[go: up one dir, main page]

US20110061711A1 - Building-integrated solar photovoltaic panel - Google Patents

Building-integrated solar photovoltaic panel Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US20110061711A1
US20110061711A1 US12/877,947 US87794710A US2011061711A1 US 20110061711 A1 US20110061711 A1 US 20110061711A1 US 87794710 A US87794710 A US 87794710A US 2011061711 A1 US2011061711 A1 US 2011061711A1
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
cover
solar cell
cell unit
longitudinal axis
solar
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
US12/877,947
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Yuhao Luo
Zhi-Min Ling
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Priority to US12/877,947 priority Critical patent/US20110061711A1/en
Publication of US20110061711A1 publication Critical patent/US20110061711A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H10—SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES; ELECTRIC SOLID-STATE DEVICES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H10F—INORGANIC SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES SENSITIVE TO INFRARED RADIATION, LIGHT, ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION OF SHORTER WAVELENGTH OR CORPUSCULAR RADIATION
    • H10F77/00—Constructional details of devices covered by this subclass
    • H10F77/40—Optical elements or arrangements
    • H10F77/42—Optical elements or arrangements directly associated or integrated with photovoltaic cells, e.g. light-reflecting means or light-concentrating means
    • H10F77/488—Reflecting light-concentrating means, e.g. parabolic mirrors or concentrators using total internal reflection
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H10—SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES; ELECTRIC SOLID-STATE DEVICES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H10F—INORGANIC SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES SENSITIVE TO INFRARED RADIATION, LIGHT, ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION OF SHORTER WAVELENGTH OR CORPUSCULAR RADIATION
    • H10F19/00—Integrated devices, or assemblies of multiple devices, comprising at least one photovoltaic cell covered by group H10F10/00, e.g. photovoltaic modules
    • H10F19/80—Encapsulations or containers for integrated devices, or assemblies of multiple devices, having photovoltaic cells
    • H10F19/807—Double-glass encapsulation, e.g. photovoltaic cells arranged between front and rear glass sheets
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H10—SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES; ELECTRIC SOLID-STATE DEVICES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H10F—INORGANIC SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES SENSITIVE TO INFRARED RADIATION, LIGHT, ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION OF SHORTER WAVELENGTH OR CORPUSCULAR RADIATION
    • H10F19/00—Integrated devices, or assemblies of multiple devices, comprising at least one photovoltaic cell covered by group H10F10/00, e.g. photovoltaic modules
    • H10F19/90—Structures for connecting between photovoltaic cells, e.g. interconnections or insulating spacers
    • H10F19/902—Structures for connecting between photovoltaic cells, e.g. interconnections or insulating spacers for series or parallel connection of photovoltaic cells
    • H10F19/904—Structures for connecting between photovoltaic cells, e.g. interconnections or insulating spacers for series or parallel connection of photovoltaic cells characterised by the shapes of the structures
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02B—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO BUILDINGS, e.g. HOUSING, HOUSE APPLIANCES OR RELATED END-USER APPLICATIONS
    • Y02B10/00—Integration of renewable energy sources in buildings
    • Y02B10/10—Photovoltaic [PV]
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
    • Y02E10/00—Energy generation through renewable energy sources
    • Y02E10/50—Photovoltaic [PV] energy
    • Y02E10/52—PV systems with concentrators

