Concentrated solar photovoltaic module

US7807920B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Opel, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Edward J. Linke · Monroe, US
• Francisco A. Middleton · Newtown, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Oct 30, 2007
• Grant date: Oct 5, 2010
• Expiry date: Oct 17, 2028

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y02E10/52

Abstract

A solar photovoltaic module containing a housing that supports an array of photovoltaic cells and corresponding light guides. The housing includes a base member having a generally planar support surface and two side walls projecting from the support surface. Two side panels detachably connect to the side walls, and a top panel detachably connects to the side panels. The top panel includes a plurality of concentrating lenses that focus incident solar radiation into the inside of the housing towards the light guide. The light guides are disposed between the corresponding concentrating lenses and photovoltaic cells such that the concentrating lenses and light guides work together to direct light onto the photovoltaic cells. At least one retaining member interfaces to the light guides and applies a downward force that biases the respective light guides toward the corresponding photovoltaic cells.