An optical metasurface which shifts resonant frequency in response to changing temperature. The optical metasurface includes a membrane printed in a pattern from materials with a high coefficient of thermal expansion (“CTE”). The optical metasurface can include a plurality of high CTE fibers/structures in a first direction and a plurality of low CTE fibers/structures in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. Alternatively, the high CTE substrate can include a plurality of high CTE fibers/structures in only a first direction. The high CTE substrate can include a plurality of high CTE fibers and a plurality of low CTE fiber in a pattern which creates desired sensing domains. An array of nanostructures is formed on the high CTE substrate. The array of nanostructures is designed to resonate with light transmitted through or impinging upon the optical metasurface. The resonant frequency of the response can be tuned thermally.

A solar cell, a method for producing a solar cell, and a solar module are provided. The solar cell includes: an N-type substrate and a P-type emitter formed on a front surface of the substrate; a first passivation layer, a second passivation layer and a third passivation layer sequentially formed over the front surface of the substrate and in a direction away from the P-type emitter, and a passivated contact structure disposed on a rear surface of the substrate. The first passivation layer includes a first Silicon oxynitride (SiO.sub.xN.sub.y) material, where x > y. The second passivation layer includes a first silicon nitride (Si.sub.mN.sub.n) material, where m > n. The third passivation layer includes a second silicon oxynitride (SiO.sub.iN.sub.j) material, where a ratio of i/j∈ [0.97, 7.58].

A semi-translucent photovoltaic device is described having a translucent substrate with a photovoltaic stack interrupted in spatially distributed openings filled with a translucent polymer. Also disclosed is a method of manufacturing the device. The method comprises providing the substrate at a first side with the photovoltaic stack; removing material from the stack in spatially distributed regions, therewith forming openings within these regions; blanket-wise depositing a protective layer over the substrate with the photovoltaic stack; blanket-wise depositing a layer of a radiation-curable precursor for the translucent polymer over the protective layer; irradiating the substrate from a second side opposite its first side to therewith selectively cure the radiation-curable precursor within and in front of the spatially distributed openings, the radiation-curable precursor being converted therewith into said translucent polymer; removing an uncured remainder of the layer of the radiation-curable precursor.

One or more solar cells arranged on a mounting surface along a first direction and extending out from the mounting surface in a second direction that is substantially perpendicular to the first direction. One or more angled reflectors may be arranged on the mounting surface along the first direction. The one or more angled reflectors may include a lens in a wedge shape having: an entrance surface extending along the first direction including one or more curved surfaces a bottom surface extending along the second direction and adjacent to the corresponding solar cell of the one or more solar cells, and a reflector surface extending along the second direction at an angle. The reflector surface may include a gradient texture comprising one or more flat surfaces, each of which is substantially parallel to the first direction, and one or more angled elevation surfaces.

An optical device and systems using an optical device are provided, where the optical device may be configured for collimating incoming light rays. The optical device may include a host medium substantially comprised of a transparent material and an array of substantially transparent structures embedded within the host medium. The structures of the array each include a convex side presented to the incoming light rays and a concave side that passes light rays through toward the output face of the host medium, collimating the rays. Multiple stages of arrays may be provided in the optical device, typically with lengthening aspect ratios and increasing indexes of refraction in a direction from the input face toward the output face. The systems may use the optical device for using an exterior light to illuminate an interior space in a building or to generate power.

A photovoltaic (PV) apparatus includes a substrate having a first substrate surface and a second substrate surface. A cavity fabricated in the substrate extends from the first substrate surface toward the second substrate surface. The cavity defines a first end to receive incident light, a second end opposite the first end, and a side surface, which extends from the first end to the second end to concentrate the incident light, received by the first end, toward the second end. The PV apparatus also includes a photovoltaic (PV) cell, in optical communication with the second end of the at least one cavity, to convert the incident light into electricity.

Photovoltaic (PV) device comprising an ultra-thin radiation-tolerant PV absorber mounted on a flexible film having an embedded persistent phosphor and having a plurality of interdigitated top and bottom contacts on the top of the PV absorber. The PV absorber is ultra-thin, e.g., typically having a thickness of 300 nm or less for a III-V-based absorber. The phosphor absorbs some of the photons incident on the device and then discharges them for use by the device in generating electrical power during times when the device is not illuminated by the sun.

This invention relates to photovoltaic (PV) systems with solar trackers. Retractable auxiliary panels are positioned at opposite sides of a solar panel along its tilt direction. The auxiliary panels do not obstruct the direct solar irradiation onto the solar panels, but rather redirect additional solar irradiation to the solar panels, including both direct beam and diffuse sunlight. While solar panels tilt to track the sun, configurations of the auxiliary panels can be adjusted to avoid shading on adjacent solar panels. Compared to conventional PV systems on solar trackers, the proposed PV system can significantly improve overall sunlight collection and PV system output throughout a day.

A concentrator photovoltaic module 1M includes a vessel-shaped housing 11 composed of a metal and a flexible printed wiring board 12 provided so as to be in contact with an inner surface of the housing 11. The flexible printed wiring board 12 includes an insulating layer 124, an insulating substrate 121a, a pattern 121b, a plurality of power generation elements 122, and an insulting layer 126. The insulating layer 124 is in contact with a bottom surface 11a of the housing 11. The insulating substrate 121a is provided on the insulating layer 124 and has flexibility. The pattern 121b is composed of a conductor and is provided on the insulating substrate 121a. The plurality of power generation elements 122 are mounted on the pattern 121b. The insulating layer 126 is provided so as to cover an entire surface of the pattern 121b except for portions where the power generation elements 122 are mounted.

An apparatus and method for producing a perpetual energy harvester which harvests ambient near ultraviolet to infrared radiation and provides continual power regardless of the environment. The device seeks to harvest the largely overlooked blackbody radiation through use of a semiconductor thermal harvester, providing a continuous source of power. Additionally, increased power output is provided through a solar harvester. The solar and thermal harvesters are physically connected but electrically isolated.