A solar power generation paddle includes a blanket that is stored by being taken up into a roll with using extension masts, and that is extended. Solar battery cells are disposed on one surface of the blanket, and thermoelectric conversion elements are disposed on the other surface of the blanket. A plurality of heat dissipation members are disposed on surfaces of the thermoelectric conversion elements which are opposite to surfaces near the blanket, along an extending direction, to cover the thermoelectric conversion elements.

A method of making a light converting optical system comprising providing a first optical layer, a thin sheet of reflective light scattering material, a light source, a second optical layer approximately coextensive with the first optical layer, a continuous broad-area photoabsorptive film layer approximately coextensive with the first optical layer, positioning the thin sheet of reflective light scattering material parallel to the first optical layer, positioning the continuous broad-area photoabsorptive film layer between and parallel to the first optical layer and the thin sheet of reflective material, and positioning the second optical layer on a light path between the light source and the continuous broad-area photoabsorptive film layer. The first optical layer has a microstructured broad-area front surface comprising an array of linear grooves disposed side by side and extending along a straight line between two edges of the layer.

A method of making a light converting optical system comprising providing a first optical layer, a thin sheet of reflective light scattering material, a light source, a second optical layer approximately coextensive with the first optical layer, a continuous broad-area photoabsorptive film layer approximately coextensive with the first optical layer, positioning the thin sheet of reflective light scattering material parallel to the first optical layer, positioning the continuous broad-area photoabsorptive film layer between and parallel to the first optical layer and the thin sheet of reflective material, and positioning the second optical layer on a light path between the light source and the continuous broad-area photoabsorptive film layer. The first optical layer has a microstructured broad-area front surface comprising an array of linear grooves disposed side by side and extending along a straight line between two edges of the layer.

One or more techniques, alone or in combination, maximize a surface area of a receiver that converts light into another form of energy. One technique enhances collection efficiency by controlling a size, shape, and/or position of a cell relative to an expected illumination profile under various conditions. Another technique positions non-active elements (such as electrical contacts and/or interconnects) on surfaces likely to be shaded from incident light by other elements of the receiver. Another technique utilizes embodiments of interconnect structures occupying a small footprint. The receiver may be cooled by exposure to a fluid such as water or air.

One or more techniques, alone or in combination, maximize a surface area of a receiver that converts light into another form of energy. One technique enhances collection efficiency by controlling a size, shape, and/or position of a cell relative to an expected illumination profile under various conditions. Another technique positions non-active elements (such as electrical contacts and/or interconnects) on surfaces likely to be shaded from incident light by other elements of the receiver. Another technique utilizes embodiments of interconnect structures occupying a small footprint. The receiver may be cooled by exposure to a fluid such as water or air.

Provided are optical devices and systems fabricated, at least in part, via printing-based assembly and integration of device components. In specific embodiments the present invention provides light emitting systems, light collecting systems, light sensing systems and photovoltaic systems comprising printable semiconductor elements, including large area, high performance macroelectronic devices. Optical systems of the present invention comprise semiconductor elements assembled, organized and/or integrated with other device components via printing techniques that exhibit performance characteristics and functionality comparable to single crystalline semiconductor based devices fabricated using conventional high temperature processing methods. Optical systems of the present invention have device geometries and configurations, such as form factors, component densities, and component positions, accessed by printing that provide a range of useful device functionalities. Optical systems of the present invention include devices and device arrays exhibiting a range of useful physical and mechanical properties including flexibility, shapeability, conformability and stretchablity.

Provided are optical devices and systems fabricated, at least in part, via printing-based assembly and integration of device components. In specific embodiments the present invention provides light emitting systems, light collecting systems, light sensing systems and photovoltaic systems comprising printable semiconductor elements, including large area, high performance macroelectronic devices. Optical systems of the present invention comprise semiconductor elements assembled, organized and/or integrated with other device components via printing techniques that exhibit performance characteristics and functionality comparable to single crystalline semiconductor based devices fabricated using conventional high temperature processing methods. Optical systems of the present invention have device geometries and configurations, such as form factors, component densities, and component positions, accessed by printing that provide a range of useful device functionalities. Optical systems of the present invention include devices and device arrays exhibiting a range of useful physical and mechanical properties including flexibility, shapeability, conformability and stretchablity.

Bifacial crystalline solar cells and associated solar panel systems are provided. The cells include a p-type crystalline silicon layer and a barrier layer. The panels include at least two rows of cells. The cells in each row are connected to one another in series. The rows are connected in parallel. A reflector is used to reflect light towards the underside of the panel. A long axis of the reflector is arranged to be parallel to the rows of cells.

Bifacial crystalline solar cells and associated solar panel systems are provided. The cells include a p-type crystalline silicon layer and a barrier layer. The panels include at least two rows of cells. The cells in each row are connected to one another in series. The rows are connected in parallel. A reflector is used to reflect light towards the underside of the panel. A long axis of the reflector is arranged to be parallel to the rows of cells.

Method and apparatus for annealing micro-scale or macro solar cells that can contain lithium or hydrogen. Heaters, a current that is applied in forward or reverse direction, or open-circuiting the cells are used optionally with a laser or other light source to increase the temperature of the cells to perform periodic anneals to recover energy conversion efficiency lost due to environmental conditions such as radiation damage and maintain desired operational conditions. Larger amounts of additional energy are harvested with the improved efficiency of the cells. Illuminating the cells with specific wavelengths of light can enhance the diffusion of the lithium or hydrogen, or their binding and unbinding from dopants or defects, in the silicon lattice. The lithium or hydrogen can diffuse into the cells via their inclusion in the polysilicon layer forming a tunneling oxide passivated contact. Dopants in the silicon can reduce annealing time and temperature.