Definitions

  • the present disclosure relates generally to a solar photovoltaic panel, particularly to a building-integrated photovoltaic panel.
  • the solutions of the prior art generally have drawbacks and reduce the effective floor areas at perimeter of the building.
  • the prior solutions also reduce building area per site area and the solutions increase cost to construct.
  • Other solutions attempt to use a saw tooth configuration or an accordion wall configuration, but these solutions have complex curtain wall constructions, which are hard to manufacture and also potentially has problems, when cleaning.
  • Still other solutions seek to use solar cell blind to track the sun. But this configuration also has performance loss from shading effects. This configuration also has reliability issues.
  • solar panels are tilted at a favorable angle by using mounting structures.
  • the mounting structures cause detrimental issues. These may include a high system cost and a complex installation or a large weight load. Sometimes mounting of the panels may even cause mechanical damage to the roof. Also the shading on a panel from adjacent panels will cause performance loss, as well as reliability issues. To avoid this problem, panels are placed separated from one other by a large distance from each other to avoid shading, which can block the solar cell. As a result, the effective area from the sun to expose the solar panels is reduced. Also for a fixed roof area and a fixed shape, due to the fixed dimension of a solar cell panel, there will be wasted area on the edges. This can result in losses, which can be high due to the large dimension of a solar panel.
  • a solar panel that has a high solar efficiency without sacrificing building floor area as compared with a sloped building wall with a conventional solar panel.
  • Building floor area is a precious commodity.
  • the solar panel configurations reduce the amount of usable perimeter floor area. This is attributed to the fact that the wall effectively ‘cuts back’ on floor area as the building gets taller. Any reduction in usable floor area needs to be considered when evaluating the life-cycle costs of a solar system.
  • a solar panel to form the building structure with accessibility for frequent maintenance and cleaning of the panels from the exterior of the building. It is critical to ensure that panel stays clean or can be cleaned to keep efficiency. Solar panel performance is highly dependent upon its ability to remain clean. Complicated construction designs, such as “saw tooth”, or “accordion”, have issues in that these configurations are difficult to clean. This in turn may affect the provision for cleaning tracks or fasteners in curtain wall systems and may increase operating costs.
  • the solar panel that can be installed on roof top with the panel having optimized energy efficiency without any special mounting system to tilt the panel against the roof top.
  • the present disclosure provides that the solar cell can be tilted to optimum angle while panel is simply mounted on the roof top.
  • solar panels that are adjustable to optimize heat load. It is desirable to have solar cells with a high angled direct sunlight parameter to reduce heat load.
  • solar panels that are adjustable to optimize the daylight.
  • the present disclosure may provide that the solar cells preferably shade high angle direct sunlight and allow diffuse light in through the space between solar cells. Diffuse light provides more comfortable lighting.
  • Standard panel has a solar cell area at panel area minus empty space on panel surface. With angled solar cells inside panels, solar cell area can be larger than the panel area.
  • the reflector may collect sunlight on empty spaces between adjacent solar cells to improve panel efficiency.
  • angled reflectors that are inserted in between adjacent solar cells can guide the sunlight to the surface of solar cells.
  • a device that can form a curved solar panel to provide the flexibility in architectural design. Still further, it would be desirable to have a curved solar panel with internal solar cells having similar angles of incidence to avoid mismatch. Patterns can be designed to align solar cells. This design may point to the sun at the same angle even when the panel is curved.
  • solar panel without self shading from an adjacent cell.
  • the shading from the above solar cell strongly limits energy yield.
  • the present disclosure uses fixed designed angles and spaces to eliminate or to minimize the self-shading impact from an above or an upper solar cell.
  • the space between solar cells is used to be transparent, as well as avoiding shading on an adjacent solar cell.
  • the present disclosure advantageously fills the aforementioned deficiencies by providing a method to make solar photovoltaic panels with internal angled solar cells.
  • the present disclosure device is unique when compared with other known devices and solutions because the present disclosure provides: a solar cell is strip shaped and rotated along the strip to form an angle with the surface of the solar panel.
  • the solar cell points to sunlight at a favorable angle with a simple construction and solar cells are spaced to minimize shading from an adjacent cell and connectors are patterned to assemble with the angled solar cells.
  • the solar cell may also include a patterned holder, or a front cover, or a back cover, which can be used to support the solar cell.
  • the solar cell may further include an insert unit. The insert unit can be added in the space between solar cells for functions of insulation, lights, or light collection.
  • a photovoltaic solar cell unit comprising a first cover and a second cover.
  • the second cover is generally parallel to the first cover.
  • the second cover is spaced from the first cover and the first and the second cover have a longitudinal axis.
  • the photovoltaic solar cell unit also includes a solar cell. The solar cell disposed between the first cover and the second cover with the solar cell being disposed at a predetermined angle relative to the longitudinal axis.
  • a photovoltaic solar cell unit comprising a first cover having a longitudinal axis and a solar cell disposed at a predetermined angle relative to the longitudinal axis.
  • a photovoltaic solar cell unit comprising a first cover and a second cover being generally parallel to the first cover.
  • the second cover is spaced from the first cover and the first and the second cover have a longitudinal axis.
  • the second cover is adapted to be supported on an inclined surface and a solar cell is disposed between the first cover and the second cover.
  • the solar cell is disposed at a predetermined angle relative to the inclined surface.
  • the solar cell is generally horizontal notwithstanding the inclined surface.
  • a photovoltaic solar cell unit comprising a first cover and a second cover being generally parallel to the first cover.
