Increased power output photovoltaic system

Abstract

A photovoltaic system includes a first solar reflector and a second solar reflector. Each of the first solar reflector and the second solar reflector can include a first reflective plane and a second reflective plane. The first reflective plane and the second reflective plane, together, can define a wedge-shaped cross section having an apex and at least two ends distal from the apex. The photovoltaic system also can include a first bifacial solar cell having an edge substantially parallel to an edge of the first solar reflector and an edge of the second solar reflector. The first solar reflector can be configured to reflect light onto a first side of the first bifacial solar cell and the second solar reflector can be configured to reflect light onto a second side of the first bifacial solar cell.

Description

INCREASED POWER OUTPUT PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEMCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of Application Number 63 / 551,111 filed on February 8, 2024 and Application Number 63 / 557,535 filed on February 25, 2024, both of which are fully incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUND

[0002] The present invention relates to photovoltaic systems, and more specifically, to photovoltaic systems using bifacial solar cells.

[0003] A bifacial solar panel is a solar panel having solar cells on both sides of the panel. Thus, a bifacial solar panel produces electrical energy when illuminated on either of its surfaces. Bifacial solar panels can make use of albedo radiation, which is useful for applications where solar irradiance is reflected from surfaces, such as roofs. Accordingly, bifacial solar panels can output more energy than single- sided solar panels.

[0004] European Patent Application EP 4145699A1 discloses a photovoltaic system including bifacial photovoltaic module mounted on a support structure in a position substantially perpendicular to the east-west axis, with an allowable deviation of + / - 20°. That photovoltaic system uses planes comprising reflectors, which are on a support structure. That photovoltaic system is cumbersome to assemble and provides no protection for the photovoltaic module and reflectors from environmental elements and debris. Thus, cleaning and maintenance of the photovoltaic system is relatively complex and costly.SUMMARY

[0005] A photovoltaic system includes a first solar reflector and a second solar reflector. Each of the first solar reflector and the second solar reflector can include a first reflective plane and a second reflective plane. The first reflective plane and the second reflective plane, together, can define a wedge-shaped cross section having an apex and at least two ends distal from the apex. The photovoltaic system also can include at least a first bifacial solar cell including a first cell edge. The first cell edge can be substantially parallel to a first edge of the first solar reflector defining a first of the at least two ends distal from the apex and substantially parallel to a first edgeof the second solar reflector defining a second of the at least two ends distal from the apex. The first solar reflector can be configured to reflect light onto a first side of the first bifacial solar cell and the second solar reflector can be configured to reflect light onto a second side of the first bifacial solar cell.

[0006] In another aspect, a photovoltaic system includes a first solar reflector and at least a second solar reflector. Each of the first solar reflector and the at least the second solar reflector can include a first reflective plane, a second reflective plane, a third reflective plane and a fourth reflective plane. The first reflective plane, the second reflective plane, the third reflective plane and the fourth reflective plane, together, can define a pyramid having a base and an apex. The photovoltaic system also can include a plurality of bifacial solar cells oriented in a grid pattern defined by edges of the first solar reflector and edges of the at least the second solar reflector. The plurality of bifacial solar cells can extend vertically upward from a plane defined by the bases of the solar reflectors.

[0007] A method includes generating electrical energy from a photovoltaic system, such as a photovoltaic system previously described.

[0008] This Summary section is provided merely to introduce certain concepts and not to identify any key or essential features of the claimed subject matter. Other features of the inventive arrangements will be apparent from the accompanying drawings and from the following detailed description.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a photovoltaic system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0010] FIG. 2 is a section view of the photovoltaic system of FIG. 1 taken along section line A-A.

[0011] FIG. 3 is a section view of the photovoltaic system of FIG. 1 taken along section line A-A and depicts an example operation of the photovoltaic system.

[0012] FIG. 4 is a section view of the photovoltaic system of FIG. 1 taken along section line A-A and depicts another example operation of the photovoltaic system.

[0013] FIG. 5 is a chart depicting performance of the photovoltaic system of FIG. 1 in comparison to other types photovoltaic systems.

[0014] FIG. 6 is a top view of a photovoltaic system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0015] FIG. 7 is a side view of solar panels including a plurality of bifacial solar cells according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a photovoltaic system according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] FIG. 9 is a section view of the photovoltaic system of FIG. 8 taken along section line B-B.

[0018] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a photovoltaic system according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a photovoltaic system according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a method of generating electrical energy from light.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] The present invention relates to photovoltaic systems, and more specifically, to photovoltaic systems using bifacial solar cells.

[0022] In accordance with the inventive arrangements disclosed herein, a photovoltaic system includes a first solar reflector and a second solar reflector. Each of the first solar reflector and the second solar reflector can include a first reflective plane and a second reflective plane. The first reflective plane and the second reflective plane, together, can define a wedge-shaped cross section having an apex and at least two ends distal from the apex. The photovoltaic system also can include at least a first bifacial solar cell including a first cell edge. The first cell edge can be substantially parallel to a first edge of the first solar reflector defining a first of the at least two ends distal from the apex and substantially parallel to a first edge of the second solar reflector defining a second of the at least two ends distal from the apex. The first solar reflector can be configured to reflect light onto a first side of the first bifacial solar cell and the second solar reflector can be configured to reflect light onto a second side of the first bifacial solar cell.

[0023] The photovoltaic system provides a number of advantages. Solar reflectors with a wedge-shaped cross section reflect light into a plurality of directions, thereby increasing electricalpower output by the photovoltaic system and increasing the period over which high electrical power output is maintained. Further, use of solar reflectors with a wedge-shaped cross section increases production efficiency in comparison to use of strictly planar solar reflectors. In this regard, the wedge-shaped solar reflectors can include a plurality of light reflecting planes, thereby reflecting light onto a plurality of directions, using fewer components as compared to manufacturing an individual planar reflector for each direction to which light is to be reflected. Further, use of bifacial solar cells allows for use of a plurality of solar reflectors to reflect light onto each solar cell.

