An optoelectronic semiconductor device is disclosed. The optoelectronic device comprises a plurality of stacked p-n junctions. The optoelectronic semiconductor device includes a n-doped layer disposed below the p-doped layer to form a p-n layer such that electric energy is created when photons are absorbed by the p-n layer. Recesses are formed on top of the p-doped layer at the top of the plurality of stacked p-n junctions. The junctions create an offset and an interface layer is formed on top of the p-doped layer at the top of the plurality stacked p-n junctions. The optoelectronic semiconductor device also includes a window layer disposed below the plurality stacked p-n junctions. In another aspect, one or more optical filters are inserted into a multi-junction photovoltaic device to enhance its efficiency through photon recycling.

An optoelectronic semiconductor device is disclosed. The optoelectronic device comprises a plurality of stacked p-n junctions. The optoelectronic semiconductor device includes a n-doped layer disposed below the p-doped layer to form a p-n layer such that electric energy is created when photons are absorbed by the p-n layer. Recesses are formed on top of the p-doped layer at the top of the plurality of stacked p-n junctions. The junctions create an offset and an interface layer is formed on top of the p-doped layer at the top of the plurality stacked p-n junctions. The optoelectronic semiconductor device also includes a window layer disposed below the plurality stacked p-n junctions. In another aspect, one or more optical filters are inserted into a multi-junction photovoltaic device to enhance its efficiency through photon recycling.

A method of manufacturing a solar cell assembly by providing a substrate; depositing on the substrate a sequence of layers of semiconductor material forming a solar cell; mounting a permanent laminate supporting member with a thickness of 50 microns or less on top of the sequence of layers; utilizing the laminate structure for supporting the epitaxial sequence of layers of semiconductor material forming a solar cell during the processes of removing the substrate and depositing and lithographically patterning a plurality of metal grid lines disposed on the top surface of the first solar subcell, and attaching a cover glass over at least the grid lines of the solar cell.

A method of manufacturing a solar cell assembly by providing a substrate; depositing on the substrate a sequence of layers of semiconductor material forming a solar cell; mounting a permanent laminate supporting member with a thickness of 50 microns or less on top of the sequence of layers; utilizing the laminate structure for supporting the epitaxial sequence of layers of semiconductor material forming a solar cell during the processes of removing the substrate and depositing and lithographically patterning a plurality of metal grid lines disposed on the top surface of the first solar subcell, and attaching a cover glass over at least the grid lines of the solar cell.

A method for producing an electronic device having a drive circuit including a solar cell structure, the method including the steps of: having a first wafer having solar cell structures on a starting substrate and a second wafer having drive circuits formed, so that either one of the first wafer or the second wafer has a plurality of independent diode circuits and capacitor-function laminated portions; obtaining a bonded wafer by bonding so that the solar cell structures, the diode circuits, the capacitor-function laminated portions, and the drive circuits are superimposed; wiring; and dicing the bonded wafer; thus creating a method for producing an electronic device including a drive circuit, a solar cell structure, and a capacitor-function portion in one chip and having a suppressed production cost; and such an electronic device.

A method for producing an electronic device having a drive circuit including a solar cell structure, the method including the steps of: having a first wafer having solar cell structures on a starting substrate and a second wafer having drive circuits formed, so that either one of the first wafer or the second wafer has a plurality of independent diode circuits and capacitor-function laminated portions; obtaining a bonded wafer by bonding so that the solar cell structures, the diode circuits, the capacitor-function laminated portions, and the drive circuits are superimposed; wiring; and dicing the bonded wafer; thus creating a method for producing an electronic device including a drive circuit, a solar cell structure, and a capacitor-function portion in one chip and having a suppressed production cost; and such an electronic device.

A method of manufacturing a solar cell comprising: providing a growth substrate depositing on the growth substrate an epitaxial sequence of layers of semiconductor material forming at least a first and second solar subcells depositing a semiconductor contact layer on top of the second solar subcell depositing a reflective metal layer over said semiconductor contact layer such that the reflectivity of the reflective metal layer is greater than 80% in the wavelength range 850 to 2000 nm depositing a contact metal layer composed on said reflective metal layer mounting and bonding a supporting substrate on top of the contact metal layer and removing the growth substrate.

A method of manufacturing a solar cell comprising: providing a growth substrate depositing on the growth substrate an epitaxial sequence of layers of semiconductor material forming at least a first and second solar subcells depositing a semiconductor contact layer on top of the second solar subcell depositing a reflective metal layer over said semiconductor contact layer such that the reflectivity of the reflective metal layer is greater than 80% in the wavelength range 850 to 2000 nm depositing a contact metal layer composed on said reflective metal layer mounting and bonding a supporting substrate on top of the contact metal layer and removing the growth substrate.

An indoor light energy harvesting meter is described that includes a solar module including at least one photovoltaic cell to capture ambient light energy; and a circuit module coupled to the solar module. The circuit module may include a power management circuit configured to convert the ambient light energy captured by the solar module into electric energy; and a micro-controller configured to control the power management circuit and to receive the electric energy from the power management circuit to monitor an amount of indoor harvestable power. The micro-controller may monitor the amount of indoor harvestable power and generate parameters including one or more of an accumulated harvestable power, an instantaneous harvestable power, or a peak instantaneous harvestable power. The indoor light energy harvesting meter may include a display coupled to the micro-controller and configured to display one or more parameters associated with the amount of indoor harvestable power.

An indoor light energy harvesting meter is described that includes a solar module including at least one photovoltaic cell to capture ambient light energy; and a circuit module coupled to the solar module. The circuit module may include a power management circuit configured to convert the ambient light energy captured by the solar module into electric energy; and a micro-controller configured to control the power management circuit and to receive the electric energy from the power management circuit to monitor an amount of indoor harvestable power. The micro-controller may monitor the amount of indoor harvestable power and generate parameters including one or more of an accumulated harvestable power, an instantaneous harvestable power, or a peak instantaneous harvestable power. The indoor light energy harvesting meter may include a display coupled to the micro-controller and configured to display one or more parameters associated with the amount of indoor harvestable power.