TENSILE SOLAR CELL, METHOD OF MANUFACTURING, APPARATUS AND SYSTEM

摘要

A solar cell which remains operative when subject to an applied tensile load comprises: a tensile layer 30; a first photovoltaic structure 32; and first and second electrodes, each connected to a different surface of the first photovoltaic structure. The tensile layer enables a tensile load to be carried and the photovoltaic structure can maintain its properties when subject to strain. The photovoltaic cell preferably comprises a bulk heterojunction. Also disclosed is a method of manufacturing a bulk heterojunction for use in a photovoltaic structure comprising depositing an electron transport layer on an electrode surface using solution deposition; and depositing a hole transport layer on the electron transport layer using solution deposition. It has been found that manufacture of the layers in this way allows spontaneous creation of a bulk heterojunction between the electron transport layer and the hole transport layer. Further disclosed is an apparatus for improved cooling of a solar cell in use, thereby improving its efficiency, the apparatus comprises: a supporting structure; a flexible container comprising a first flexible sheet forming an upper surface and a second flexible sheet forming a lower surface, wherein the flexible container is attached to the supporting structure so that the second sheet is at least partially in tension; at least one flexible solar cell at least partially covering the upper surface of the flexible container; an inlet for supplying fluid into the container; and an outlet for removing fluid from the container.