[0024] In one or more arrangements, the first cell edge of the first bifacial solar cell is proximate to the first edge of the first solar reflector and the first cell edge of the first bifacial solar cell is proximate to the first edge of the second solar reflector. The photovoltaic system further can include a second bifacial solar cell comprising a cell edge proximate to, and substantially parallel to, a second edge of the first solar reflector, and a third bifacial solar cell comprising a cell edge proximate to, and substantially parallel to, a second edge of the second solar reflector. The first solar reflector can be configured to reflect light onto a first side of the second bifacial solar cell and the second solar reflector can be configured to reflect light onto a first side of the third bifacial solar cell. Accordingly, each solar reflector can reflect light onto a plurality of solar cells

[0025] In one or more arrangements, the photovoltaic system further can include a third solar reflector comprising an edge proximate to, and substantially parallel to, the cell edge of the second bifacial solar cell, the third solar reflector configured to reflect light onto a second side of the second bifacial solar cell, and a fourth solar reflector comprising an edge proximate to, and substantially parallel to, the cell edge of the third bifacial solar cell, the fourth solar reflector configured to reflect light onto a second side of the third bifacial solar cell. The use of additional reflectors further increases output power of the photovoltaic system.

[0026] In one or more arrangements, each of the first solar reflector and the second solar reflector further can include a third reflective plane and a fourth reflective plane. The first reflective plane, the second reflective plane, the third reflective plane and the fourth reflective plane, together, can form a reflective pyramid having a quadrilateral base and the apex. Accordingly, each of the first solar reflector and the second solar reflector can reflect light onto at least four solar cells placed in different locations.

[0027] In one or more arrangements, the photovoltaic system further can include a secondbifacial solar cell comprising a cell edge substantially parallel to a second edge of the first solar reflector, wherein the first solar reflector is configured to reflect light onto a first side of the second bifacial solar cell, a third bifacial solar cell comprising a cell edge substantially parallel to a third edge of the first solar reflector, wherein the first solar reflector is configured to reflect light onto a first side of the third bifacial solar cell, a fourth bifacial solar cell comprising a cell edge substantially parallel to a fourth edge of the first solar reflector, wherein the first solar reflector is configured to reflect light onto a first side of the fourth bifacial solar cell, a fifth bifacial solar cell comprising a cell edge substantially parallel to a second edge of the second solar reflector, wherein the second solar reflector is configured to reflect light onto a first side of the fifth bifacial solar cell, a sixth bifacial solar cell comprising a cell edge substantially parallel to a third edge of the second solar reflector, wherein the second solar reflector is configured to reflect light onto a first side of the sixth bifacial solar cell, and a seventh bifacial solar cell comprising a cell edge substantially parallel to a fourth edge of the second solar reflector, wherein the second solar reflector is configured to reflect light onto a first side of the seventh bifacial solar cell. The use of such bifacial solar cells, along with the reflective pyramids, provides high density power output for a given area.

[0028] The photovoltaic system also can include a third solar reflector comprising an edge proximate to, and substantially parallel to, the cell edge of the second bifacial solar cell, the third solar reflector configured to reflect light onto a second side of the second bifacial solar cell. Further, the photovoltaic system a fourth solar reflector comprising an edge proximate to, and substantially parallel to, the cell edge of the fifth bifacial solar cell, the fourth solar reflector configured to reflect light onto a second side of the fifth bifacial solar cell. Such an arrangement can further increase the density of power output for a given area.

[0029] The photovoltaic system also can include an enclosure enclosing the first solar reflector, the second solar reflector and the first bifacial solar cell, wherein at least a top of the enclosure is transparent to light. The enclosure can protect the photovoltaic system from environmental debris, wind, and tampering.

[0030] The photovoltaic system can include at least one reflective foil defining the first reflective plane and the second reflective plane. This allows for cost effective manufacturing of the solar reflectors. In another arrangement, the first solar reflector can include at least one mirror or polished metal defining the first reflective plane and the second reflective plane.

[0031] In another aspect, a photovoltaic system includes a first solar reflector and at least a second solar reflector. Each of the first solar reflector and the at least the second solar reflector can include a first reflective plane, a second reflective plane, a third reflective plane and a fourth reflective plane. The first reflective plane, the second reflective plane, the third reflective plane and the fourth reflective plane, together, can define a pyramid having a base and an apex. The photovoltaic system also can include a plurality of bifacial solar cells oriented in a grid pattern defined by edges of the first solar reflector and edges of the at least the second solar reflector. The plurality of bifacial solar cells can extend vertically upward from a plane defined by the bases of the solar reflectors. The use of a plurality of bifacial solar cells, along with the reflective pyramids, provides high density power output for a given area and increases the period over which high electrical power output is maintained.

[0032] The photovoltaic system further can include a plurality of periphery solar reflectors surrounding a perimeter of an area defined the first solar reflector, the at least the second solar reflector and the plurality of bifacial solar cells. This can serve further increase the power output of the photovoltaic system.

[0033] The photovoltaic system further can include an enclosure enclosing the first solar reflector, the second solar reflector and the plurality of bifacial solar cells, wherein at least a top of the enclosure is transparent to light. The enclosure can protect the photovoltaic system from environmental debris, wind, and tampering.

