at least about 0.7, whereby solar radiation contacting the outer surface may be redirected to an adjacent PV module to increase the power output of the adjacent PV module. The inclined-use angle of the PV module may be about 2° to 15° and a ground cover ratio of H/L may be about 0.6 to about 0.8 for increased power output.

Abstract: When a plurality of solar battery modules are to be connected, terminals formed on the rear surfaces of these solar battery modules are connected by electric wires. This wiring is very cumbersome work, so power output wires from a plurality of solar battery modules get tangled together to cause connection errors. In a solar battery module including a cover member for supporting a photovoltaic element, and a structure support member having a portion which forms an angle or a curved surface with respect to the cover member, an electric connecting terminal is formed at an opening of the structure support member, and a locking member at least partially formed by a continuous body is inserted into the structure support member. In this way, the solar battery module is fixed and/or electrically connected.

Abstract: Solar panel includes solar cells affixed to one or more sheet elements and a frame for supporting the sheet elements, wherein the frame is provided with attachment members for attaching the sheet elements to the frame. The attachment members include one or more pretensioned strings, the sheet elements being attached to the strings. Preferably, the sheet elements are composed of flexible material and are attached to the string in a corrugated shape, wherein the sheet elements are provided with at least one row of apertures for weaving a string through successive apertures of the row.

Abstract: If an inverter is merely attached to the back side of a solar battery module, the inverter becomes an obstacle to transport and installation, it may be broken if it strikes a building structure at the time of installation and it may malfunction owing to impact with an object. Accordingly, a weather-resistant film, a first filler, a solar battery element, a second filler and a back reinforcing material are stacked in the order mentioned and the fillers are melted using a vacuum laminator to thereby seal the solar battery element in resin between the back reinforcing material and weather-resistant film. At this time an inverter is placed on the surface of the back reinforcing material that opposes the solar battery element.

Abstract: A cover, constructed as a solar generator, for closing an opening in the bodywork of a vehicle which consists of a transparent panel, an assembly attached to the underside of the panel, which assembly consists of a solar cell field and a plastics material in which the latter is embedded, a frame foamed onto the peripheral edge area of the panel, optionally reinforced by embedded profiled bars, and a foam-molded backing layer connected in one piece with the frame. The simply constructed solar cover producible in this way without seal and foam-restricting arrangements exerting contact pressure forces on the assembly allows the application of elevated foaming pressures without the risk of damage to the sensitive solar cells. The backing layer protects the assembly from below and allows the foaming on of projections, ribs and the like. A preferred method of producing the solar cover is also proposed, in which the foaming pressure is >1 bar.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for extracting energy is provided. In one aspect the method includes using chemical reactions to generate vibrationally excited molecules, such as high-quantum-number-vibrationally-excited gas molecules in a region. The vibration energy in the vibrationally excited molecules is converted into hot electrons when the excited molecules contact a conductor. A geometry is provided so that the excited molecules may travel, diffuse or wander into a conductor before loosing a useful fraction of the vibrational energy. Optionally, the generating and the converting process may be thermally separated, at least in part. The short lived hot electrons are converted into longer lived entities such as carriers and potentials in a semiconductor, where the energy is converted into a useful form.

Abstract: According to a method for mounting a plurality of solar battery modules, an underlying member (roofing member) is fixed at a location where the solar battery modules are to be mounted. The underlying member has a wiring made of conductive material that is formed for drawing electric power from the solar battery modules and has connection terminals at respective positions to be connected with each solar battery module. Connection terminals of each solar battery module are coupled with the connection terminals of the underlying member to fasten each solar battery module.

Abstract: A multi-paneled window structure in which at least one panel is a photovoltaic panel and at least one other panel is a window panel comprised of vision glass.

Abstract: There is provided a wireless-type power supply method that is applied to the case where an object to which energy is to be transmitted is relatively small, such as a micromachine, and that allows high-voltage electrical energy to be transmitted without using a wire. In this method, the optical energy from an light source is converted into high-voltage electrical energy by means of an energy transducer formed of either a piezoelectric element or a photovoltaic element on the above-described object, and the high-voltage electrical energy is supplied to an actuator, whereby the construction of the receiving side of the energy transmission is simplified.