  • the second cover is spaced from the first cover and the first and the second cover having a longitudinal axis and a solar cell is disposed between the first cover and the second cover and the solar cell is supported on a curved surface.
  • a photovoltaic solar cell unit comprising a first cover and a second cover being generally parallel to the first cover with the second cover being spaced from the first cover and the first and the second cover have a longitudinal axis.
  • the photovoltaic solar cell unit has a solar cell disposed between the first cover and the second cover with the solar cell being disposed at a predetermined angle relative to the longitudinal axis.
  • the photovoltaic solar cell unit also has a holder between the first cover and the second cover for supporting the solar cell.
  • FIG. 1A shows a simplified three dimensional sketch of prior art solar panel.
  • FIG. 1B shows a simplified three dimensional sketch of solar panel of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 2A shows a simplified three dimensional sketch of building wall with saw tooth or accordion construction using prior art solar panel.
  • FIG. 2B shows a simplified three dimensional sketch of vertical façade wall using the present solar panel.
  • FIG. 3A shows a simplified three dimensional sketch of solar array on a flat roof top using prior art solar panel.
  • FIG. 3B shows a simplified three dimensional sketch of solar array on a flat roof top using the present solar panel.
  • FIG. 4A shows a simplified three dimensional sketch of solar array on a sloped roof top using prior art solar panel.
  • FIG. 4B shows a simplified three dimensional sketch of solar array on a sloped roof top using the present solar panel.
  • FIG. 5A shows a simplified three dimensional sketch of curved solar panel, comprising of curved front cover, solar cell, curved back cover.
  • FIG. 5B shows simplified three dimensional sketch of curved solar panel with internally angled solar cells pointing to same direction.
  • FIG. 6 shows a simplified three dimensional sketch of a solar panel using connectors to assemble solar cells.
  • FIG. 7 shows a simplified three dimensional sketch of a solar panel with a patterned holder to support solar cells to a predetermined placement.
  • FIG. 8 shows a simplified three dimensional sketch of a solar panel using patterned back cover to support solar cells to a predetermined placement.
  • FIG. 9 shows a simplified three dimensional sketch of an embodiment of the disclosure, with pattern on the front side of front cover.
  • FIG. 10 shows a simplified three dimensional sketch of a solar panel with insert unit in a space between solar cells.
  • FIG. 11 shows a simplified three dimensional sketch of a solar panel with a thin film solar cell on a patterned back cover.
  • FIG. 12 shows a simplified three dimensional sketch of a solar panel with a reflective layer covering the exposed back cover.
  • the present disclosure is directed to a method to make a solar panel, particularly for building integrated photovoltaic panel.
  • the present disclosure is directed to a solar panel with an internal angled and spaced number of solar cells, which is made up of the following components, but not limited to: a) at least one solar cell, b) connector, c) a front cover, d) a back cover and e) encapsulant.
  • the processes to make the solar panel include a) a process to design angles of solar cells, b) a process to design the width of solar cell, c) a process to design the space between solar cells, d) a process to assemble solar cells and e) a process to form a solar panel.
  • FIG. 1A shows a simplified three dimensional sketch of prior art solar panel 100 .
  • the panel 100 has a front cover 101 , an encapsulant 102 , a solar cell 103 , and a back cover 104 .
  • the solar cell 103 is generally a wafer cell with dimension 125 mm by 125 mm or 156 mm ⁇ 156 mm. Various configurations are possible.
  • the front surface 105 of the solar cell 103 is in parallel with the front surface 106 of the solar panel 100 . As the thickness of the whole panel is generally below 20 mm, it is impossible to tilt a full wafer cell to an obvious angle.
  • the encapsulant 102 may be many different elements include polymers, air, vacuum, inert gas, or similar materials, depending on the manufacturing process of the solar panel 100 ′.
  • Front cover 101 and back cover 104 may be made of glass, polycarbonate, acrylic, laminated sheet, any combination thereof or similar materials.
  • Solar panels may be directly laminated with insulation or can be incorporated into a multi-layer air or gas-filled insulating units. Processes to make the panel include, but not limited to: lamination, cast in place resin, and an insulating glass process.
  • the present disclosure includes a front cover 101 and a back cover 104 that are generally orthogonal or rectangular shaped members that include a longitudinal axis that is generally parallel to one another.
  • FIG. 2A shows a simplified three dimensional sketch of a building wall with saw tooth or an accordion construction 200 using a solar panel 201 , which is vertical at the floor 204 , and which has a number spaced sloped sections 202 on the wall.
  • Solar panel 201 is installed on the sloped portion 202 to tilt at an angle relative to the horizontal floor 204 .
  • Solar cell 203 is as result tilted at an angle to horizontal 204 .
  • FIG. 2B shows a simplified three dimensional sketch of vertical wall 200 ′ using the present solar panels 201 ′. By using the solar panel 201 ′, for a straight vertical façade wall 200 ′, solar cells 203 ′ are tilted at an angle to horizontal floor 204 . As can be seen from FIG.
  • the present disclosure includes a front cover vertical wall 200 ′ and a back cover that are generally orthogonal or rectangular shaped members that include a longitudinal axis that is generally parallel to one another and are vertically disposed.
  • the solar cells 203 ′ are captured within the vertical wall 200 ′ and may be in an encapsulant 102 .
  • the solar cells 203 ′ are each tilted at a predetermined angle with regard to the longitudinal axis of the wall 200 ′.
  • the predetermined angle is preferably any angle that can result in an increased energy collection from the solar cells 203 ′ as previously described and known while keeping the wall 200 ′ generally flat while the cells 203 ′ can be spaced from one another within the wall 200 ′ so they do not block one another in a vertical arrangement. Further, the outer wall 200 ′ is easier to clean.
  • FIG. 3A shows a solar array 300 on a flat roof top 305 using prior art solar panel 301 .
  • the solar panel 301 is mounted on a frame 302 to tilt the panel 301 to a favorable angle.
  • a space 304 is left between panels 301 .
  • FIG. 3B shows a solar array 300 ′ on a flat roof top 305 using the solar panel 301 ′.
  • the solar panel 301 ′ is mounted flat on the roof top 305 without using frame.
