A method of making a photovoltaic module includes the step of obtaining a frontsheet having a glass layer, a light scattering encapsulant layer, and a polymer layer. The light scattering encapsulant layer includes a first region, a plurality of first portions extending from the first region, and at least one area located between the first portions. The first portions of the light scattering encapsulant layer has a first light scattering value and a second portion defined by the area has a second light scattering value different from the first light scattering value. The method includes the steps of obtaining at least one solar cell, an encapsulant, and a backsheet, and laminating the frontsheet, the encapsulant, the at least one solar cell, and the backsheet.

A method of making a photovoltaic module includes the step of obtaining a frontsheet having a glass layer, a light scattering encapsulant layer, and a polymer layer. The light scattering encapsulant layer includes a first region, a plurality of first portions extending from the first region, and at least one area located between the first portions. The first portions of the light scattering encapsulant layer has a first light scattering value and a second portion defined by the area has a second light scattering value different from the first light scattering value. The method includes the steps of obtaining at least one solar cell, an encapsulant, and a backsheet, and laminating the frontsheet, the encapsulant, the at least one solar cell, and the backsheet.

A photovoltaic module includes an encapsulated photovoltaic element and an infrared-transmissive decorative overlay simulating conventional roofing.

A photovoltaic module includes an encapsulated photovoltaic element and an infrared-transmissive decorative overlay simulating conventional roofing.

A solar tracking system (200) comprises multiple solar panel modules (SPMi) forming a grid of solar panel modules, wherein the multiple solar panel modules (SPMi) are orientatable to a solar source independently of each other; and a control system (SPCi) configured to orient each of the multiple solar panel modules (SPMi) to the solar source independently of each other based on a performance model to optimize an energy output from the grid of solar panel modules, wherein the performance model predicts an energy output from the grid of solar panel modules based on a topography of the area containing the grid of solar panel modules and weather conditions local to each of the solar panel modules (SPMi).

Various embodiments herein relate to systems for powering electrochromic windows in a building. Systems may include photovoltaic panels configured to generate electrical power, energy storage device(s) configured for storing generated power, and one or more controllers on a network of electrochromic windows that are configured to receive power from the energy storage device(s) and power tint transitions in one or more electrochromic windows. Systems may include various additional circuit components described herein for regulating and/or controlling the generation, storage, and application of electric power. The systems and techniques described herein can be used to design networks of electrochromic windows that are hybrid-solar or off-the-grid (“OTG”).

Various embodiments herein relate to systems for powering electrochromic windows in a building. Systems may include photovoltaic panels configured to generate electrical power, energy storage device(s) configured for storing generated power, and one or more controllers on a network of electrochromic windows that are configured to receive power from the energy storage device(s) and power tint transitions in one or more electrochromic windows. Systems may include various additional circuit components described herein for regulating and/or controlling the generation, storage, and application of electric power. The systems and techniques described herein can be used to design networks of electrochromic windows that are hybrid-solar or off-the-grid (“OTG”).

A photovoltaic glass pane includes a glass panel, and one or more photovoltaic cells arranged on or in the glass panel. Each of the one or more photovoltaic cells has a light receiving surface to be exposed to light from a light source and being comprised of a semiconducting material having a spectral response to the light. A spectral conversion layer is arranged between the light receiving surface and the light source and is configured to convert photons from the light source of a first energy into photons of a second energy. The spectral response to the photons of the second energy is higher than the spectral response to the photons of the first energy.

A photovoltaic glass pane includes a glass panel, and one or more photovoltaic cells arranged on or in the glass panel. Each of the one or more photovoltaic cells has a light receiving surface to be exposed to light from a light source and being comprised of a semiconducting material having a spectral response to the light. A spectral conversion layer is arranged between the light receiving surface and the light source and is configured to convert photons from the light source of a first energy into photons of a second energy. The spectral response to the photons of the second energy is higher than the spectral response to the photons of the first energy.

A modular, photovoltaic utility pole system comprises an optoelectronic module having a photovoltaic module arranged within a pole having a transparent window. The photovoltaic module having with an optical cross section. The photovoltaic module is configured to convert light to electric current. The modular, photovoltaic utility pole system further comprises an electric management module configured to manage flow of the electric current from the photovoltaic module to an electric device, and a support module configured to affix at least the optoelectronic module to a base.