Abstract: A solar cell array is provided having a lattice or matrix structure such that no two solar cell devices are connected purely in series or purely in parallel. Accordingly, if a single solar cell device fails, there is an alternate path by which the output power of all other solar cell devices may contribute to the total output power of the solar cell array. Also, the power output of the entire array is much less sensitive to a low voltage or current for a single solar cell device than in a conventional array where devices are connected in series and in parallel. Beneficially, current setting devices, such as resistors, are provided for better matching the voltages and currents within the array, although in some applications, the resistors can be eliminated, or set to zero. The lattice or matrix structures may be extended in one, two, and three-dimensional patterns.

Abstract: A flexible photovoltaic cell integrated onto an active card, such as a greeting card or “smart” card, may be fabricated separately and then integrated with additional electronics on the active card. Alternatively, the photovoltaic cell may be fabricated on the active card itself, constituting, if desired, part or all of its surface design.

Abstract: An apparatus for converting solar energy to thermal and electrical energy including a photovoltaic grid for converting the concentrated solar energy into electrical energy mounted on a copper plate that provides even temperature dispersion across the plate and acts as a thermal radiator when the apparatus is used in the radiant cooling mode; and a plurality of interconnected heat transfer tubes located within the enclosure and disposed on the plane below the copper plate but conductively coupled to the copper plate for converting the solar energy to thermal energy in a fluid disposed within the heat transfer tubes. Fresnel lenses are affixed to the apparatus on mountings for concentrating the solar energy on to the photovoltiac grid and functioning as a passive solar tracker.

Abstract: A folding photovoltaic strip device is provided comprising a plurality of photovoltaic modules joined to form a strip and pleated by flexible, transverse creases so that the device may be stored folded together along the creases, in a compact form, and the creases sprung opened to expose the modules to energizing light. The creases are permanent to facilitate folding the device for storage, and the ends of the strip may be attached to a casing and a lid in which the strip is to be stored.

Abstract: A system and method for providing power to a light-powered transponder. In order to create a sufficient voltage differential, two different photovoltaic elements are used. The photovoltaic elements generate voltages of different polarities. Because the photovoltaic elements are used independently to generate voltages with different polarities, the present system can achieve a desired voltage differential despite the inherent difficulties presented by the use of a standard CMOS process.

Abstract: This device is a specially designed sealed compartment with a highly reflective or mirrored interior.

Abstract: A solar battery module includes a plurality of solar cells connected to one another and a plurality of spaces each provided between adjacent solar cells, the plurality of spaces including at least one repair space which is larger than other spaces. A replacement solar cell includes an electrode and an interconnector electrically connected to the electrode, the interconnector including a connecting portion, which is positioned with respect to a connecting portion of an interconnector electrically connected to an electrode of an existing solar cell adjacent to the repair space so that the connection by the interconnectors is performed in the repair space. A method of replacing a solar cell includes the steps of simultaneously removing a plurality of existing solar cells arranged between at least two repair spaces, and simultaneously mounting a plurality of replacement solar cells to the region from which the plurality of existing solar cells are removed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for the design and manufacture of foldable integrated stiffeners. These stiffeners may be used in, for example, thin-film arrays of electrochemical devices.

Abstract: A solar cell-bearing roof includes a roof base member provided on a partition wall which partitions a building into an indoor portion and an outdoor portion, a solar cell module provided on the roof base member, and electric wiring with one end portion being electrically connected with the solar cell module. The end portion of the electric wiring is drawn to the outside from between the roof base member and the solar cell module and at an outdoor-sided position than an indoor side face of the partition wall.

Abstract: A condensation panel to be used for harvesting water from atmospheric moisture during those times of the diurnal cycle when relative humidity is at or near 100% utilizes very localized cooling to optimize condensation on a surface whose materials promote the condensation and collection of the water. The panel is passive in the sense that it can be deployed and left in an unmaintained condition for considerable periods of time. At least one time each day, almost certainly in the morning, water harvested by the process of assisted condensation can be collected for use.

