A method of signaling between a photovoltaic module and an inverter module. The inverter module is connected to the photovoltaic module. In an initial mode of operation an initial code is modulated thereby producing an initial signal. The initial signal is transmitted from the inverter module to the photovoltaic module. The initial signal is received by the photovoltaic module. The operating mode is then changed to a normal mode of power conversion, and during the normal mode of operation a control signal is transmitted from the inverter to the photovoltaic module. A control code is demodulated and received from the control signal. The control code is compared with the initial code producing a comparison. The control command of the control signal is validated as a valid control command from the inverter module with the control command only acted upon when the comparison is a positive comparison.

A power generating apparatus according to an aspect of the invention includes a plurality of pn stacks, each formed by stacking a p-type semiconductor layer and an n-type semiconductor layer one on top of the other, and a mode switching unit which effects switching to a photovoltaic power generation mode or a thermal power generation mode by connecting the plurality of pn stacks with each other. The mode switching unit effects switching to the photovoltaic power generation mode by connecting the p-type semiconductor layers in parallel with each other and the n-type semiconductor layers in parallel with each other between the plurality of pn stacks. The mode switching unit effects switching to the thermal power generation mode by connecting the p-type semiconductor layer and the n-type semiconductor layer 11b in series between different ones of the pn stacks.

The hybrid partial power processing system includes differential power processing converters DPPs having low power ratings, which are used to exchange differential power between two adjacent PV modules, or between PV modules and a line capacitor (C.sub.lin) connected in series within the same string. The exchange of differential power by DPPs is needed to track the maximum power point of each PV module in the string. The DC power optimizing converter (DC-PO) is a DC/DC power converter used to feed current (power) from a PV module to C.sub.lin. The DC-PO is driven to track the maximum power point (MPP) of one PV module, and the MPP of each one of the remaining PV modules in the string is tracked by a DPP.

A flexible photovoltaic module for converting light into an electric current includes a plurality of electrically interconnected flexible photovoltaic submodules monolithically integrated onto a common flexible substrate. Each photovoltaic submodule includes a plurality of electrically interconnected flexible thin-film photovoltaic cells monolithically integrated onto the flexible substrate. A flexible photovoltaic module for converting light into an electric current includes a backplane layer for supporting the photovoltaic module. A first pottant layer is disposed on the backplane layer, and a photovoltaic submodule assembly is disposed on the first pottant layer. The photovoltaic submodule assembly has at least one photovoltaic submodule, where each photovoltaic submodule includes a plurality of thin-film photovoltaic cells. A second pottant layer is disposed on the photovoltaic submodule assembly, and a upper laminate layer disposed on the second pottant layer.

A solar cell management system for increasing the efficiency and power output of a solar cell and methods for making and using the same. The management system provides an electric field across an individual solar cell, an array of solar cells configured as a panel, or a group of solar panels. The imposed electric field exerts a force on both the electrons and holes created by light incident on the solar cell and accelerates the electron-hole pairs towards the electrodes of the solar cell. Compared to conventional solar cells, these accelerated electron-hole pairs travel a shorter distance from creation (by incident optical radiation) and spend less time within the solar cell material, therefore the electron-hole pairs have a lower likelihood of recombining within the cells' semiconductor's material. This reduction in the electron-hole recombination rate results in an overall increase in the solar cells' efficiency and greater power output.

A solar cell management system for increasing the efficiency and power output of a solar cell and methods for making and using the same. The management system provides an electric field across one or more solar cells. The imposed electric field exerts a force on both the electrons and holes created by light incident on the solar cell and accelerates the electron-hole pairs towards the electrodes of the solar cell. The solar cell management system considers variations in configuration of solar cells to maximize the power output of the solar cells. The accelerated electron-hole pairs have a lower likelihood of recombining within the cells' semiconductor's material. This reduction in the electron-hole recombination rate results in an overall increase in the solar cells' efficiency and greater power output.

An optoelectronic device including at least one of a solar device, a semiconductor device, and an electronic device. The device includes a semiconductor unit. A plurality of metal fingers is disposed on a surface of the semiconductor unit for electrical conduction. Each of the metal fingers includes a pad area for forming an electrical contact. The optoelectronic device includes a plurality of pad areas that is available for connection to a bus bar, wherein each of the metal fingers is connected to a corresponding pad area for forming an electrical contact.

A method for arc detection in a system including a photovoltaic panel and a load connectible to the photovoltaic panel with a DC power line. The method measures power delivered to the load thereby producing a first measurement result of the power delivered to the load. Power produced by the photovoltaic panel is also measured, thereby producing a second measurement result of power produced by the photovoltaic panel. The first measurement result is compared with the second measurement result thereby producing a differential power measurement result. Upon the differential power measurement result being more than a threshold value, an alarm condition may also be set. The second measurement result may be modulated and transmitted over the DC power line.

An electronic power cell memory back-up battery is disclosed. The electronic power cell memory back-up battery utilizes stored light photons to produce usable energy, and can be used to replace batteries or other power sources in electronic devices. The electronic power cell memory back-up battery disclosed includes a light source and a photovoltaic device in optical communication with the light source. The photovoltaic device creates electrical power in response to receiving light from the light source. A portion of the electrical power generated by the photovoltaic device is used to power the light source. In some embodiments power input contacts are included for use in providing initial start-up power to the light source. In some embodiments the light source comprises a light-emitting device and a photoluminescent material optically coupled to the light-emitting device, where the photoluminescent material emits light in response to receiving light from the light-emitting device.

A semiconductor device is disclosed, and includes a first sub-cell generating a first electrical current, a second sub-cell generating a second electrical current, and at least one power converter. The first sub-cell and the second sub-cell are electrically coupled to one another in series. The power converter is electrically coupled to both the first sub-cell and the second sub-cell. The power converter introduces a compensating current into at least one of the first sub-cell and the second sub-cell to balance the first electrical current and the second electrical current to be substantially equal to one another.