Photovoltaic (PV) enhancement films for enhancing optical path lengths and for trapping reflected light
US7968790B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 19, 2009 |
| Grant date | Jun 28, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 19, 2029 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E10/52
Abstract
A solar energy conversion assembly for efficiently capturing solar energy by providing additional chances to absorb reflected sunlight and providing longer path lengths in the photovoltaic (PV) material. The assembly includes a PV device including a layer of PV material and a protective top covering the PV material (e.g., a planar glass cover applied with adhesive to the PV material). The assembly further includes a PV enhancement film formed of a substantially transparent material, and film is applied to at least a portion of the protective top such as with a substantially transparent adhesive. The PV enhancement film includes a plurality of absorption enhancement structures on the substrate opposite the PV device. Each absorption enhancement structure includes a light receiving surface that refracts incident light striking the PV enhancement film to provide an average path length ratio of greater than about 1.20 in the layer of PV material.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.