Abstract:
Solar PV devices are disclosed, including but not limited to devices that comprise a lightweight support for the solar absorber, devices in which all or substantially all of the electronics for conducting and managing electrical energy are included in the device itself such that the device has little or no external wiring, devices that are dual insulated such that they reduce or eliminate the need for grounding circuits and the potential hazards associated with grounding faults, devices with structural members that reduce or eliminate the risk of electrical shock due to contact with metal parts during installation, and devices that provide heat dissipation. Methods of connecting and installing such devices and arrays of such devices are provided.
Abstract:
The present disclosure describes economical and energy efficient solar absorbing thin- film devices having enhanced electron mobility produced by processes including spray pyrolysis, pre-sintering, and/or photonic flash sintering.
Abstract:
Solar PV devices are disclosed, wherein these devices are produced as an integral part of a structural panel. The structural panel may subsequently be used in any number of ways, including being made an integral part of a building structure such as a wall or a roof or another type of barrier structure, or simply a stand-alone array or even a retrofit addition to an existing structure. In embodiments, the panel comprises a semi-monocoque structure, which can provide strength and stiffness. The core of this semi-monocoque can provide an enclosure that functions to confine the solar PV's electrical system within an electrically insulating structure that provides dual insulation and may enables a dual-insulated rating. Embodiments of the panels disclosed herein also can provide cooling air flow to provide cooling to the panel.
Abstract:
Solar PV devices are disclosed, including but not limited to devices that comprise a lightweight support for the solar absorber, devices in which all or substantially all of the electronics for conducting and managing electrical energy are included in the device itself such that the device has little or no external wiring, devices that are dual insulated such that they reduce or eliminate the need for grounding circuits and the potential hazards associated with grounding faults, devices with structural members that reduce or eliminate the risk of electrical shock due to contact with metal parts during installation, and devices that provide heat dissipation. Methods of connecting and installing such devices and arrays of such devices are provided.
Abstract:
Solar photovoltaic (PV) devices, e.g., those based on the Copper Indium Selenide (CIS) family of absorbers, including CuIn(1-x)Ga(X)Se2 (CIGS) absorber thin-film PV devices, are provided. Embodiments provide PV devices comprising an alkali metal- containing polymeric film (ACPF), which is a film formed from a composite comprising an alkali metal-containing material and a polymer. Embodiments of this disclosure also provide PV devices comprising a thermally stable polymer film that does not contain an alkali metal (TSP). Included within the embodiments of this disclosure are flexible PV devices comprising a flexible base substrate onto which one or more ACPFs and/or TSPs is/are provided, as well as flexible PV devices wherein an ACPF or TSP itself constitutes the base substrate in the form of a stand alone film. Processes for making such flexible PV devices include roll-to-roll processes. PV devices disclosed herein will provide improved energy conversion efficiencies as a result of the delivery of sodium dopant into the absorber layer.