Abstract: An adaptive full spectrum solar energy system having at least one hybrid solar concentrator, at least one hybrid luminaire, at least one hybrid photobioreactor, and a light distribution system operably connected to each hybrid solar concentrator, each hybrid luminaire, and each hybrid photobioreactor. A lighting control system operates each component.

Abstract: Device for generating power and providing shade in motor vehicles. A solar cell (1) having a reflective back surface layer is attached to a suitable body part (2) of a motor vehicle. An insulating and inner lining layer (3) is provided beneath the body part, which may be, for example, the body sheet of the roof of a vehicle. The solar cell mainly includes a supporting layer (11), a reflective layer (12) on the back of an active photovoltaic layer (13) and a protective layer (14) that covers the latter in an upward direction, i.e., toward the outside, in the direction of the incident radiation. The incident radiation, sunlight or daylight, is represented by the row of arrows (4), and the radiation reflected at the boundary between the photovoltaic layer and the reflective layer is represented by the two arrows (5).

Abstract: This invention is a power converter integrated solar cell module having a power converter mounted on the rear surface of a solar cell module. This solar cell module has a structure by which the power converter is attached to a low-temperature portion on the solar cell module rear surface.

Abstract: When a ground fault occurs in some solar battery string, this solar battery string may be disconnected and operation of a solar power generation system may be continued. If the open-circuit voltage of the solar battery string is high, a safety problem arises. If the open-circuit voltage is decreased, the conversion efficiency decreases. Therefore, an intermediate switch is provided midway along the solar battery string. When a ground fault occurs, this solar battery string where the ground fault has occurred is divided into substrings.

Abstract: A device is provided which comprises a solar cell section and a thin film battery section. The solar cell section includes one or more solar cells, which generate electrical power and charge electricity in the thin film battery section when they receive light. The thin film battery section can be attached to or fabricated on the non-light-receiving side of or separated apart from the solar cell section and comprises one or more thin film batteries. This invention eliminates the requirement of using a bulky rechargeable battery to store the energy generated by the solar cell section. Thus, the rechargeable solar battery not only has the recharging capability, it is also thin and light. This invention is very usefully especially for portable devices and solar powered devices.

Abstract: A backup power supply apparatus includes at a light source absorbing device which consists of at least one light source absorbing element. The light source absorbing element is pivotally engaged with each other and is foldable for housing inside a casing to facilitate carrying outdoors for use. The light source absorbing element may be unfolded to absorb light source to generate electric power output required by a load.

Abstract: A solar simulator is provided having a radiation source for generating radiation with a spectral (energy) distribution that largely corresponds to the spectral distribution of sunlight. At least one filter is arranged in the region of the radiation source. This filter suppresses long wave or short wave radiation components of the radiation source. The filter is movable, basically perpendicular, to the irradiation direction of the radiation source. An irradiation plane capable of accommodating objects to be irradiated is set at a distance from the radiation source and the at least one filter such that the radiation coming directly from the radiation source, as well as the at least one filter, impinge on the irradiation plane as basically homogenous radiation of a punctiform light source.

Abstract: A combination photovoltaic cell and RF antenna in a single unit performs the dual functions of transmitting and receiving RF signals to and from a transceiver and converting light waves to electric power to operate the transceiver. The photovaltaic cell is formed of semiconductor material laminated to a thin dielectric backing and electrically connected with the power circuit of the transceiver to supply electrical power thereto. The dielectric backing is bonded to a metallic substrate to provide a ground plane. A tuned shielded cable having a signal conductor is interconnected between the photovoltaic cell and the RF output stage of the transceiver, and the conductive shield of the cable is interconnected between the metallic substrate ground plane and the ground stage of the transceiver such that the photovoltaic cell transmits and receives RF signals to and from the transceiver and also converts light waves to electric power to operate the transceiver.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a solar powered backlighted building and home identification system for use in outdoor ambient areas exposed to sunlight. The system includes a substantially closed container having at least one lighted area with opposing rails that define opposite sides of the lighted area. Sliding indicia, used to identify the home or building, are placed between the rails. A solar cell is disposed on the container such that said solar cell is exposed to ambient sunlight during daylight hours. The solar cell charges a battery which is used to energize at least one light bulb disposed within the container to illuminate the lighted area of the container during periods of darkness. A photoelectric cell may be utilized to energize the light bulb only during periods of darkness. The sliding indicia may be changed to display pertinent home or building information.