[0034] A method includes generating electrical energy from a photovoltaic system from any of the above photovoltaic systems. Generating electrical energy from such photovoltaic systems provides a number of advantages. Solar reflectors with a wedge-shaped cross section reflect light into a plurality of directions, thereby increasing electrical power output by the photovoltaic system and increasing the period over which high electrical power output is maintained. Further, use of solar reflectors with a wedge-shaped cross section increases production efficiency in comparison to use of strictly planar solar reflectors. In this regard, the wedge-shaped solar reflectors can include a plurality of light reflecting planes, thereby reflecting light onto a plurality of directions, using fewer components as compared to manufacturing an individual planar reflector for each direction to which light is to be reflected. Further, use of bifacial solar cells allows for use of a plurality of solar reflectors to reflect light onto each solar cell.

[0035] Several definitions that apply throughout this document will now be presented.

[0036] As defined herein, the term “substantially parallel” means to have a deviation from parallel in a range of zero degrees of deviation (i.c., no deviation) to fifteen degrees of deviation.

[0037] As defined herein, the term “substantially equal” means to be in a range of zero percent to twenty percent of one another.

[0038] As defined herein, the term “substantially equidistant” means to be in a range of zero percent to twenty percent of one another.

[0039] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a photovoltaic system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Photovoltaic system 100 can include a plurality of bifacial solar cells 110, 111, 112, 113, 114, 115, 116, 117, 118, 119, 120, 121. Bifacial solar cells 110-121 can be rectangular in shape, and can have any suitable dimensions. By way of a non-limiting example, bifacial solar cells 110-121 can have the following dimensions: 182 mm length x 91 mm wide x 1 mm thick. Electrical wires (not shown) can be connected to bifacial solar cells 110-121 to carry electrical energy generated by bifacial solar cells 110-121 to an electrical load (e.g., an inverter, a power controller and / or a battery controller). Bifacial solar cells 110-121 can be integrated into bifacial solar panels, for example as described with respect to FIG. 7.

[0040] In one or more arrangements, a plurality of bifacial solar cells 110-121 can be integrated into a bifacial solar panel. For example, bifacial solar cells 110, 111 can be integrated into a first bifacial solar panel, bifacial solar cells 112, 113 can be integrated into a second bifacial solar panel, bifacial solar cells 114, 115 can be integrated into a third bifacial solar panel, bifacial solar cells 116, 117 can be integrated into a fourth bifacial solar panel, and bifacial solar cells 118, 119 can be integrated into a fifth bifacial solar panel, and bifacial solar cells 120, 121 can be integrated into a sixth bifacial solar panel. In such arrangements, the bifacial solar panels can be configured to interlock with one another, for example as will be described herein with reference to FIG. 7.

[0041] Photovoltaic system 100 also can include a plurality of solar reflectors 130, 131, 132, 133. Each solar reflector 130-133 can include a plurality of reflective planes. For example, solar reflector 130 can include reflective planes 140, 141, 142, 143. Reflective planes 140-143, together, can be in a shape of a pyramid having a quadrilateral base. The base of the pyramid can be defined by lower edges of the reflective planes 140- 143. The base of the pyramid need not be a solid plane. In that regard, the pyramid need not include a bottom plane, but instead can be open, though the present arrangements are not limited in this regard. Solar reflectors 131-133 can be configured ina similar manner. Each reflective plane 140- 143 can be configured to reflect light onto a respective side of a respective bifacial solar cell 110-121, as will be described.

[0042] Bifacial solar cells 110-121 can be oriented in a grid pattern defined by edges of solar reflectors 130-133, and extending vertically upward from a plane defined by bases of solar reflectors 130-133. For example, a bifacial solar cell 111 can be positioned between solar reflectors 132, 133. Specifically, a bottom edge 150 of a bifacial solar panel integrating bifacial solar cell 111 can be proximate to, and substantially parallel to, an edge 151 of solar reflector 132 and an edge 152 of solar reflector 133. Bifacial solar cell 110 can be positioned between solar reflectors 130, 131, bifacial solar cell 112 can be positioned between solar reflectors 130, 133, and bifacial solar cell 113 can be positioned between solar reflectors 131, 132, all in a similar manner to bifacial solar cell 111.

[0043] Bifacial solar cells 114-121 can be arranged around a periphery of the group of solar reflectors 130-133. For example, a bottom edge 160 of a bifacial solar panel integrating bifacial solar cell 116 can be proximate to, and substantially parallel to, an edge 161 of solar reflector 131. Further, a bottom edge 162 of a bifacial solar panel integrating bifacial solar cell 115 can be proximate to, and substantially parallel to, a respective edge 163 of solar reflector 131. Similarly, bottom edges of bifacial solar panels integrating bifacial solar cells 114, 117-121 can be proximate to, and substantially parallel to, respective edges of respective solar reflectors 130, 132, 133.

[0044] At this point it should be noted that the length of each bifacial solar cell 110-121 can be approximately equal to the length of a corresponding edge of a base of a solar reflector 130- 133. In illustration, a length 170 of bifacial solar cell 113 can be approximately equal to length of an edge 171 of the base of solar reflector 133.

[0045] In one or more non-limiting arrangements, photovoltaic system 100 also can include periphery solar reflectors 180, 181, 182, 183. Periphery solar reflectors 180-183 can be configured to reflect light around a periphery of photovoltaic system 100. Whereas solar reflectors 130, 131 can reflect light onto inward facing sides 190, 191 of bifacial solar cells 114,115, respectively, periphery solar reflector 180 can reflect light onto outward facing sides 192, 193 of bifacial solar cells 114-115, respectively. Similarly, periphery solar reflector 18 f can reflect light onto outward facing sides of bifacial solar cells 116, 117, periphery solar reflector 182 can reflect light onto outward facing sides of bifacial solar cells 118, 119, and periphery solar reflector 183 can reflect light onto outward facing sides of bifacial solar cells 120, 121.

