Photovoltaic device with patterned glass concentrator

摘要

The present invention provides a photovoltaic device having an optical component that is capable of concentrating solar energy and method of making the same. More specifically, the present invention provides for an on-line produced patterned glass component that is capable of concentrating solar energy and allows for significantly less photovoltaic material to be used in a photovoltaic device. The present invention also provides for an on-line method of making the patterned glass and a method for making a photovoltaic device incorporating the patterned glass described herein.

主权项

1. A photovoltaic device comprising:
a solar cell material having a first width; and a patterned glass comprising at least two optical surfaces wherein at least one of the optical surfaces has formed thereon a series of adjacently disposed, convex features that are able to concentrate and/or focus light; wherein the convex features comprise an upper portion that is flat; wherein the upper portion that is flat has a second width; wherein the second width is less than the first width; wherein the convex features have a third width; wherein the first width is substantially 60% of the third width; wherein said patterned glass is disposed on and in direct contact with said solar cell material, with the convex features directed away from the solar cell material; and further wherein the light concentrated and/or focused onto the solar cell material is evenly spread across the solar cell surface by the convex features.