  • the solar cell 303 ′ is at an angle with a solar panel surface, and the solar cell 303 ′ therein is tilted at an angle.
  • the present disclosure includes a structure similar to those discussed above that is generally orthogonal or rectangular shaped that include a longitudinal axis.
  • the solar cells 303 ′ are captured therein and may be in an encapsulant 102 .
  • the solar cells 303 ′ are each tilted at a predetermined angle with regard to the longitudinal axis so that an edge of the solar cells 303 ′ points to a top side while a second edge points to the bottom side.
  • the predetermined angle is preferably any angle that can result in an increased energy collection from the solar cells 303 ′ as previously described and known while keeping the structure generally flat to support it on a roof 305 as shown.
  • Solar cells 303 ′ preferably are also not blocked by an adjacent solar cell and include a better ease of operation and installation.
  • FIG. 4A shows a simplified three dimensional sketch of solar array 400 on a sloped roof top 402 using prior art solar panel 401 .
  • lots of roof tops are constructed to be sloped.
  • the solar panel 401 mounted on the sloped roof top has solar cell 403 .
  • Solar cell 403 is tilted at the angle of sloped roof top. This may cause loss of electricity generation as explained above. As an example, for location with latitude around 0 degrees, this may cause about 10% electricity losses.
  • FIG. 4B shows a simplified three dimensional sketch of solar array 400 ′ disposed on a sloped roof top 402 using the present disclosure solar panel 401 ′.
  • the solar cells 403 ′ Due to the internal angle of solar cell 403 ′, when the solar panel 401 ′ mounted on the sloped roof top, the solar cells is generally disposed horizontal or not aligned with the sloped roof top, which is advantageous. For location with latitude around 0 degrees, solar cell 403 ′ has about 10% higher electricity than that measured with prior art solar panel shown in FIG. 4A .
  • the present disclosure can be used to tilt solar cell to a favorable angle without the constraint of the solar panel installation, which is very advantageous.
  • the present disclosure includes a generally rectangular shaped member 401 ′ that include a longitudinal axis. The solar cells 403 ′ are captured therein and may be in an encapsulant 102 .
  • the solar cells 403 ′ are each tilted at a predetermined angle with regard to the longitudinal axis so that an edge of the solar cells 403 ′ points a top side of the structure 401 ′ while a second edge points to the bottom side of the structure 401 ′.
  • the predetermined angle is preferably any angle that can result in an increased energy collection from the solar cells 403 ′ as previously described and known while keeping the structure 401 ′ generally flat.
  • the solar cells 403 ′ can be disposed generally horizontally or at zero degrees while keeping the top side of the structure 401 ′ generally flat for ease of operation.
  • FIG. 5A shows a simplified three dimensional sketch of a curved solar panel 500 .
  • the curved solar panel 500 includes a curvature along at least one axis of the solar panel 500 .
  • the solar panel 500 has a curved front cover 501 , a solar cell 502 , and a curved back cover 503 .
  • the solar cells 502 form a curve surface or plane, which is disposed in parallel to the panel surface 501 .
  • the solar cell efficiency strongly depends on solar incident angle.
  • the solar cells 502 pointing to sun at different angles then there is mismatch between them, which results in efficiency loss and hot spots, which may cause reliability problems.
  • FIG. 5B shows a simplified three dimensional sketch of curved solar panel 500 ′.
  • the curved solar panel 500 ′ includes a curved front cover 501 , a solar cell 502 ′, and a curved back cover 503 .
  • Solar cells 502 ′ are tilted internally so the solar cells 502 ′ point to the sun at the same angle.
  • the present disclosure includes a curved front cover 502 and a back cover 503 that is also curved by a predetermined amount to form two U shaped members.
  • the solar cells 502 are supported by a curved surface 503 and may be in an encapsulant 102 .
  • the solar cells 502 ′ are each tilted at a predetermined angle.
  • the predetermined angle is preferably any angle that can result in an increased energy collection from the solar cells 502 ′ as previously described.
  • FIG. 5A shows that the solar cells 502 ′ are generally aligned with one another while FIG. 5 b shows that the solar cells 502 ′ are staggered from one another.
  • Each solar cell 502 ′ may be angled depending on a location on the curved surface.
  • FIG. 6 shows a simplified three dimensional sketch of one embodiment of the present disclosure using a number of connectors to assemble solar cells.
  • the solar panel 600 is comprised of a front cover 601 , an encapsulant 602 , a back cover 603 , a front connector 604 , a solar cell 605 , and a back connector 606 .
  • the connectors 604 and 606 are patterned and hold solar cells to the designed placement as shown in FIG. 6 .
  • the connectors 604 and 606 are used to assemble solar cells 605 together and to form solar cell assembly.
  • the connectors 604 , 606 and the solar cells 605 are combined with front cover 601 and back cover 603 to make a solar panel 600 . As can be seen from FIG.
  • the present disclosure includes a front cover 601 and a back cover 603 that are generally orthogonal or rectangular shaped members that include a longitudinal axis that is generally parallel to one another and are vertically disposed.
  • the solar cells 605 are captured between the front cover 601 and the back cover 603 and may be in an encapsulant 602 .
  • the solar cells 605 are each tilted at a predetermined angle with regard to the longitudinal axis of the front cover 601 and the back cover 603 so that an edge of the solar cells 605 points to the front cover 601 while a second edge points to the back cover 603 .
  • the predetermined angle is preferably any angle that can result in an increased energy collection from the solar cells 605 as previously described and known while keeping the front cover 601 generally flat and the back cover 603 generally flat as well.
  • the connectors 604 and 606 are resilient members that hold the solar cells 605 in place.
  • FIG. 7 shows a simplified three dimensional sketch of another embodiment with a patterned holder.
  • the patterned holder 707 preferably is used to support solar cells to a predetermined placement.
  • the solar panel 700 includes a front cover 701 , an encapsulant 702 , a back cover 703 , a front connector 704 , a solar cell 705 , a back connector 706 and a patterned holder 707 .
  • the connectors 704 and 706 are patterned to match the pattern of the patterned holder 707 .
  • the connectors 704 and 706 and solar cells 605 are assembled and then combined with front cover 701 , back cover 703 , and holder 707 to form a solar panel 700 .