Abstract: A PV roof assembly (6) includes a roof (12) mountable to an electric vehicle (4), and a PV assembly (10) at the upper part of the roof. The PV assembly may be mounted to a separate roof surface (34) or the PV assembly may itself constitute all or part of the roof. The vehicle may include a secondary PV assembly (96) coupled to a display unit (92) to provide an independent indication of the intensity of solar irradiation. The roof may have mounting element recesses (68) to accommodate mounting elements (70) of the PV assembly, the mounting elements configured so as not to shade the PV panel (14). The roof may also be configured to accommodate a global positioning device (80). The roof preferably includes a peripheral gutter (88). The roof body preferably includes hand-hold recesses (90) housing hand-hold elements (42) at positions to provide a horizontal setback (92) from the lateral sides (93) of the roof body.

Abstract: A solar fan is disclosed. The solar fan includes a main body having an electric fan inside, and a plurality of solar cell arrays pivotally connected to the main body. Each of the solar cell arrays is pivotal between an outspread position and a folded position relative to the main body. A retainer is provided for holding the solar cell array in the outspread position. In addition, the solar cell arrays are electrically connected to the electric fan so as to supply power to the fan when being in sunlight.

Abstract: In a solar cell roof structure, a photovoltaic power generating apparatus, a building and a method of construction of a solar cell roof, in which a solar cell module is provided above a roof base of a building, an electrical wire for the solar cell module is provided in a space between the solar cell module and the roof base, and the electrical wire extends into a space at the back of the roof base through a through hole provided in the roof base. A base sealing member on the roof base is provided for covering the through hole and an exit is provided in the base sealing member through which the electrical wire extends into the space between the solar cell module and the roof base at a portion of the base sealing member other than a portion just over the through hole of the base sealing member. The base sealing member can include a heat-resisting or fire resistive material on the roof base for covering the through hole.

Abstract: A multi-paneled window structure in which at least one panel is a photovoltaic panel and at least one other panel is a window panel comprised of vision glass.

Abstract: Each PV assembly of an array of PV assemblies comprises a base, a PV module and a support assembly securing the PV module to a position overlying the upper surface of the base. Vents are formed through the base. A pressure equalization path extends from the outer surface of the PV module, past the peripheral edge of the PV module, to and through at least one of the vents, and to the lower surface of the base to help reduce wind uplift forces on the PV assembly. The PV assemblies may be interengaged, such as by interengaging the bases of adjacent PV assemblies. The base may include a main portion and a cover and the bases of adjacent PV assemblies may be interengaged by securing the covers of adjacent bases together.

Abstract: A photovoltaic generator including at least one photovoltaic cell, and a transparent matrix placed with at least one optically active material with an absorption wavelength &lgr;a and a reemission wavelength &lgr;r, the optically active material selected such that &lgr;a corresponds to a range of the photovoltaic cell with a lower sensitivity than &lgr;r, the matrix having an input surface and an opposite surface and comprises a reflecting coating an a dichroic filter on the input surface that substantially reflects wavelengths longer than about 950 nm and is substantially transparent for wavelengths less than about 950 nm, and on the opposite surface the matrix has a reflecting coating that reflects wavelengths greater than about 400 nm, and wherein the photovoltaic cell is included in the matrix.

Abstract: A photovoltaic array (20, 20′) includes a plurality of elongated rails (28) each of which has a lower base (30) and an upper cap (32) of an extruded resin construction defining a pair of grooves (36) that open in opposite directions from each other to receive edges 36 of rectangular photovoltaic modules (22) so as to provide mounting thereof on a support surface (20, 24). The photovoltaic modules (22) are arranged in pairs (38) with the modules of each pair abutting each other and with each pair of modules being spaced along the elongated lengths of the rails from each adjacent pair of modules to provide openings (40) therebetween. Cross members (42) extend between the lower bases (30) of the rails to space the rails from each other and have upwardly opening shapes that receive electrical wiring (44).