[0046] An inner edge 194 of periphery solar reflector 180 can be proximate to, and substantially parallel to, a bottom cell edge 195 of a bifacial solar cell 114 and bottom cell edge 162 of bifacial solar cell 115. Similarly, an inner edge of periphery solar reflector 181 can be proximate to, and substantially parallel to, bottom cell edges of bifacial solar cells 116, 117, an inner edge of periphery solar reflector 182 can be proximate to, and substantially parallel to, bottom cell edges of bifacial solar cells 118, 119, and an inner edge of periphery solar reflector 183 can be proximate to, and substantially parallel to, bottom cell edges of bifacial solar cells 120, 121.

[0047] Reflective planes 140-143 and periphery solar reflectors 180-183 can include any material suitable for reflecting light. Examples of suitable materials include, but are not limited to, reflective foil, mirrors and polished metals, though the present arrangements are not limited to those examples. In illustration, each solar reflector 130-133 can include a plastic structure formed as a pyramid and each periphery solar reflector 180-183 can include a plastic structure formed as an elongated quadrilateral. In one or more arrangements, the pyramids for all solar reflectors 130- 133 and all periphery solar reflectors 180-183 can be formed in a single plastic mold, thereby facilitating manufacturing of solar reflectors 130-133 and periphery solar reflectors 180-183. In such an arrangement, edges of adjacent pyramids can be spaced apart by a distance that is substantially equal to a thickness a solar panel in which bifacial solar cells 110-121 are integrated. Similarly, lower edges of and periphery solar reflectors 180-183 can be spaced apart from edges of adjacent pyramids by a distance that is substantially equal to a thickness a solar panel in which bifacial solar cells 110-121 are integrated.

[0048] In one or more arrangements, reflective foil can be attached to the exterior sides of that pyramid to form each reflective plane 140-143, thereby creating a reflective pyramid. Similarly, reflective foil can be attached to upper sides of each periphery solar reflector 180- 183. An example of a suitable reflective foil is Solar Mirror Film 1100 available from 3M Company of St. Paul, Minnesota, USA. In one or more arrangements, in lieu of using reflective foil, a reflective material can be sprayed onto the exterior of each pyramid, thereby creating a reflective pyramid. Similarly, a reflective material can be sprayed onto the upper side of each periphery solar reflector 180-183.

[0049] FIG. 2 is a section view of photovoltaic system 100 of FIG. 1 taken along section line A-A. Reflective plane 140 and reflective plane 142 of solar reflector 130, together, can define a wedge-shaped cross section having an apex 210. Similarly, reflective plane 220 and reflectiveplane 221 of solar reflector 131 , together, can define a wedge-shaped cross section having an apex 222. Reflective planes of solar reflectors 132, 133 (shown in FIG. 1) also can define wedge-shaped cross sections each having an apex. A height 230 of apex 222 above edge 163 of solar reflector 131 can be in a range of 30% to one 120% of a height 231 of bifacial solar cell 115, preferably 50%. Height 231 can be a specified width of bifacial solar cell 115. Apex 210, as well as apices of solar reflectors 132, 133, can have heights substantially equal to height 230.

[0050] An angle 240 formed between periphery solar reflector 183 and bifacial solar cell 121 can be substantially equal to an angle 241 formed between reflective plane 140 of solar reflector 130 and bifacial solar cell 121. Angles formed between periphery solar reflectors 180-182 and bifacial solar cells to which they are proximately located also can be substantially equal to angle 240. Heights of outside edges 242 of periphery solar reflectors 180-183 above bottom cell edges of bifacial solar reflectors can be substantially equal to height 230.

[0051] FIG. 3 is a section view of photovoltaic system 100 of FIG. 1 taken along section line A- A, and depicts an example of operation of photovoltaic system 100. In this example, photovoltaic system 100 is oriented so that bifacial solar cells 110, 116, 121 are oriented parallel to light 310 being received by photovoltaic system 100.

[0052] Light 310-1 incident on periphery solar reflector 183 can be reflected by periphery solar reflector 183 onto a side 320 of bifacial solar cell 121 that faces toward periphery solar reflector 183. Light 310-2 incident on reflective plane 140 of solar reflector 130 can be reflected by reflective plane 140 onto a side 321 of bifacial solar cell 121 that faces toward reflective plane 140. Light 310-3 incident on reflective plane 142 of solar reflector 130 can be reflected by reflective plane 142 onto a side 322 of bifacial solar cell 110 that faces toward reflective plane 142. Light 310-4 incident on reflective plane 220 of solar reflector 131 can be reflected by reflective plane 220 onto a side 323 of bifacial solar cell 110 that faces toward reflective plane220. Light 310-5 incident on reflective plane 221 of solar reflector 131 can be reflected by reflective plane 221 onto a side 324 of bifacial solar cell 116 that faces toward reflective plane221. Light 310-6 incident on periphery solar reflector 181 can be reflected by periphery solar reflector 181 onto a side 325 of bifacial solar cell 116 that faces toward periphery solar reflector 181. The remaining solar reflectors, periphery solar reflectors and corresponding bifacial solar cells can operate in a similar- manner.

[0053] FIG. 4 is a section view of photovoltaic system 100 of FIG. 1 taken along section lineA- A, and depicts another example of operation of photovoltaic system 100. In this example, photovoltaic system 100 is oriented so that bifacial solar cells 110, 116, 121 arc oriented at an angle to light 410 being received by photovoltaic system 100.

