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.

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 connecting member set includes a first connecting member connected to one of a pair of solar cells, and a second connecting member connected to the other solar cell. The first connecting member and the second connecting member have a first planar portion and a second planar portion, respectively. The first planar portion and the second planar portion are layered on each other and electrically connected with each other. The first planar portion has at least one of a cut-out portion or an opening through which the second planar portion is exposed toward the first planar portion when the first planar portion and the second planar portion are layered on each other.

A connecting member set includes a first connecting member connected to one of a pair of solar cells, and a second connecting member connected to the other solar cell. The first connecting member and the second connecting member have a first planar portion and a second planar portion, respectively. The first planar portion and the second planar portion are layered on each other and electrically connected with each other. The first planar portion has at least one of a cut-out portion or an opening through which the second planar portion is exposed toward the first planar portion when the first planar portion and the second planar portion are layered on each other.

Disclosed is a method for determining a solar mask for a facility that comprises a step (E10) of positioning a mobile terminal at a predetermined location of a photovoltaic panel. Following the step (E10), the method comprises a step (E20) of taking a single photograph with a camera of the mobile terminal and a step (E30) of determining an orientation of the camera, during the step (E20), by means of an orientation detection device and a controller of the mobile terminal. The method further comprises a step (E40) of extending at least one contour of the photograph, in at least one direction, and a step (E60) of superimposing data from the extended photograph with a sun path diagram, in a common reference frame, so as to determine the solar mask.

Disclosed is a method for determining a solar mask for a facility that comprises a step (E10) of positioning a mobile terminal at a predetermined location of a photovoltaic panel. Following the step (E10), the method comprises a step (E20) of taking a single photograph with a camera of the mobile terminal and a step (E30) of determining an orientation of the camera, during the step (E20), by means of an orientation detection device and a controller of the mobile terminal. The method further comprises a step (E40) of extending at least one contour of the photograph, in at least one direction, and a step (E60) of superimposing data from the extended photograph with a sun path diagram, in a common reference frame, so as to determine the solar mask.

A device for converting solar radiation is described wherein the device comprises an inorganic luminescent material comprising a host material doped with Mn.sup.5+ ions for converting radiation of the UV and/or visible part of the electromagnetic spectrum into radiation of the near-infrared radiation part of the electromagnetic spectrum, preferably the infrared part between 1150 nm and 1250 nm, preferably around 1190 nm (the infrared emission peak of Mn.sup.5+); or, an amorphous host material doped with Sm.sup.2+ or Tm.sup.2+ ions, the amorphous host material including the elements Al, Si, O and N (SiAlON) for converting radiation of the UV and/or visible part of the electromagnetic spectrum into radiation of a longer wavelength, preferably a longer wavelength between 650 nm and 800 nm or a longer wavelength of around 1140 nm; and, at least one photovoltaic device for converting at least part of the converted radiation into electrical power.

The present invention relates to a photovoltaic element comprising: i. a light transmissive, coloured multilayer top sheet having an appearance that exhibits a colouration change depending on the viewing angle, the top sheet comprising: a. a textured transparent front cover sheet, and b. a pigmented top coating layer disposed on the backside of the top sheet with respect to the direction of the incandescent light; ii. a first encapsulant layer; iii. one or more photovoltaic cells, each comprising at least one photovoltaically active surface, and comprising two electrically-conductive electrode layers with a photovoltaic material disposed between them; iv. a second encapsulant layer, and v. a back cover sheet.