A building integrated photovoltaic system includes a plurality of photovoltaic modules installed in an array on a roof deck. Each of the photovoltaic modules at least one solar cell, a first encapsulant encapsulating the at least one solar cell, a frontsheet juxtaposed with a first surface of the first encapsulant, and a backsheet juxtaposed with a second surface of the first encapsulant. The frontsheet includes a glass layer, a second encapsulant, and a first polymer layer. The backsheet includes a first layer and a second polymer layer attached to the first layer. Each of the photovoltaic modules includes a wire cover bracket, which is configured to overlap the wire cover bracket of an adjacent one of the photovoltaic modules.

Laminated (and, in some cases, additionally etched) glazing units for cooperation with solar-energy systems during architectural integration thereof include an optically-transparent substrate in contact with an incident medium, on one side, and with a non-quarter-wave thin-film-stack based interference filter on another side, followed by an exit medium. Embodiments are practically applicable to conceal physical structures disposed behind them and characterized by IR-light transmittance that is enhanced (as compared with conventional glazing units based on quarter-wave thin-film-stacks and similarly utilized) to improve efficiency of a solar-energy system carrying at least a portion of such glazing unit on its front surface. Colour of reflected light perceived as a function of angle is sufficiently stabilized for practical applications. In specific cases, a solar-energy system is integrated inside or with such a glazing unit.

A vehicle sun shade is provided having a sun shade, at least one solar cell, and a heat source. The sun shade has a light receiving portion configured to be carried beneath a vehicle wind shield. The at least one solar cell is provided in the light receiving portion. The heat source is provided proximate the at least one solar cell traversing the light receiving portion configured to mitigate condensate occlusion of the at least one solar cell on a vehicle wind shield. A method is also provided.

An impact-resistant, photovoltaic (IRPV) window system is provided. The system may include an IRPV window coupled to a structure, a controller, and an insurance computing device. The IRPV window may include an impact resistant (IR) layer, a photovoltaic (PV) material that may generate an electrical output, and an electrode coupled to the PV material that may receive the electrical output. The IRPV window may permit a portion of visible light to pass through the IRPV window. The controller may monitor the electrical output and generate a solar profile of the structure based upon the electrical output. The insurance computing device may receive the solar profile and determine if an insurance policy associated with the structure is eligible for a policy adjustment and/or an insurance reward or discount offer.

A photovoltaic module includes at least one solar cell, an encapsulant encapsulating the at least one solar cell, a frontsheet juxtaposed with the encapsulant, and backsheet juxtaposed with the encapsulant. The frontsheet includes a glass layer, a polymer layer attached to the glass layer, and an adhesive layer attaching the polymer layer to the glass layer. The backsheet includes a single-layer, moisture-resistant, fire-retardant membrane.

A variety of methods for integrating an organic photovoltaic-based SolarWindow™ module and electrochromic materials to create dynamic, variable transmittance, energy-saving windows and/or window films are described. Stand-alone or building integrated, independent or user-controllable, battery supported or building integrated, and insulated glass unit or aftermarket film implementations are all described, providing for a diversity of applications. Low-cost fabrication options also allow for economical production.

A solar cell including: a substrate having front and back surfaces, the back surface includes first, second and gap regions, the first and second regions are staggered and spaced from each other in a first direction, and each gap region is provided between one first region and one second region adjacent thereto by recessing toward interior of the substrate; a first conductive layer formed over the first region; a second conductive layer formed over the second region, the second conductive layer has a conductivity type opposite to the first conductive layer; a first electrode forming electrical contact with the first conductive layer; a second electrode forming electrical contact with the second conductive layer; and a boundary region between the gap region and the first and/or second conductive layer adjacent thereto, and a line-pattern concave and convex texture structure is formed on the back surface corresponding to the boundary region.

Disclosed are a photovoltaic module, an integrated photovoltaic/photo-thermal module and a manufacturing method thereof. The photovoltaic module includes: a front glass plate (1), a first back plate (4), an adhesive layer (3) located between the front glass plate and the first back plate, and cell sheets (5) located in the adhesive layer. At least a hollow layer (2) is included between the front glass plate and the adhesive layer. Since the photovoltaic module and the integrated photovoltaic/photo-thermal module include the hollow layer, making the integrated photovoltaic/photo-thermal module itself has a partial heat insulation function without the need to add a front glass blocking plate or a hollow heat insulation layer directly in front of the light-receiving surface of the module, thereby simplifying the structure and manufacturing process of the integrated photovoltaic/photo-thermal module.

Systems and methods for self-cleaning a surface of an object where an electrodynamic shield is mounted to a surface of the object. The electrodynamic shield includes one or more sets of electrodes atop a substrate, at least one or more sets of electrodes being covered in a protective film. A coating is applied to the top surface of the protection film. A signal pulse generator is connected to the one or more sets of electrodes. The signal pulse generator generates a pulse signal that causes the one or more sets of electrodes to generate an electric field. The pulse signal comprises a plurality of different pulse signals which have phase differences between consecutive signals, and the electric field causes a particle atop the coating to experience an electrostatic force and be repelled away from the coating. These pulse signals (including shapes, amplitudes, shifts, and frequencies) can be tuned to increase efficiency of removal depending on dust type and relative humidity.

A solar cell panel according to the present embodiment includes a solar cell string including a plurality of solar cells and a plurality of wiring members connecting the plurality of solar cells in first direction, a sealing member sealing the solar cell string, a first cover member positioned on one surface of the solar cell string on the sealing member and a second cover member positioned on other surface of the solar cell string on the sealing member, wherein the plurality of wiring members positioned in at least one of the plurality of solar cells include, a first wiring member having a first width, and a second wiring member having a second width less than the first width and positioned outer to the first wiring member.