[0054] Side 321 of bifacial solar cell 121 can directly receive light 410-1. Side 323 of bifacial solar cell 110 can directly receive light 410-2. Side 325 of bifacial solar cell 116 can directly receive light 410-3. Light 410-4 incident on reflective plane 140 of solar reflector 130 can be reflected by reflective plane 140 onto a side 321 of bifacial solar cell 121 that faces toward reflective plane 140. Light 410-5 incident on reflective plane 220 of solar reflector 131 can be reflected by reflective plane 220 onto a side 323 of bifacial solar cell 110 that faces toward reflective plane 220. Light 410-6 incident on periphery solar reflector 181 can be reflected by periphery solar reflector 181 onto a side 325 of bifacial solar cell 116 that faces toward periphery solar reflector 181. The remaining solar reflectors, periphery solar reflectors and corresponding bifacial solar cells can operate in a similar manner.

[0055] FIG. 5 is a chart 500 depicting performance of photovoltaic system 100 in comparison to other types of photovoltaic systems. The output power is based on 1,000 W / m2of light. Trace 510 depicts a typical output power curve of a fixed position solar cell. Trace 511 depicts a typical output power curve of a bifacial solar cell without reflectors, vertically installed extending north to south. Trace 512 depicts a typical output power curve of a solar cell mounted on two-way tracker. Trace 513 depicts a typical output power of the photovoltaic system 100. As can be seen in chart 500, photovoltaic system 100 outputs more power than the other types of photovoltaic systems, and can maintain high output power for a longer period each day due to use of solar reflectors 130-133.

[0056] Photovoltaic system 100 can be mounted in a fixed position, mounted to a one-way sun tracker to optimize position of photovoltaic system 100 to improve power output across different seasons of the year, or mounted to a two-way sun tracker for even greater improvement in output power.

[0057] FIG. 6 is a top view of a photovoltaic system 600 according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this example, photovoltaic system 600 can include a large array of solar reflectors 610, configured as previously described, and a commensurate number of bifacial solar cells 620 oriented in a grid pattern defined by edges 630 of solar reflectors 610. Photovoltaic system 600 also can include a plurality of periphery solar reflectors 640 surrounding a perimeter650 of an area defined by the array of solar reflectors 610 and bifacial solar cells 620. Notably, any desired number of solar reflectors 610 and bifacial solar cells 620 can be integrated into photovoltaic system 600, and the present arrangements are not limited in this regard. In one or more arrangements, bifacial solar cells 620 that are linearly aligned can be grouped together into solar panels 660, 661.

[0058] FIG. 7 is a side view of a solar panels 660 comprising bifacial solar cells 620 and a side view of a solar panel 661 comprising bifacial solar cells 620 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Solar panel 660 can have a shape that generally is rectangular’, but can have a plurality of slots 710 defined therein. The total number of the slots 720 in each solar panel 660 can be equal to a number of solar panels 661. Solar panel 661 can have a shape that generally is rectangular, but can have a plurality of slots 711 defined therein. The total number of slots 721 in solar panel 661 can be equal to a number of solar panels 660. Slots 710, 711 can be configured to interlock with one another, for example in a finger-joint manner, which adds stability and strength to the photovoltaic system 600.

[0059] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a photovoltaic system 800 according to another embodiment of the present invention. Photovoltaic system 800 can include a plurality of bifacial solar cells 810, 811, 812, 813, 814, 815. Bifacial solar cells 810-815 can be rectangular in shape, and can have any suitable dimensions. By way of a non-limiting example, bifacial solar cells 810- 815 can have the following dimensions: 182 mm length x 91 mm wide x 1 mm thick. Electrical wires (not shown) can be connected to bifacial solar cells 810-815 to carry electrical energy generated by bifacial solar cells 810-815 to an electrical load (e.g., an inverter, a power controller and / or a battery controller).

[0060] In one or more arrangements, a plurality of bifacial solar cells 810-815 can be integrated into a bifacial solar panel 820. For example, bifacial solar cells 810, 811 can be integrated into a bifacial solar panel 821, bifacial solar cells 812, 813 can be integrated into a bifacial solar panel 822, and bifacial solar cells 814, 815 can be integrated into a bifacial solar panel 823.

[0061] Photovoltaic system 800 also can include a plurality of solar reflectors 830, 831. Solar reflector 830 can be positioned between bifacial solar panel 820 and bifacial solar panel 821, and solar reflector 831 can be positioned between bifacial solar panel 821 and bifacial solar panel 822.

[0062] Each solar reflector 830, 831 can include a plurality of reflective planes. For example,solar reflector 830 can include reflective planes 840, 841 and solar reflector 831 can include reflective planes 842, 843. Reflective planes 840, 841, together, can be in a shape of an elongated wedge having an apex 844 and the base of the elongated wedge can be defined by lower edges 846, 847 of reflective planes 840, 841. Similarly, reflective planes 842, 843, together, can be in a shape of an elongated wedge having an apex 845 and the base of the elongated wedge can be defined by lower edges 848, 849 of reflective planes 842, 843. The base of the elongated wedges need not be solid planes. In that regard, the elongated wedges need not include bottom planes, but instead can be open, though the present arrangements are not limited in this regal'd.

[0063] Each reflective plane 840-843 can be configured to reflect light onto a respective side of a one or more bifacial solar cells 811-815. For example, reflective plane 840 can reflect light onto a side 850 of bifacial solar panel 820, in which bifacial solar cells 810, 811 are integrated, facing a direction toward which reflective plane 840 is located with respect to bifacial solar cells 810, 811. Reflective plane 841 can reflect light onto a side 851 of bifacial solar panel 821, in which bifacial solar cells 812, 813 are integrated, facing a direction toward which reflective plane 841 is located with respect to bifacial solar cells 812, 813, and so on.