  • the patterned holder 707 can be manufactured with varying materials, such as metal, plastic, glass, and PCB and any combination thereof.
  • the solar cells can be connected together by independent connectors, or by connectors embedded in the holder, such as PCB board, or similar materials.
  • FIG. 8 shows a simplified three dimensional sketch of another embodiment of the present disclosure using a patterned back cover to support the solar cells in the desired designed placement.
  • the solar panel 800 includes a front cover 801 , an encapsulant 802 , a back cover 803 , a front connector 804 , a solar cell 805 , and a back connector 806 .
  • the back cover 803 is patterned on the internal side with the pattern 807 to support the solar cells.
  • the connectors 804 and 806 are patterned to match the pattern 807 of the back cover 803 .
  • Patterned of the back cover can be made with varying materials, such as a patterned glass, patterned plastic sheet.
  • the example here is a patterned back cover.
  • Another option is a similarly patterned front cover on the internal side.
  • the patterned front cover on the internal side is to hold solar cells in the designed placement.
  • the subject matter of the present disclosure is a process for producing a solar panel.
  • the process makes available a body comprising a number of solar cell units with the solar cell units being parallel to each other, while cell surface is tilted to the panel surface at an angle.
  • the solar cell is preferred to be strips and the solar cell can be rotated along the strip.
  • crystalline Si solar cell is sliced into a number of strips.
  • the present disclosure may include a number of flat thin film solar cell is sliced into strips.
  • the present disclosure may include a thin film solar cell being directly formed on strips.
  • the present disclosure may include a differently configured solar cell orientation as well.
  • the current vertical saw tooth design is preferably used to obtain an improved solar performance in certain orientations. However, this design created multiple “corner” windows, which is not favorable.
  • the vertical straight curtain wall can be built, while internal solar cells form a preferred orientation.
  • Pattern preferably is intended to reduce the reflective light loss at the panel surface. Due to the refractive index mismatch between air and glass, a portion of the sunlight is reflective back to air at the interface of the air and the glass. The ratio of reflection increases with a decrease of the angle between the light and the interface. For a standard solar glass, the reflection percentage is 4.0% at 90°, 5.77% at 50°, and 8.9% at 60°. With the pattern on the panel surface, the glass interface is tilted toward the sun. This reduces the incidence angle by the tilted angle of the pattern.
  • FIG. 9 shows a simplified three dimensional sketch of an embodiment of the present disclosure with a pattern 907 on a front side of the front cover 901 .
  • the panel includes a patterned front cover 901 , an encapsulant 902 , a patterned back cover 903 , a front connector 904 , a solar cell 905 and a back connector 906 .
  • the front cover 901 and back cover 903 can be a patterned glass sheet.
  • Solar cells are separated from each other by a space having a predetermined distance.
  • the space preferably avoids the shading from an adjacent cell.
  • the panel is translucent, such as glass-on-glass, the space provides for daylight control and heat load control.
  • the amount of sunlight may be controlled and the solar panel may receive more diffused light, and less direct light, or more light in the summer, or more light in morning and afternoon, and less night at noon.
  • Heat load may also be controlled. For example, more heat load in winter, or less heat load in summer, or more heat load in morning and afternoon, and less heat load at noon.
  • the method associated with the present disclosure may also include inserting a unit 1005 into the space between solar cells to provide functionality.
  • the insert unit 1005 can be different types, such as insulator, bypass diode, LED diode, or light reflector or any other unit 1005 that provides functionality.
  • FIG. 10 shows a simplified three dimensional sketch of a panel comprising a front cover 1001 , an encapsulant 1002 , a solar cell 1003 , a back cover 1004 , and an insert unit 1005 .
  • the insert unit 1005 can be insulating unit to insulate front connect and back connector 1006 .
  • the insert unit 1005 can also be semiconductor device to form both isolation and functional device. As an example, a diode chip can be inserted.
  • the diode chip may act as bypass diode for the solar cell. This eliminates the current limited from a bad cell.
  • the diode is operatively connected to solar cell in a way that there is only low leakage current during normal operation. However, when the cell is malfunctioning and become reverse biased, then the diode activates and leads the current through the diode.
  • the insert unit 1005 can be a LED chip, which provides an illumination in night.
  • the insert unit 1007 can be a reflective unit, which reflects light onto the surface of solar cell 1003 to improve energy generation by the solar cell 1003 .
  • the method may also include a process for producing a thin film solar cell on a patterned front cover or a back cover.
  • the benefit is higher energy output and efficiency. This results in a larger solar access of the solar cell and an improved sun incident angle and improved thin film solar cell area.
  • FIG. 11 shows a simplified three dimensional sketch of the thin film solar panel 1100 .
  • the thin film solar panel 1100 has a front cover 1101 , an encapsulant 1102 , a solar cell 1103 , and a back cover 1104 .
  • Solar cell 1103 is disposed on the pattern back cover 1104 .
  • the thin film solar cell can be formed on the pattern back cover by deposition, spray or any other process known in the art.
  • the space between cells can be formed by cutting, shuttering during deposition, laser cutting or other process.
  • the solar cell can be applied to pattern front cover or can be applied to the holder as well.
  • FIG. 12 shows a simplified three dimensional sketch of a solar panel 1200 with a reflective layer 1205 covering exposed back cover 1204 .
  • the reflective layer 1205 is on the patterned back cover 1204 and the reflective layer 1205 is exposed between the solar cells 1203 .
  • the reflection layer 1205 can be formed on the pattern back cover by a coating, a deposition process, a spray or other process known in the art to provide a reflection.
  • Reflection layer 1205 can cover the space between the solar cells, or disposed on the whole surface of the back cover. The same idea can be applied to pattern front cover or to pattern the holder with the layer.
  • Reflection layer 1205 may be titanium dioxide, a mirror or the like.

