A photovoltaic (“PV”) module may comprise an array of freeform micro-optics and an array of PV cells. The PV module may be a flat panel with a nominal thickness smaller than the length and width of the flat panel. An array of lenses may be embedded in an array substrate. The lenses may be coupled to light pipes. The lenses may concentrate light through the light pipes to multi-junction cells. Diffuse light may be transferred through the array substrate to a silicon cell. The lenses and light pipes may be manufactured using a molding and drawing process.

A photovoltaic (“PV”) module may comprise an array of freeform micro-optics and an array of PV cells. The PV module may be a flat panel with a nominal thickness smaller than the length and width of the flat panel. An array of lenses may be embedded in an array substrate. The lenses may be coupled to light pipes. The lenses may concentrate light through the light pipes to multi-junction cells. Diffuse light may be transferred through the array substrate to a silicon cell. The lenses and light pipes may be manufactured using a molding and drawing process.

Disclosed is a solar cell module including a first solar cell unit including a plurality of solar cells and a plurality of condensing layers, which are arranged alternately, a second solar cell unit including a plurality of solar cells and a plurality of condensing layers, which are arranged alternately, and each of the plurality of solar cells of the first solar cell unit and the second solar cell unit includes a first electrode disposed on one side thereof and a second electrode disposed on an opposite side thereof, whereby a visibility, by which the light passes through the solar cell module, is increased by including the plurality of solar cells and the plurality of condensing layers, through which a visual ray may pass.

Disclosed is a solar cell module including a first solar cell unit including a plurality of solar cells and a plurality of condensing layers, which are arranged alternately, a second solar cell unit including a plurality of solar cells and a plurality of condensing layers, which are arranged alternately, and each of the plurality of solar cells of the first solar cell unit and the second solar cell unit includes a first electrode disposed on one side thereof and a second electrode disposed on an opposite side thereof, whereby a visibility, by which the light passes through the solar cell module, is increased by including the plurality of solar cells and the plurality of condensing layers, through which a visual ray may pass.

A multijunction solar cell including an upper first solar subcell having a first band gap and positioned for receiving an incoming light beam; a second solar subcell disposed below and adjacent to and lattice matched with said upper first solar subcell, and having a second band gap smaller than said first band gap; wherein the upper first solar subcell covers less than the entire upper surface of the second solar subcell, leaving an exposed portion of the second solar subcell that lies in the path of the incoming light beam.

A multijunction solar cell including an upper first solar subcell having a first band gap and positioned for receiving an incoming light beam; a second solar subcell disposed below and adjacent to and lattice matched with said upper first solar subcell, and having a second band gap smaller than said first band gap; wherein the upper first solar subcell covers less than the entire upper surface of the second solar subcell, leaving an exposed portion of the second solar subcell that lies in the path of the incoming light beam.

An optical transformer includes a light source and an array of photovoltaic cells optically coupled to the light source, where at least a portion of the photovoltaic cells are connected in series. An optical connector such as a waveguide or an optical fiber may be disposed between an output of the light source and an input of the array of photovoltaic cells. Configured to generate a high voltage output, the optical transformer may be configured to power a device such as an actuator that provides a tunable displacement as a function of voltage.

A translucent solar module assembly for integration with a greenhouse having a frame with a plurality of roof supports includes a pair of brackets attachable to each of the plurality of roof supports, a bi-facial solar panel attachable to the pair of brackets, and a pair of reflector rails attachable to each of the plurality of roof supports. A dichroic reflector is attachable to the pair of reflector rails.

Reconfigurable PV panels can have features that include cut lines for separating full panels into smaller subpanels, connector ribbons for assembling several reconfigurable PV panels into a one-dimensional or two-dimensional array and can be stacked upon each other and unstacked by rotating them about a shared connection.

Reconfigurable PV panels can have features that include cut lines for separating full panels into smaller subpanels, connector ribbons for assembling several reconfigurable PV panels into a one-dimensional or two-dimensional array and can be stacked upon each other and unstacked by rotating them about a shared connection.