[0064] In one or more non-limiting arrangements, photovoltaic system 800 also can include periphery solar reflectors 860, 861. Periphery solar reflector 860 can be configured to reflect light onto a side 870 of bifacial solar panel 820, in which bifacial solar cells 810, 811 are integrated, facing a direction toward which periphery solar reflector 860 is located with respect to bifacial solar cells 810, 811. Similarly, periphery solar reflector 861 can be configured to reflect light onto a side 871 of bifacial solar panel 822, in which bifacial solar cells 814, 815 are integrated, facing a direction toward which periphery solar reflector 861 is located with respect to bifacial solar cells 814, 815. An inner edge 880 of periphery solar reflector 860 can be proximate to, and substantially parallel to, bottom edges of bifacial solar cells 810, 811. Similarly, an inner edge 881 of periphery solar reflector 861 can be proximate to, and substantially parallel to, bottom cell edges of bifacial solar cells 814, 815.

[0065] Solar reflectors 830, 831 and periphery solar reflectors 860, 861 can include any material suitable for reflecting light. Examples of suitable materials include, but are not limited to, reflective foil, mirrors and polished metals, though the present arrangements are not limited to those examples. In illustration, each solar reflector 830, 831 can include a plastic structure formed as an elongated wedge and each periphery solar reflector 860, 861 can include a plastic structureformed as an elongated quadrilateral. In one or more arrangements, the elongated wedges for all solar reflectors 830, 831 and all periphery solar reflectors 860, 861 can be formed in a single plastic mold, thereby facilitating manufacturing of all solar reflectors 830, 831 and all periphery solar reflectors 860, 861. In such an arrangement, adjacent edges of solar reflectors 830, 831 and periphery solar reflectors 860, 861 can be spaced apart by a distance that is substantially equal to a thickness of bifacial solar panels 820, 821, 822 in which bifacial solar cells 810-815 are integrated.

[0066] In one or more arrangements, reflective foil can be attached to the upper sides of each reflective plane 840-843 and periphery solar reflector 860, 861. As an example, the reflective foil can be Solar Mirror Film 1100 available from 3M Company of St. Paul, Minnesota, USA. In one or more arrangements, in lieu of using reflective foil, a reflective material can be sprayed onto the upper sides of each reflective plane 840-843 and periphery solar reflector 860, 861.

[0067] FIG. 9 is a section view of the photovoltaic system 800 of FIG. 8 taken along section line B-B. Reflective plane 840 and reflective plane 840 of solar reflector 830, together, can define a wedge-shaped cross section having apex 844. Similarly, reflective plane 843 and reflective plane 843 of solar reflector 831, together, can define a wedge-shaped cross section having apex 845. A height 910 of apex 844 and apex 845 above lower edges 920, 921 of solar reflectors 830, 831 can be in a range of 30% to 120% of a height 930 of bifacial solar cells 115, preferably 50%. Height 231 can be a specified width of bifacial solar cells 810, 812, 814.

[0068] An angle 940 formed between periphery solar reflector 860 and bifacial solar cell 810 can be substantially equal to an angle 941 formed between reflective plane 840 of solar reflector 830 and bifacial solar cell 810. An angle formed between periphery solar- reflector 861 and bifacial solar cell 814 also can be substantially equal to angle 940. Heights of outside edges 950, 951 of periphery solar reflectors 860, 861 above bottom cell edges of bifacial solar reflectors can be substantially equal to height 910.

[0069] Photovoltaic system 800 can operate to reflect light onto bifacial solar cells 810, 815 substantially as described with respect to FIGs. 3 and 4.

[0070] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a photovoltaic system 1000 according to another embodiment of the present invention. Photovoltaic system 1000 can include photovoltaic system 100 and an enclosure 1010 in which photovoltaic system 100 is fixed. Enclosure 1010 can include a transparent top 1020, a bottom 1021, and sides 1022, 1023, 1024, 1025. Transparent top 1020can be made of a glass that is tempered or otherwise strengthened. Bottom 1021 and sides 1022- 1025 need not be transparent, although the present arrangements arc not limited in this regard. In illustration, bottom 1021 and sides 1022-1025 can be made of metal or durable plastic. Enclosure 1010 can include apertures (not shown) through which electrical wires can be connected to photovoltaic system 100.

[0071] Enclosure 1010 can protect photovoltaic system 100 from debris, snow and harsh environments. Transparent top 1020 can be transparent to light, thereby allowing photovoltaic system 100 to operate to generate electrical energy, while still being protected from environmental elements and tampering.

[0072] In one or more arrangements, enclosure 1010 can have inside dimensions substantially equal to outer dimensions of photovoltaic system 100, thereby mitigating movement of photovoltaic system 100 in enclosure 1010. In one or more arrangements, adhesive and / or fasteners can be used to secure photovoltaic system 100 in enclosure 1010. Further, in one or more arrangements , grooves and / or other recesses (not shown) can be formed in bottom 1021 and / or sides 1022-1025 to accept linear edges of photovoltaic system 100. The grooves and / or other recesses can serve to add further stability of photovoltaic system 100 within enclosure 1010.

[0073] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a photovoltaic system 1100 according to another embodiment of the present invention. Photovoltaic system 1100 can include photovoltaic system 800 and an enclosure 1110 in which photovoltaic system 800 is fixed. Enclosure 1110 can include a transparent top 1120, a bottom 1121, and sides 1122, 1123, 1124, 1125. Transparent top 1120 can be made of a glass that is tempered or otherwise strengthened. Bottom 1121 and sides 1122- 1125 need not be transparent, although the present arrangements are not limited in this regard. In illustration, bottom 1121 and sides 1122-1125 can be made of metal or a durable plastic. Enclosure 1110 can include apertures (not shown) through which electrical wires can be connected to photovoltaic system 100.

