The present invention is a photovoltaic-thermoelectric solar cell and a method of manufacturing a photovoltaic-thermoelectric solar cell. The solar cell includes a substantially transparent electrode, an organometallic photovoltaic material disposed on the transparent electrode, and a cathode disposed on the organometallic photovoltaic material. The organometallic photovoltaic material may be a porphyrin nanomaterial.

The present invention is a photovoltaic-thermoelectric solar cell and a method of manufacturing a photovoltaic-thermoelectric solar cell. The solar cell includes a substantially transparent electrode, an organometallic photovoltaic material disposed on the transparent electrode, and a cathode disposed on the organometallic photovoltaic material. The organometallic photovoltaic material may be a porphyrin nanomaterial.

A photovoltaic panel assembly including a heat sink and a plurality of photovoltaic modules mounted on the heat sink. Each photovoltaic module includes a photovoltaic element separated from an emitter assembly by a gap. The emitter assembly includes an emitter and applies force towards the photovoltaic element to maintain the gap. The photovoltaic panel assembly may also utilize a force application layer on the emitter and be bolted in place. A housing can be used for protection and to transfer energy to the emitter. The heat sink cantilevers into the housing to define a space between the photovoltaic modules and the inner surface of the housing. Preferably, the housing maintains a vacuum and, in turn, the gap is evacuated. The heat sink can be monolithic and cooled with fluid pumped therethrough. The emitter may be transparent or at least partially transmissive.

A photovoltaic panel assembly including a heat sink and a plurality of photovoltaic modules mounted on the heat sink. Each photovoltaic module includes a photovoltaic element separated from an emitter assembly by a gap. The emitter assembly includes an emitter and applies force towards the photovoltaic element to maintain the gap. The photovoltaic panel assembly may also utilize a force application layer on the emitter and be bolted in place. A housing can be used for protection and to transfer energy to the emitter. The heat sink cantilevers into the housing to define a space between the photovoltaic modules and the inner surface of the housing. Preferably, the housing maintains a vacuum and, in turn, the gap is evacuated. The heat sink can be monolithic and cooled with fluid pumped therethrough. The emitter may be transparent or at least partially transmissive.

Nanocomposites in accordance with many embodiments of the invention can be capable of converting electromagnetic radiation to an electric signal, such as signals in the form of current or voltage. In some embodiments, metallic nanostructures are integrated with graphene material to form a metallo-graphene nanocomposite. Graphene is a material that has been explored for broadband and ultrafast photodetection applications because of its distinct optical and electronic characteristics. However, the low optical absorption and the short carrier lifetime of graphene can limit its use in many applications. Nanocomposites in accordance with various embodiments of the invention integrates metallic nanostructures, such as (but not limited to) plasmonic nanoantennas and metallic nanoparticles, with a graphene-based material to form metallo-graphene nanostructures that can offer high responsivity, ultrafast temporal responses, and broadband operation in a variety of optoelectronic applications.

Nanocomposites in accordance with many embodiments of the invention can be capable of converting electromagnetic radiation to an electric signal, such as signals in the form of current or voltage. In some embodiments, metallic nanostructures are integrated with graphene material to form a metallo-graphene nanocomposite. Graphene is a material that has been explored for broadband and ultrafast photodetection applications because of its distinct optical and electronic characteristics. However, the low optical absorption and the short carrier lifetime of graphene can limit its use in many applications. Nanocomposites in accordance with various embodiments of the invention integrates metallic nanostructures, such as (but not limited to) plasmonic nanoantennas and metallic nanoparticles, with a graphene-based material to form metallo-graphene nanostructures that can offer high responsivity, ultrafast temporal responses, and broadband operation in a variety of optoelectronic applications.

A solar power generator for generating electricity from sunlight in which a photovoltaic panel is provided so as to be oriented for minimising exposure to direct sunlight. A heat absorber is provided, together with a filter for receiving sunlight and filtering ultraviolet and visible light components to the photovoltaic panel and infrared components to the heat absorber. The heat absorber may include a thermoelectric module.

A solar power generator for generating electricity from sunlight in which a photovoltaic panel is provided so as to be oriented for minimising exposure to direct sunlight. A heat absorber is provided, together with a filter for receiving sunlight and filtering ultraviolet and visible light components to the photovoltaic panel and infrared components to the heat absorber. The heat absorber may include a thermoelectric module.

Provided is an energy harvesting device, including a solar cell including at least one active layer for receiving a first range of electromagnetic frequencies, at least one layer including antenna structures for receiving RF energy and formed on a first side of the solar cell, and at least one semiconductor for absorbing IR energy, and formed on a second side of the solar cell opposite the first side.

Provided is an energy harvesting device, including a solar cell including at least one active layer for receiving a first range of electromagnetic frequencies, at least one layer including antenna structures for receiving RF energy and formed on a first side of the solar cell, and at least one semiconductor for absorbing IR energy, and formed on a second side of the solar cell opposite the first side.