Landscapes

  • Photovoltaic Devices (AREA)
  • Roof Covering Using Slabs Or Stiff Sheets (AREA)
US12/877,947 2009-09-12 2010-09-08 Building-integrated solar photovoltaic panel Abandoned US20110061711A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US12/877,947 US20110061711A1 (en) 2009-09-12 2010-09-08 Building-integrated solar photovoltaic panel

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US27638609P 2009-09-12 2009-09-12
US27638709P 2009-09-12 2009-09-12
US12/877,947 US20110061711A1 (en) 2009-09-12 2010-09-08 Building-integrated solar photovoltaic panel

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US20110061711A1 true US20110061711A1 (en) 2011-03-17

Family

ID=43729283

Family Applications (2)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US12/877,953 Expired - Fee Related US8343795B2 (en) 2009-09-12 2010-09-08 Method to break and assemble solar cells
US12/877,947 Abandoned US20110061711A1 (en) 2009-09-12 2010-09-08 Building-integrated solar photovoltaic panel

Family Applications Before (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US12/877,953 Expired - Fee Related US8343795B2 (en) 2009-09-12 2010-09-08 Method to break and assemble solar cells

Country Status (3)

Country Link
US (2) US8343795B2 (fr)
CN (2) CN102696170A (fr)
WO (2) WO2011032062A1 (fr)

Cited By (16)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN102412759A (zh) * 2011-12-28 2012-04-11 中海阳新能源电力股份有限公司 百叶窗式低光污染建筑光伏一体发电装置
US20130192662A1 (en) * 2012-01-30 2013-08-01 Scuint Corporation Paired Photovoltaic Cell Module
EP2626649A1 (fr) 2012-02-13 2013-08-14 Fibernet, d.o.o. Écrans dotés de modules solaires organisés et écrans intermédiaires commandés indépendamment
US20130322063A1 (en) * 2012-05-31 2013-12-05 Larry Tittle Solar retrofit lighting system
WO2013171718A3 (fr) * 2012-05-17 2014-02-27 Faculdade De Arquitectura Da Universidade Técnica De Lisboa Système périphérique de modification de la façade extérieure d'un édifice
US8786235B1 (en) * 2010-10-06 2014-07-22 Jeffery S. Mosley Solar-powered automatic curtain opener
CN104048248A (zh) * 2013-03-13 2014-09-17 江苏心日源建筑节能科技有限公司 管道式日光照明装置
EP2613364A3 (fr) * 2012-01-06 2016-02-17 Samsung Corning Precision Materials Co., Ltd. Module photovoltaïque
US20160064583A1 (en) * 2013-03-14 2016-03-03 Q1 Nanosystems Corporation Three-Dimensional Metamaterial Devices with Photovoltaic Bristles
US20160284903A1 (en) * 2015-03-23 2016-09-29 Hulk Energy Technology Co., Ltd. Solar Panel Module and Method for Fabricating the Same
CN106252438A (zh) * 2016-08-29 2016-12-21 上海摩帝尔金属结构科技有限公司 一种一体化高刚度轻型光伏电池组件和光伏百叶窗
US20170053043A1 (en) * 2015-08-21 2017-02-23 Solarcity Corporation Systems and methods for locating structures for rooftop solar panel installation
ITUB20156286A1 (it) * 2015-12-03 2017-06-03 Martino Falsini Dispositivo per la concentrazione di onde elettromagnetiche e relativo metodo di realizzazione
US10560050B2 (en) * 2018-06-15 2020-02-11 Evolusun, Inc. Innovative energy generating photovoltaic awning
JP2023539741A (ja) * 2020-08-24 2023-09-19 ザ レジェンツ オブ ザ ユニバーシティ オブ ミシガン ３次元光起電力充電システム
DE102023122209A1 (de) * 2023-08-18 2025-02-20 Sionic Smart Glass GmbH Solarelement für Fenster oder Fassaden

Families Citing this family (37)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US9012766B2 (en) 2009-11-12 2015-04-21 Silevo, Inc. Aluminum grid as backside conductor on epitaxial silicon thin film solar cells
US9214576B2 (en) 2010-06-09 2015-12-15 Solarcity Corporation Transparent conducting oxide for photovoltaic devices
US9773928B2 (en) 2010-09-10 2017-09-26 Tesla, Inc. Solar cell with electroplated metal grid
US8561878B2 (en) * 2010-09-27 2013-10-22 Banyan Energy, Inc. Linear cell stringing
US9800053B2 (en) 2010-10-08 2017-10-24 Tesla, Inc. Solar panels with integrated cell-level MPPT devices
DE102011009006A1 (de) * 2011-01-20 2012-07-26 Schlenk Metallfolien Gmbh & Co. Kg Verfahren zum Herstellen von vorverzinnten Verbindern für PV-Zellen
US9054256B2 (en) 2011-06-02 2015-06-09 Solarcity Corporation Tunneling-junction solar cell with copper grid for concentrated photovoltaic application
CN102593258A (zh) * 2012-03-09 2012-07-18 嘉兴优太太阳能有限公司 减小互连带应力的光伏模版装置
RU2522172C2 (ru) * 2012-05-12 2014-07-10 Государственное научное учреждение Всероссийский научно-исследовательский институт электрификации сельского хозяйства (ГНУ ВИЭСХ РОССЕЛЬХОЗАКАДЕМИИ) Полупроводниковый фотоэлектрический генератор и способ его изготовления (варианты)
KR101890324B1 (ko) * 2012-06-22 2018-09-28 엘지전자 주식회사 태양 전지 모듈 및 이에 적용되는 리본 결합체
MX351564B (es) 2012-10-04 2017-10-18 Solarcity Corp Dispositivos fotovoltaicos con rejillas metálicas galvanizadas.
US9865754B2 (en) 2012-10-10 2018-01-09 Tesla, Inc. Hole collectors for silicon photovoltaic cells
USD1009775S1 (en) * 2014-10-15 2024-01-02 Maxeon Solar Pte. Ltd. Solar panel
US9281436B2 (en) 2012-12-28 2016-03-08 Solarcity Corporation Radio-frequency sputtering system with rotary target for fabricating solar cells
US9412884B2 (en) 2013-01-11 2016-08-09 Solarcity Corporation Module fabrication of solar cells with low resistivity electrodes
US10074755B2 (en) 2013-01-11 2018-09-11 Tesla, Inc. High efficiency solar panel
US9219174B2 (en) 2013-01-11 2015-12-22 Solarcity Corporation Module fabrication of solar cells with low resistivity electrodes
US9624595B2 (en) 2013-05-24 2017-04-18 Solarcity Corporation Electroplating apparatus with improved throughput
US10309012B2 (en) 2014-07-03 2019-06-04 Tesla, Inc. Wafer carrier for reducing contamination from carbon particles and outgassing
US9859162B2 (en) * 2014-09-11 2018-01-02 Alta Devices, Inc. Perforation of films for separation
US9590132B2 (en) 2014-12-05 2017-03-07 Solarcity Corporation Systems and methods for cascading photovoltaic structures
US9685579B2 (en) * 2014-12-05 2017-06-20 Solarcity Corporation Photovoltaic structure cleaving system
US10056522B2 (en) 2014-12-05 2018-08-21 Solarcity Corporation System and apparatus for precision automation of tab attachment for fabrications of solar panels
US9991412B2 (en) 2014-12-05 2018-06-05 Solarcity Corporation Systems for precision application of conductive adhesive paste on photovoltaic structures
US9899546B2 (en) 2014-12-05 2018-02-20 Tesla, Inc. Photovoltaic cells with electrodes adapted to house conductive paste
US10236406B2 (en) 2014-12-05 2019-03-19 Solarcity Corporation Systems and methods for targeted annealing of photovoltaic structures
US10043937B2 (en) 2014-12-05 2018-08-07 Solarcity Corporation Systems and method for precision automated placement of backsheet on PV modules
US9947822B2 (en) 2015-02-02 2018-04-17 Tesla, Inc. Bifacial photovoltaic module using heterojunction solar cells
US9761744B2 (en) 2015-10-22 2017-09-12 Tesla, Inc. System and method for manufacturing photovoltaic structures with a metal seed layer
US9842956B2 (en) 2015-12-21 2017-12-12 Tesla, Inc. System and method for mass-production of high-efficiency photovoltaic structures
US9496429B1 (en) 2015-12-30 2016-11-15 Solarcity Corporation System and method for tin plating metal electrodes
WO2017147332A1 (fr) * 2016-02-24 2017-08-31 Sunpower Corporation Panneau solaire
US10115838B2 (en) 2016-04-19 2018-10-30 Tesla, Inc. Photovoltaic structures with interlocking busbars
US10672919B2 (en) 2017-09-19 2020-06-02 Tesla, Inc. Moisture-resistant solar cells for solar roof tiles
US11190128B2 (en) 2018-02-27 2021-11-30 Tesla, Inc. Parallel-connected solar roof tile modules
KR102524019B1 (ko) * 2018-03-26 2023-04-21 상라오 징코 솔라 테크놀러지 디벨롭먼트 컴퍼니, 리미티드 태양전지 및 이를 이용한 태양전지 모듈과 이의 제조 방법
KR102457009B1 (ko) * 2020-02-18 2022-10-24 한국전자기술연구원 태양전지 셀의 태빙방법