[0074] Enclosure 1110 can protect photovoltaic system 800 from debris, snow and harsh environments. Transparent top 1120 can be transparent to light, thereby allowing photovoltaic system 800 to operate to generate electrical energy, while still being protected from environmental elements and tampering.

[0075] In one or more arrangements, enclosure 1110 can have inside dimensions substantially equal to outer dimensions of photovoltaic system 800, thereby mitigating movement ofphotovoltaic system 800 in enclosure 1110. Tn one or more arrangements, adhesive and / or fasteners can be used to secure photovoltaic system 800 in enclosure 1110. Further, in one or more arrangements, grooves and / or other recesses (not shown) can be formed in bottom 1121 and / or sides 1122-1125 to accept linear edges of photovoltaic system 800. The grooves and / or other recesses can serve to add further stability of photovoltaic system 800 within enclosure 1110.

[0076] FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a method of generating electrical energy from light. At step 1205, electricity can be generated from a photovoltaic system including a first solar reflector, a second solar reflector, and at least one bifacial solar cell, wherein each of the first solar reflector and the second solar reflector include a first reflective plane and a second reflective plane, wherein the first reflective plane and the second reflective plane, together, define a wedge-shaped cross section having an apex and at least two ends distal from the apex, wherein the bifacial solar cell includes a cell edge substantially parallel to an edge of the first solar reflector defining a first of the at least two ends distal from the apex and substantially parallel to a first edge of the second solar reflector defining a second of the at least two ends distal from the apex, wherein the first solar reflector is configured to reflect light onto a first side of the first bifacial solar cell and the second solar reflector can be configured to reflect light onto a second side of the first bifacial solar cell.

[0077] The descriptions of the various embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration, but are not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the embodiments disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the described embodiments. The terminology used herein was chosen to best explain the principles of the embodiments, the practical application or technical improvement over technologies found in the marketplace, or to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the embodiments disclosed herein.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A photovoltaic system, comprising: a first solar reflector and a second solar reflector, each of the first solar reflector and the second solar reflector comprising: a first reflective plane; and a second reflective plane; wherein the first reflective plane and the second reflective plane, together, define a wedge-shaped cross section having an apex and at least two ends distal from the apex; and at least a first bifacial solar cell comprising a first cell edge, the first cell edge substantially parallel to a first edge of the first solar reflector defining a first of the at least two ends distal from the apex and substantially parallel to a first edge of the second solar reflector defining a second of the at least two ends distal from the apex; wherein the first solar reflector is configured to reflect light onto a first side of the first bifacial solar cell and the second solar reflector is configured to reflect light onto a second side of the first bifacial solar cell.

2. The photovoltaic system of claim 1, wherein the first cell edge of the first bifacial solar cell is proximate to the first edge of the first solar reflector and the first cell edge of the first bifacial solar cell is proximate to the first edge of the second solar reflector, the photovoltaic system further comprising: a second bifacial solar cell comprising a cell edge proximate to, and substantially parallel to, a second edge of the first solar reflector; and a third bifacial solar cell comprising a cell edge proximate to, and substantially parallel to, a second edge of the second solar reflector; wherein the first solar reflector is configured to reflect light onto a first side of the second bifacial solar cell and the second solar reflector is configured to reflect light onto a first side of the third bifacial solar cell.

3. The photovoltaic system of claim 2, further comprising: a third solar reflector comprising an edge proximate to, and substantially parallel to, the cell edge of the second bifacial solar cell, the third solar reflector configured to reflect light onto a second side of the second bifacial solar cell; and a fourth solar reflector comprising an edge proximate to, and substantially parallel to, the cell edge of the third bifacial solar cell, the fourth solar reflector configured to reflect light onto a second side of the third bifacial solar cell.

4. The photovoltaic system of claim 1, wherein each of the first solar reflector and the second solar reflector further comprise: a third reflective plane; and a fourth reflective plane; wherein the first reflective plane, the second reflective plane, the third reflective plane and the fourth reflective plane, together, form a reflective pyramid having a quadrilateral base and the apex.

5. The photovoltaic system of claim 4, further comprising: a second bifacial solar cell comprising a cell edge substantially parallel to a second edge of the first solar reflector, wherein the first solar reflector is configured to reflect light onto a first side of the second bifacial solar cell; a third bifacial solar cell comprising a cell edge substantially parallel to a third edge of the first solar reflector, wherein the first solar reflector is configured to reflect light onto a first side of the third bifacial solar cell; a fourth bifacial solar cell comprising a cell edge substantially parallel to a fourth edge of the first solar reflector, wherein the first solar reflector is configured to reflect light onto a first side of the fourth bifacial solar cell; a fifth bifacial solar cell comprising a cell edge substantially parallel to a second edge of the second solar reflector, wherein the second solar reflector is configured to reflect light onto a first side of the fifth bifacial solar cell; a sixth bifacial solar cell comprising a cell edge substantially parallel to a third edge of the second solar reflector, wherein the second solar reflector is configured to reflect light onto a firstside of the sixth bifacial solar cell; and a seventh bifacial solar cell comprising a cell edge substantially parallel to a fourth edge of the second solar reflector, wherein the second solar reflector is configured to reflect light onto a first side of the seventh bifacial solar cell.

6. The photovoltaic system of claim 5, further comprising: a third solar reflector comprising an edge proximate to, and substantially parallel to, the cell edge of the second bifacial solar cell, the third solar reflector configured to reflect light onto a second side of the second bifacial solar cell; and a fourth solar reflector comprising an edge proximate to, and substantially parallel to, the cell edge of the fifth bifacial solar cell, the fourth solar reflector configured to reflect light onto a second side of the fifth bifacial solar cell.

