A PHOTOVOLTAIC APPARATUS HAVING AN ELONGATED PHOTOVOLTAIC DEVICE USING AN INVOLUTE-BASED CONCENTRATOR

摘要

An apparatus for converting light energy into electric energy has a concentrator with at least a first and second wall. The walls are made at least in part of a material that reflects light. The concentrator has an opening defined by the walls, and is operable to admit light energy into an interior portion of the apparatus. An elongated photovoltaic module is disposed between the walls. The module has a substrate, and a photovoltaic covering disposed on the substrate. The module can generate electric energy from light energy that directly strikes the module and light energy redirected from the concentrator to the module. The walls are substantially the shape of an involute of the module. The walls are limited to the height of the topmost portion of the elongated photovoltaic module. The module is disposed upon or above a joining of the walls.