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4180414A (en) * 1978-07-10 1979-12-25 Optical Coating Laboratory, Inc. Concentrator solar cell array module
US4461922A (en) * 1983-02-14 1984-07-24 Atlantic Richfield Company Solar cell module
US6063996A (en) * 1996-07-17 2000-05-16 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Solar cell module and hybrid roof panel using the same

Family Cites Families (19)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3419434A (en) * 1964-07-21 1968-12-31 Martin Marietta Corp Solar cell assemblies
US4174978A (en) * 1978-05-11 1979-11-20 Chubrikov Boris A Semiconductor photovoltaic generator and method of fabricating thereof
US4626613A (en) * 1983-12-23 1986-12-02 Unisearch Limited Laser grooved solar cell
JPH06120547A (ja) * 1992-10-08 1994-04-28 Sharp Corp 太陽電池モジュール
US5393706A (en) * 1993-01-07 1995-02-28 Texas Instruments Incorporated Integrated partial sawing process
CN1076516C (zh) * 1994-01-22 2001-12-19 德克萨斯仪器股份有限公司 集总的局部锯切工艺方法
US6232545B1 (en) * 1998-08-06 2001-05-15 Jx Crystals Inc. Linear circuit designs for solar photovoltaic concentrator and thermophotovoltaic applications using cell and substrate materials with matched coefficients of thermal expansion
US6620645B2 (en) * 2000-11-16 2003-09-16 G.T. Equipment Technologies, Inc Making and connecting bus bars on solar cells
US20030000568A1 (en) * 2001-06-15 2003-01-02 Ase Americas, Inc. Encapsulated photovoltaic modules and method of manufacturing same
US7388146B2 (en) * 2002-04-24 2008-06-17 Jx Crystals Inc. Planar solar concentrator power module
US6660930B1 (en) * 2002-06-12 2003-12-09 Rwe Schott Solar, Inc. Solar cell modules with improved backskin
KR100965638B1 (ko) * 2004-01-22 2010-06-23 유러피언 올거니제이션 포 뉴클리어 리서치-썬 평판 태양열 집열기
WO2005093855A1 (fr) * 2004-03-29 2005-10-06 Kyocera Corporation Module de cellule solaire et générateur photovoltaïque d’énergie l’utilisant
US20080223429A1 (en) * 2004-08-09 2008-09-18 The Australian National University Solar Cell (Sliver) Sub-Module Formation
JP5193605B2 (ja) * 2005-01-27 2013-05-08 トランスフォーム ソーラー ピーティワイ リミテッド 光電池パネル
US20080178922A1 (en) * 2005-07-26 2008-07-31 Solaria Corporation Method and system for manufacturing solar panels using an integrated solar cell using a plurality of photovoltaic regions
US7804021B2 (en) * 2007-02-23 2010-09-28 Lintec Corporation Light transmissible solar cell module, process for manufacturing same, and solar cell panel thereof
US8225496B2 (en) * 2007-08-31 2012-07-24 Applied Materials, Inc. Automated integrated solar cell production line composed of a plurality of automated modules and tools including an autoclave for curing solar devices that have been laminated
AT506129B1 (de) * 2007-12-11 2009-10-15 Heic Hornbachner En Innovation Gekrümmte photovoltaik-module und verfahren zu deren herstellung