7. The photovoltaic system of claim 1, further comprising: an enclosure enclosing the first solar reflector, the second solar reflector and the first bifacial solar cell, wherein at least a top of the enclosure is transparent to light.

8. The photovoltaic system of claim 1, wherein first solar reflector comprises at least one reflective foil defining the first reflective plane and the second reflective plane.

9. The photovoltaic system of claim 1, wherein first solar reflector comprises at least one mirror or polished metal defining the first reflective plane and the second reflective plane.

10. A photovoltaic system, comprising: a first solar reflector and at least a second solar reflector, each of the first solar reflector and the at least the second solar reflector comprising: a first reflective plane; a second reflective plane; a third reflective plane; and a fourth reflective plane; wherein the first reflective plane, the second reflective plane, the third reflectiveplane and the fourth reflective plane, together, define a pyramid having a base and an apex; and a plurality of bifacial solar cells oriented in a grid pattern defined by edges of the first solar reflector and edges of the at least the second solar reflector, the plurality of bifacial solar cells extending vertically upward from a plane defined by the bases of the solar reflectors.

11. The photovoltaic system of claim 10, further comprising: a plurality of periphery solar reflectors surrounding a perimeter of an area defined the first solar reflector, the at least the second solar reflector and the plurality of bifacial solar cells.

12. The photovoltaic system of claim 10, further comprising: an enclosure enclosing the first solar reflector, the second solar reflector and the plurality of bifacial solar cells, wherein at least a top of the enclosure is transparent to light.

13. A method, comprising: generating electrical energy from a photovoltaic system comprising: a first solar reflector and a second solar reflector, each of the first solar reflector and the second solar reflector comprising: a first reflective plane; and a second reflective plane; wherein the first reflective plane and the second reflective plane, together, define a wedge-shaped cross section having an apex and at least two ends distal from the apex; and at least a first bifacial solar cell comprising a first cell edge, the first cell edge substantially parallel to a first edge of the first solar reflector defining a first of the at least two ends distal from the apex and substantially parallel to a first edge of the second solar reflector defining a second of the at least two ends distal from the apex; wherein the first solar reflector is configured to reflect light onto a first side of the first bifacial solar cell and the second solar reflector is configured to reflect light onto a second side of the first bifacial solar cell.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the first cell edge of the first bifacial solar cell is proximate to the first edge of the first solar reflector and the first cell edge of the first bifacial solar cell is proximate to the first edge of the second solar reflector, the photovoltaic system further comprising: a second bifacial solar cell comprising a cell edge proximate to, and substantially parallel to, a second edge of the first solar reflector; and a third bifacial solar cell comprising a cell edge proximate to, and substantially parallel to, a second edge of the second solar reflector; wherein the first solar reflector is configured to reflect light onto a first side of the second bifacial solar cell and the second solar reflector is configured to reflect light onto a first side of the third bifacial solar cell.

15. The method of claim 14, the photovoltaic system further comprising: a third solar reflector comprising an edge proximate to, and substantially parallel to, the cell edge of the second bifacial solar cell, the third solar reflector configured to reflect light onto a second side of the second bifacial solar cell; and a fourth solar reflector comprising an edge proximate to, and substantially parallel to, the cell edge of the third bifacial solar cell, the fourth solar reflector configured to reflect light onto a second side of the third bifacial solar cell.

16. The method of claim 13, wherein each of the first solar reflector and the second solar reflector further comprise: a third reflective plane; and a fourth reflective plane; wherein the first reflective plane, the second reflective plane, the third reflective plane and the fourth reflective plane, together, form a reflective pyramid having a quadrilateral base and the apex.

17. The method of claim 16, the photovoltaic system further comprising: a second bifacial solar cell comprising a cell edge substantially parallel to a second edge of the first solar reflector, wherein the first solar reflector is configured to reflect light onto a firstside of the second bifacial solar cell; a third bifacial solar cell comprising a cell edge substantially parallel to a third edge of the first solar reflector, wherein the first solar reflector is configured to reflect light onto a first side of the third bifacial solar cell; a fourth bifacial solar cell comprising a cell edge substantially parallel to a fourth edge of the first solar reflector, wherein the first solar reflector is configured to reflect light onto a first side of the fourth bifacial solar cell; a fifth bifacial solar cell comprising a cell edge substantially parallel to a second edge of the second solar reflector, wherein the second solar reflector is configured to reflect light onto a first side of the fifth bifacial solar cell; a sixth bifacial solar cell comprising a cell edge substantially parallel to a third edge of the second solar reflector, wherein the second solar reflector is configured to reflect light onto a first side of the sixth bifacial solar cell; and a seventh bifacial solar cell comprising a cell edge substantially parallel to a fourth edge of the second solar reflector, wherein the second solar reflector is configured to reflect light onto a first side of the seventh bifacial solar cell.

18. The method of claim 17, the photovoltaic system further comprising: a third solar reflector comprising an edge proximate to, and substantially parallel to, the cell edge of the second bifacial solar cell, the third solar reflector configured to reflect light onto a second side of the second bifacial solar cell; and a fourth solar reflector comprising an edge proximate to, and substantially parallel to, the cell edge of the fifth bifacial solar cell, the fourth solar reflector configured to reflect light onto a second side of the fifth bifacial solar cell.

19. The method of claim 13, the photovoltaic system further comprising: an enclosure enclosing the first solar reflector, the second solar reflector and the first bifacial solar cell, wherein at least a top of the enclosure is transparent to light.

20. The method of claim 21, wherein first solar reflector comprises at least one reflective foil defining the first reflective plane and the second reflective plane.