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4180414A (en) * 1978-07-10 1979-12-25 Optical Coating Laboratory, Inc. Concentrator solar cell array module
US4461922A (en) * 1983-02-14 1984-07-24 Atlantic Richfield Company Solar cell module
US6063996A (en) * 1996-07-17 2000-05-16 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Solar cell module and hybrid roof panel using the same

Cited By (17)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US8786235B1 (en) * 2010-10-06 2014-07-22 Jeffery S. Mosley Solar-powered automatic curtain opener
CN102412759A (zh) * 2011-12-28 2012-04-11 中海阳新能源电力股份有限公司 百叶窗式低光污染建筑光伏一体发电装置
EP2613364A3 (fr) * 2012-01-06 2016-02-17 Samsung Corning Precision Materials Co., Ltd. Module photovoltaïque
US20130192662A1 (en) * 2012-01-30 2013-08-01 Scuint Corporation Paired Photovoltaic Cell Module
EP2626649A1 (fr) 2012-02-13 2013-08-14 Fibernet, d.o.o. Écrans dotés de modules solaires organisés et écrans intermédiaires commandés indépendamment
WO2013171718A3 (fr) * 2012-05-17 2014-02-27 Faculdade De Arquitectura Da Universidade Técnica De Lisboa Système périphérique de modification de la façade extérieure d'un édifice
US8714768B2 (en) * 2012-05-31 2014-05-06 Larry Tittle Solar retrofit lighting system
US20130322063A1 (en) * 2012-05-31 2013-12-05 Larry Tittle Solar retrofit lighting system
CN104048248A (zh) * 2013-03-13 2014-09-17 江苏心日源建筑节能科技有限公司 管道式日光照明装置
US20160064583A1 (en) * 2013-03-14 2016-03-03 Q1 Nanosystems Corporation Three-Dimensional Metamaterial Devices with Photovoltaic Bristles
US20160284903A1 (en) * 2015-03-23 2016-09-29 Hulk Energy Technology Co., Ltd. Solar Panel Module and Method for Fabricating the Same
US20170053043A1 (en) * 2015-08-21 2017-02-23 Solarcity Corporation Systems and methods for locating structures for rooftop solar panel installation
ITUB20156286A1 (it) * 2015-12-03 2017-06-03 Martino Falsini Dispositivo per la concentrazione di onde elettromagnetiche e relativo metodo di realizzazione
CN106252438A (zh) * 2016-08-29 2016-12-21 上海摩帝尔金属结构科技有限公司 一种一体化高刚度轻型光伏电池组件和光伏百叶窗
US10560050B2 (en) * 2018-06-15 2020-02-11 Evolusun, Inc. Innovative energy generating photovoltaic awning
JP2023539741A (ja) * 2020-08-24 2023-09-19 ザ レジェンツ オブ ザ ユニバーシティ オブ ミシガン ３次元光起電力充電システム
DE102023122209A1 (de) * 2023-08-18 2025-02-20 Sionic Smart Glass GmbH Solarelement für Fenster oder Fassaden

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
WO2011037770A2 (fr) 2011-03-31
WO2011037770A3 (fr) 2012-03-15
US20110065226A1 (en) 2011-03-17
CN102696117A (zh) 2012-09-26
WO2011032062A1 (fr) 2011-03-17
US8343795B2 (en) 2013-01-01
CN102696170A (zh) 2012-09-26

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US20110061711A1 (en) Building-integrated solar photovoltaic panel
AU2023201882B2 (en) Light management systems for optimizing performance of bifacial solar module
US20100313933A1 (en) Reflector-solar receiver assembly and solar module
US8053662B2 (en) Solar energy collection devices
US9057535B2 (en) Solar energy conversion devices and systems
US9188296B2 (en) Light redirection device
US20070240755A1 (en) Apparatus and method for construction and placement of a non-equatorial photovoltaic module
JP2014145582A (ja) 太陽エネルギー変換
WO1993025792A1 (fr) Elements pouvant transmettre la lumiere, et procede de reglage de la quantite et de la plage d'eclairage naturel au moyen desdits elements
US20250132722A1 (en) Photovoltaic system for low solar elevation angles
CN113796007A (zh) 包括反射板的太阳能电池模块和用于调节反射模块的方法
Cappelletti et al. Integration and architectural issues of a photovoltaic/thermal linear solar concentrator
US12051759B2 (en) Photovoltaic solar collection system and natural illumination apparatus for building integration
JP7667818B2 (ja) ガラス建材
AU5471800A (en) Panel-like structure for collecting radiant energy
JP2008141143A (ja) 太陽電池モジュール
KR100713802B1 (ko) 독립형 자연채광장치
US20240387761A1 (en) Photovoltaic solar collection system and natural illumination apparatus for building integration
KR20190024303A (ko) 피라미드형 태양광 발전 구조체
KR100592426B1 (ko) 독립형 자연채광장치
KR102691150B1 (ko) 태양광 집광모듈
KR102691876B1 (ko) 집광채광 및 태양광 발전이 가능한 슬랫 및 이를 구비하는 블라인드
KR102800371B1 (ko) 그림자 회피기능을 갖는 미니 태양전지 시스템
KR20250115604A (ko) 양면형 태양광 모듈용 반사판 기구
US20100236540A1 (en) Device for collecting solar radiation

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
STCB Information on status: application discontinuation

Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION