Mechanically stacked solar transmissive cells or modules

Abstract

An apparatus (200) is provided. The apparatus includes a mechanically stacked layer. The mechanically stacked layer includes a bottom layer (230) and an upper layer (210, 211). Each upper layer includes transmissive solar cells (214) that can convert light energy to electrical energy. Each upper layer delivers an unconverted portion of light energy to the lower layer. The bottom layer includes a solar cell that can convert an unconverted portion of light energy into electrical energy.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 211,263, filed on June 16, 2021, entitled “Modularized Solar Energy System,” which is incorporated herein by reference as if fully set forth in this application for all purposes. Technical Field

[0002] The disclosure herein relates to the field of solar power generation through modular solar energy systems. More specifically, the disclosure herein includes mechanically stacked solar transmissive cells or modules for solar power generation. Background Art

[0003] Currently, there is no economically viable technology to achieve a power conversion efficiency greater than 25% for conventional photovoltaic solar cells. As a result, at least 75% of the solar energy reaching the Earth's surface is not used. Summary of the invention

[0004] According to one or more embodiments, a device is provided. The device includes at least two mechanical stacked layers, including a bottom layer and one or more upper layers. Each of the one or more upper layers includes at least one transmissive solar cell configured to convert light energy into electrical energy and transfer an unconverted portion of the light energy to the bottom layer. The bottom layer includes at least one solar cell configured to convert at least a portion of the unconverted portion of the light energy into electrical energy.

[0005] According to one or more embodiments, a modular device is provided. The modular device includes at least two mechanical stacking modules, the mechanical stacking module including a module layer and one or more upper modules. Each of the one or more upper modules includes a plurality of transmissive solar cells configured to convert light energy received on a first side into electrical energy and to pass an unconverted portion of the light energy to a next mechanical stacking module on a second side of the at least two mechanical stacking modules. The bottom module includes a plurality of solar cells configured to convert at least a portion of the unconverted portion of the light energy into electrical energy.

[0006] According to one or more embodiments, a system is provided. The system includes a plurality of modular devices. Each modular device includes at least two mechanical stacking modules. The at least two mechanical stacking modules include a bottom module and one or more upper modules. Each of the one or more upper modules includes a plurality of transmissive solar cells configured to convert light energy into electrical energy and transfer the unconverted portion of the light energy to the bottom module. The bottom module includes a plurality of solar cells configured to convert at least a portion of the unconverted portion of the light energy into electrical energy. The system includes at least two strings. Each string corresponds to and is electrically connected to one of the at least two mechanical stacking modules to receive electrical energy therefrom. Each string is electrically different from the other strings. The system includes a support structure that fixes the mechanical stack of at least two mechanical stacking modules to vertically align the plurality of solar cells of the bottom module with each of the plurality of transmissive solar cells of each of the one or more upper modules.

[0007] Additional features and advantages are achieved through the technology of the present disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the present disclosure are described in detail herein. To better understand the advantages and features of the present disclosure, please refer to the specification and drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] A more detailed understanding may be obtained from the following description given by way of example in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals represent like elements, and in which: Figure 1 depicts an apparatus according to one or more embodiments; Figure 2 depicts an apparatus according to one or more embodiments; Figure 3 Described is a system according to one or more embodiments; Figure 4 depicts a diagram according to one or more embodiments; Figure 5 depicts a module according to one or more embodiments; Figure 6 depicts a framework according to one or more embodiments; Figure 7 depicts a support structure according to one or more embodiments; Figure 8 depicts an environment according to one or more embodiments; and Fig. 9 Systems are described in accordance with one or more embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0009] A modular solar energy system is disclosed herein. More specifically, the modular solar energy system involves stacking multiple solar modules within a frame / device. The multiple solar modules have a transmittance property. Transmittance allows light energy (i.e., irradiance) to pass through something. In turn, each of the multiple solar modules can absorb different light energy and can pass other (unabsorbed) light energy. More specifically, for each solar module within the modular solar energy system, a certain amount of irradiance (from all directions and angles) is converted into electrical energy, while unused irradiance passes through it. Stacking multiple solar modules as a collective converts total radiation into electrical energy in a manner that provides a greater conversion percentage than traditional photovoltaic solar cells. That is, according to one or more technical effects, advantages and benefits, the modular solar energy system achieves a higher overall light energy power conversion efficiency than traditional photovoltaic solar cells.

[0010] Figure 1 An apparatus 100 is depicted in accordance with one or more embodiments. The apparatus 100 is an example of a modular solar energy system. More specifically, the apparatus 100 is an example of mechanically stacked solar transmissive cells. Figure 1 The device 100 is based on the X1-X2 axis (for example, Figure 1 The axis is generally oriented horizontally, wherein the axis has a direction between left and right) and the Y1-Y2 axis (such as Figure 1 The components of the present invention are oriented generally vertically as shown in the figure, wherein the axis has a direction between downward and upward). The X1 direction is opposite to the X2 direction, and the Y1 direction is opposite to the Y2 direction. Other orientations may be made according to the X1-X2 and Y1-Y2 axes, which may be tilted or angled. References to the left side or left side surface of a described component may be referred to as the X1 side or X1 surface of the component, while references to the right side or right side surface of a described component may be referred to as the X2 side or X2 surface of the component. Similarly, references to the lower side or bottom side or downward facing surface of a described component may be referred to as the Y1 side or Y1 surface, while references to the top side or upper side or upward facing surface of a described component may be referred to as the Y2 side or Y2 surface.

[0011] The device 100 receives light energy or light 102 from at least the sun 101 (from the Y2 direction). The light 102 can be considered as incident light or natural light (although other light sources can be considered). The device 100 converts one or more portions of the light 102 into electrical energy or electricity, for example by gathering different cells. The light 102 can be in the spectral range, including but not limited to ultraviolet (UV) light, visible light, and infrared light.

[0012] like Figure 1As shown, the device 100 includes an upper layer 110, which includes a transparent portion 112 and a transmissive solar cell 114; a middle portion 120; and a bottom layer 130+, which includes a transparent portion 132, a solar cell 134, and a rear portion 136. In this way, the device 100 may include at least two mechanical stacked layers (e.g., at least one of the upper layer 110 and the bottom layer 130), wherein each upper layer 110 may include at least one transmissive solar cell 114 (e.g., multiple in some cases), and the bottom layer 130 may include at least one solar cell 134 (e.g., multiple in some cases). According to one or more embodiments, the device 100 may include at least two mechanical stacked layers as two upper layers 110.

[0013] The transmissive solar cell 114 of the upper layer 110 converts a portion of the light 102 into electrical energy and transmits the unconverted portion of the light 102 (along the Y1 direction) toward the bottom layer 130. The solar cell 134 of the bottom layer 130 converts at least a portion of the unconverted portion of the light 102 into electrical energy. According to one or more embodiments, each of the at least two mechanical stack layers is electrically different from the other layers of the at least two mechanical stack layers. In this regard, the transmissive solar cell 114 and the upper layer 110 are electrically different from the solar cell 134 and the bottom layer 130 (e.g., thereby providing an alternative design of a tandem cell through a mechanical stack configuration that is not combined with components that are electrically independent of each other). That is, the device 100 solves the problem of conventional tandem photovoltaic solar cells, because conventional tandem photovoltaic solar cells will not be able to work independently when separated (i.e., conventional tandem photovoltaic solar cells are actually inseparable).

[0014] The transmissive solar cell 114 may include, but is not limited to, Cadmium Telluride (CdTe), amorphous Silicon (a-Si), perovskite, organic matter, and Copper Indium Gallium Selenide (CIGS). The transmissive solar cell 114 may include, but is not limited to, other additives such as zinc, selenium, tin, oxygen, copper, aluminum, carbon, or sulfur. For example, CdTe, a-Si, and CIGS include a band gap greater than that of crystalline silicon (c-Si). Thus, the upper layer 110 includes a material having a higher band gap than crystalline silicon (c-Si) of a conventional photovoltaic solar cell to improve the overall efficiency and power output of the device 100. For example, based on the band gap of c-Si, such as 1.11 electrons or eV (electronVolt), wavelengths in the orange and red visible light regions and the near-infrared region should pass through (in the Y1 direction) the upper layer 110 to the bottom layer 130, so that the c-Si of the solar cell 134 receives light energy to convert into electrical energy. According to one or more embodiments, the solar cell 134 may be a transmissive solar cell. In this regard, the rear portion 136 may be reflective so that an unabsorbed portion of light leaving the solar cell 134 along the X1 direction may be reflected back into the device 136 along the X2 direction.

[0015] According to one or more embodiments, the middle portion 120 is an area of ​​the device 100 adjacent to the transmissive solar cells 114 of the upper layer 110 and the transparent portion 132 of the bottom layer 130. Adjacent herein includes two components being in close proximity, contact or abutting (e.g., effectively in contact) without being combined together, and in some cases stacked directly on top of each other. The middle portion 120 can be held on the periphery of the upper layer 110 and the bottom layer 130 by a sealant or the like. The sealant may include, but is not limited to, one or more of glue or other adhesives, gaskets, plastic components, and gap fillers. According to one or more embodiments, the sealant is a combination of a gap filler and a glue or other adhesive. According to one or more embodiments, the middle portion 120 is sealed on the periphery to support the mechanical stacking of the upper layer 110 and the bottom layer 130, and to prevent foreign objects (e.g., dust, insects, rodents, etc.) from penetrating between the upper layer 110 and the bottom layer 130.

[0016] According to one or more embodiments, the middle portion 120 is an area of ​​the device 100 where the transmissive solar cells 114 of the upper layer 110 and the transparent portion 132 of the bottom layer 130 are adjacent to each other to form a space therebetween. In this article, "adjacent" includes two components being close, near or at a predetermined distance, but not combined together. Examples of proximity may include, but are not limited to, 1 mm, 5 mm, 1 cm, 5 cm, 1 decimeter, 5 decimeters, etc. The space (i.e., the middle portion 120) may be maintained by a seal as described herein and / or by a support structure. According to one or more embodiments, the support structure supports and fixes the mechanical stacking of the upper layer 110 and the bottom layer 130, and provides a seal on one or more sides of the upper layer 110 and the bottom layer 130. Examples of seals for the support structure include, but are not limited to, a screen, a waterproof membrane, or an air filter. Examples of mechanical stacking include, but are not limited to, horizontal stacking, stacking parallel to a horizontal plane (i.e., flush with the ground), and stacking parallel to the array plane (i.e., determined by design).

[0017] According to one or more embodiments, the upper layer 110 may include a transmissive solar cell 114 and a transparent portion 112 located on a Y2 side (e.g., a sun-facing side) of the transmissive solar cell 114. The bottom layer 130 may include, together with the solar cell 134, a transparent portion 132 on the Y2 side (e.g., a sun-facing side) of the solar cell 134 and / or a rear portion 136 on a Y1 side (e.g., a side opposite to the sun-facing side) of the solar cell. As described herein, the rear portion 136 may include metal, plastic, or other opaque material to prevent the light 102 or a portion thereof from leaving the device 100 in the Y1 direction or to reflect the light 102 or a portion thereof in the Y2 direction.

[0018] In some embodiments, transparent portions 112 and 132 and rear portion 136 may include glass, plastic, or other transparent materials that allow light 102 or portions thereof to pass through without being absorbed. Rear portion 136 may include metal, plastic, or other opaque materials to prevent light 102 or portions thereof from leaving device 100 along the Y1 direction.

[0019] Figure 2 An apparatus 200 is depicted in accordance with one or more embodiments. Apparatus 200 is an example of a modular solar energy system. More specifically, apparatus 200 is an example of mechanically stacked solar transmissive cells.

[0020] Note that for brevity, Figure 2Elements similar to those in other figures are reused (e.g., similar reference numerals in the figures indicate similar elements) in the modular solar system example of FIG. 200 and need not be reintroduced. Thus, as shown, the device 200 additionally includes a first upper layer 210 and a second upper layer 211, the first upper layer 210 including a top transparent portion 212, a transmissive solar cell 214, and a bottom transparent portion 216, and a bottom layer 230 including a reflective portion 250. The second upper layer 211 and the bottom layer 230 may be separated by a distance 260. The amount of space and / or the distance 260 of the intermediate portion 120 may be determined based on the thermal coefficient of the device 200, wherein the spacing may be determined by an optimal distance value for balancing the compactness of the device 200 and the thermal management of the layers 210, 211, and 230. In this manner, the device 200 may include at least two mechanically stacked layers (e.g., at least the first upper layer 210 or the second upper layer 211), each of which may include at least one transmissive solar cell 114 and 214 (e.g., in some cases, a plurality of transmissive solar cells). According to one or more embodiments, intermediate portion 120 and / or distance 260 may indicate that surrounding components are adjacent (eg, may be stacked directly on top of each other).

[0021] According to one or more embodiments, the bottom transparent portion 216 of the second upper layer 211 may be located on the Y1 side (e.g., the side opposite to the sun-facing side) of the transmissive solar cell 214. The first upper layer 210 may be referred to as the top layer of the two layers 210 and 211, and the second upper layer 211 may be referred to as the bottom layer of the two layers 210 and 211. The bottom layer 230 may be a reflective layer below the second upper layer 211. For example, the bottom layer 230 may include at least a reflective portion 250 that reflects the unabsorbed portion of the light 102 that leaves the bottom transparent portion 216 along the Y1 direction back to the second upper layer 211 along the Y2 direction. The reflective portion 250 may include a metal, plastic, or other opaque material having a reflective Y2 surface. According to one or more embodiments, as described herein, the transmissive solar cell 114 of the first upper layer 210 and the top transparent portion 212 of the second upper layer 211 may be adjacent or proximate. Any portion of the device 200 may be sealed or supported as described herein. The middle portion 120 may also represent the bottom transparent portion of the first upper layer 210.

[0022] Figure 3A system 300 is depicted according to one or more embodiments. The system 300 receives light 102 from at least the sun 101 (although other light sources are also contemplated). The system 300 includes optional modules 310 having optional transmissive solar cells 311; transmissive modules 330 having transmissive solar cells 331; modules 340 having optionally transmissive solar cells 341 (e.g., modules 340 may be transmissive modules); optional reflective modules 350; one or more boxes 370 and a bus 380. Note that the optional nature of any component or any functionality is shown with a dashed border. The optional module 310 may be a concentrator, a micro-concentrator, or a transmissive module. Each module is connected to one or more boxes 370, which may be an electrical bus box (e.g., corresponding to a string of support structures described herein) that provides electrical energy generated by one or more modules 310, 330, and 340 to a bus 380 (e.g., a PV bus connector and a PV connector box).

[0023] One or more boxes 370 can be hardwired electrical connections that provide sockets, connections, etc. for receiving one or more modules 310, 330, and 340. Note that the hardwired electrical connections can contain sensors, and the hardwired electrical connections can connect wiring from separate modules. For example, each wiring harness of the module can protrude from the back of each socket to facilitate installation, repair, and maintenance (e.g., in a plug-and-play manner). These hardwired electrical connections and sockets can be weatherproof quick-connect hardware (e.g., for connecting wires to a junction box to simplify installation and reduce field quality errors). Each hardwired electrical connection can include a fuse with a use indicator light to ensure that the module is powered off during installation and maintenance. In addition, the operation of the system 300 can be monitored by one or more sensors, as described herein.

[0024] System 300 is an example of a modular solar system. More specifically, system 300 is an example of a mechanically stacked solar transmissive cell or modular device. According to one or more embodiments, system 300 includes at least two mechanically stacked modules, such as optional module 310, transmissive module 330, and module 340. According to one or more embodiments, optional module 310, transmissive module 330, and module 340 may be bifacial (e.g., absorbing light energy from either side) and include transparent wiring to enable light energy to pass through multiple times. Optional module 310 and transmissive module 330 may represent one or more upper modules. Module 340 may represent a module layer, which may be the same or different from one or more upper modules. Optional module 310 and transmissive module 330 include a plurality of transmissive solar cells (e.g., optional transmissive solar cell 311 and transmissive solar cell 331), which convert light energy received on the Y2 side (or the sunny side or the first side) into electrical energy and pass the unconverted light energy portion to the next module. For example, optional module 310 transfers the unconverted portion of the light energy in the Y1 direction to transmissive module 330 on the Y2 side (or the sun-facing side or the second side) of optional module 310. In addition, transmissive module 330 transfers the unconverted portion of the light energy in the Y1 direction to module 340 on the Y2 side (or the sun-facing side or the second side) of transmissive module 330.

[0025] Note that module 340 includes a plurality of solar cells (e.g., solar cell 341 may optionally be transmissive) that convert at least a portion of the unconverted portion of the light energy into electrical energy. System 300 mechanically stacks at least two mechanically stacked modules so that the plurality of solar cells of module 340 are vertically aligned with each of the plurality of transmissive solar cells of each of the optional modules 310 and transmissive modules 330. According to one or more embodiments, the mechanical stack of system 300 may be further sealed on one or more sides, such as by a screen, waterproof membrane, or air filter as described herein. Examples of mechanical stacking include, but are not limited to, horizontal stacking, stacking parallel to a horizontal plane (i.e., flush with the ground), and stacking parallel to an array plane (i.e., determined by design). By keeping the cells / modules mechanically and electrically separated, one or more modules 310, 330, and 340 may be designed to work together for electrical aggregation (e.g., this further enables a wider range of electrical components to achieve power aggregation).

[0026] In operation, sunlight 102 passes through one or more modules 310, 330, and 340. Module 310 can absorb light 102 at a first wavelength with a first spectral response. Light 391 (i.e., its irradiance) outside the first wavelength and remaining outside the first wavelength exceeding the first spectral response is further transmitted to the transmissive module 330 in the Y1 direction.

[0027] The transmission module 330 can absorb light 391 of the second wavelength with a second spectral response. According to one or more embodiments, the first wavelength and the second wavelength can be the same. According to one or more embodiments, the first spectral response and the second spectral response can also be the same. The light 393 (i.e., its irradiance) outside the second wavelength and remaining beyond the second wavelength exceeding the second spectral response is further transmitted to the module 340 in the Y1 direction.

[0028] Go to Figure 4 , shows a graph 400 according to one or more embodiments. Graph 400 is an example spectral response graph of CdTe (eg, transmissive solar cell 331 and transmissive module 330) and c-Si (eg, solar cell 341 and module 340). Figure 4 Also included is a key 401 identifying a line within the graph 400. The graph 400 includes an x-axis showing the nanometer scale of wavelength, and a left y-axis showing spectral intensity and a right y-axis showing spectral response, transmittance. Note that the approximate absorption range of CdTe is 400 to 800 nanometers (e.g., the second wavelength). For example, in the system 300, the transmission module 330 absorbs irradiance of light 391 in the wavelength range of 400 to 800 nanometers and passes unabsorbed light energy in the wavelength range greater than 800 nanometers.

[0029] Module 340 may absorb light 393 at a third wavelength with a third spectral response. According to one or more embodiments, the third wavelength may include the second wavelength and / or be broader than the second wavelength. Return Figure 4 , noting that the approximate absorption range of c-Si is 400 to 1200 nanometers (e.g., the second wavelength). Module 340 absorbs at least the irradiance of light 393 in the wavelength range of 800 to 1200 nanometers, and can allow light energy in the wavelength range greater than 1200 nanometers to pass. Module 340 can also absorb the irradiance of light 393 in the wavelength range of 400 to 1200 nanometers, wherein the 400 to 800 nanometer wavelength range includes light 393 (i.e., its irradiance) that remains in excess of the second spectral response at the second wavelength. In addition, light 395 (i.e., its irradiance) that is outside the third wavelength and remains in excess of the third spectral response at the third wavelength is further transmitted to the reflective module 350 in the Y1 direction.

[0030] Reflection module 350 reflects light 395 back to module 340 in the Y2 direction. Any remaining irradiance of light 395 may be further absorbed by module 340 or passed to transmission module 330 as light 397 (e.g., light 397 continues in the Y2 direction). Next, any remaining irradiance of light 397 may be further absorbed by transmission module 330 or passed to module 310 as light 399 (e.g., light 399 continues in the Y2 direction). Note that the arrows representing light 102, 391, 393, 395, 397, and 399 gradually change to suggest the absorption of irradiance and the description of energy when light 102 is converted into electrical energy and sent to box 370. It should also be noted that each specific irradiance or a portion thereof may not be absorbed on the first pass, but may be absorbed on the second pass (i.e., in the Y2 direction).

[0031] Figure 5 Modules 501 and 502 are shown according to one or more embodiments. Modules 501 and 502 can be example configurations of any of the modules 330 and 340 (or layers) discussed herein. Module 501 includes one or more cells 510 arranged in an xy grid, where x and y are both integers greater than 0. Module 502 includes one or more cells 520 arranged in an xy grid, where x is 1 and y is an integer greater than 0. The width, routing, and configuration of cells 510 and 520 can be managed and manipulated to control the power generation of each cell. Figure 6 A frame 600 is shown according to one or more embodiments. The frame 600 is shown from a perspective view and a side view through its side walls. The frame 600 includes a housing 605, ventilation grilles or openings 610, holes 615 (e.g., for receiving fasteners attaching the frame 600 to a frame), and one or more shelves 632, 634, 636, and 638.

[0032] One or more shelves 632, 634, 636, and 638 may be spacer shelves for the modules 330 and 340 and the box 380 to hold these components in a vertical stack with a space 640 therebetween to allow for airflow and cooling, etc. One or more shelves 632, 634, 636, and 638 may be brackets, L-shaped flanges, etc. that provide multiple levels within the frame 600, such as a top level 632, a top middle level 634, a bottom middle level 636, and a bottom level 638. Note that the shelves 632, 634, 636, and 638 enable the space 640 to be formed between the modules 330 and 340. Also, note that each of the modules 330 and 340 includes a connector 642 that electrically couples the modules 330 and 340 with the corresponding box 380.

[0033] According to one or more embodiments, the frame 600 secures the mechanical stacking of the modules 330 and 340 (e.g., thereby providing an alternative design for series connection of cells with an unbonded mechanical stacking configuration). According to one or more embodiments, the frame 600 is a frame and track system in which one or more shelves 632, 634, 636, and 638 act as horizontal sliding tracks on which the modules 330 and 340 are placed. Note that the frame 600 may include an open top (e.g., so that light 102 can be projected onto any module 330 and 340 therein) and an open bottom, as well as ventilation grilles or openings 610 or open walls to allow for directed airflow. The frame 600 or any of its components may be made of metal, wood, plastic, fiberglass, carbon fiber, or other structural materials described herein. Figure 7 A support structure 700 is shown according to one or more embodiments. The support structure 700 is shown in perspective view and in front view through its side wall. The support structure 700 includes a frame 705, which includes one or more arms 706 and one or more retainers 707. The support structure 700 includes a cap 710, a beam device 720, and a column 730. The support structure 700 includes one or more fasteners 740 (e.g., cotter pins and / or screws), a conduit 750, and one or more straps 760.

[0034] One or more retainers 707 secure one or more arms 706 in place. One or more retainers 707 may be secured to arms 705 and beam assembly 720 by fasteners 740. Beam assembly 720 may be one or more beams. One or more beams of beam assembly 720 may be square beams, round beams, I-beams, or other structural members having variable angles. Beam assembly 720 supports one or more frames 705, which also support one or more modules 310, 330, 340, and 350 as discussed herein. In this regard, one or more modules 310, 330, 340, and 350 (e.g., Figure 5 The modules 501 and / or 501) can be installed in Figure 7 The support structure 700 may include a wedge 770, such as a metal, plastic or rubber wedge, to hold the one or more modules 310, 330, 340 and 350 in place within the arm 706 of the support structure 700 so that the one or more modules 310, 330, 340 and 350 are mechanically stacked in an adjacent and / or adjacent configuration. The support structure 700 may include a wedge 770, such as a metal, plastic or rubber wedge, to hold the one or more modules 310, 330, 340 and 350 in place within the arm 706. The strap 760 can be adjusted to hold the beam assembly 720 in place on the cap 710. The cap 710 can be a column cap for the column 730 and includes a U-shaped bracket disposed at an angle to the column 730, such as Figure 7As shown. Support 730 can be a square beam, round tube, channel member or I-beam fixed to, mounted in and / or partially buried in the ground or other surface. Conduit 750 can accommodate wiring, such as the strings described herein. If a channel is used to support one or more components or parts of structure 700, the wires can be placed directly in the channel.

[0035] According to one or more embodiments, the support structure 700 secures the mechanical stacking of the modules 310, 330, 340, and 350 (e.g., thereby providing an alternative design for tandem cells with an unbonded mechanical stacking configuration). According to one or more embodiments, the one or more frames 705 may be a snap and slot system or a perimeter mold system, wherein the arms 706 and retainers 707 secure or clamp the modules 310, 330, 340, and 350 in place. The retainers 707 may be spacer clips for the arms 706 that hold the modules 310, 330, 340, and 350 in a vertical stack with spaces 640 as described herein. The wedges 770 may be transparent and / or rubber components that support the insertion of the modules 310, 330, 340, and 350. According to one or more embodiments, the perimeter mold system may include perimeter molds along the outer edges of each module 310, 330, 340, and 350, each perimeter mold being configured to be stacked with an adjacent perimeter mold. Support structure 700 may also include wedges, such as rubber wedges, to hold beam 720 in place within cap 710. Note that any components of support structure 700 and modules 310, 330, 340, and 350 may be shipped separately and assembled on site. Now go to Figure 8 , an environment 800 is shown according to one or more embodiments. Environment 800 can include one or more modular solar energy systems as discussed herein. More specifically, environment 800 can include one or more mechanically stacked solar energy transmission modules within one or more devices to receive light (e.g., at least from the sun 101, although other light sources are contemplated). In this manner, embodiments of environment 800 include integrated devices, systems, methods, and / or computer program products at any possible level of technical detail. According to one or more embodiments, environment 800 may represent a modular solar energy system located within site 801 and including one or more support structures 810.n (where n is an integer). Site 801 may be any terrain or expanse of open or cleared ground, as well as rooftops and / or other property areas, for supporting one or more support structures 810.n.

[0036] Each support structure 810 includes at least an inverter 815, a switch 817, a string 820, and one or more modular devices 830 (where m is an integer). Each modular device 830 (e.g., Figure 1-2The apparatus 100 and 200 may include one or more modules 832 (e.g., Figure 1-2 Layers 110, 130, 230 and 250 in FIG.

[0037] Inverter 815 can be any power electronic device or circuit that changes between currents, such as direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC). Switch 817 can be a power-off switch that grounds each support structure 810. According to one or more embodiments, when support structure 810 is powered, switch 817 provides electrical blocking and prevents ejection. String 820 can be any electronic configuration that connects one or more electrical components (e.g., one or more modules 832) in series or in parallel to a specific electrical component (such as inverter 815).

[0038] Each module 832 is connected to a corresponding string 820 (eg, via a pin connection, a pigtail connection, etc.) through a space 640 (eg, Figure 1 The middle part 120 or Figure 2 The environment 800 may be separated from at least one other module 832 by a distance 250 and having at least one sensor 836 and code 838. In addition, additional sensors 836 may be positioned by the support structure 810 and the environment 800. The environment 800 and elements therein (e.g., any sensors 836) may be managed by the device 860. In addition, the environment 800 may be connected to a power grid 870 and may be managed by maintenance robots, drones, technicians, etc. According to one or more embodiments, the support structure 810 and the modular devices 830 can be assembled in a factory setting, including pre-wiring, to reduce field assembly costs in the site 801 while improving quality. When the modular devices 830 are transported to the site 801, the modular devices 8.3 can be connected together and then assembled like a puzzle relative to the frame 810. Figure 1 The one or more modular devices 830 may be sized to accommodate the modules 832 (e.g., 1×2 meters in length and width) and provide spacing to accommodate cooling and band gap distribution. According to one or more embodiments, 1 inch tall modules with 1 inch spacing between them provide 8 inch tall modules (e.g., looking like a stack of pancakes). In turn, the support structure 810 may provide side-to-side stability, while the modules 830 provide front-to-back stability. According to one or more embodiments, the modules 832 may be adjacent (e.g., may be stacked directly on top of each other with no spacing between them).

[0039] According to one or more embodiments, environment 800 is a system of a support structure 810, a modular device 830, and at least two mechanical modules 832 in a site 801 with a sensor 836. Environment 800 shows at a macro level how elements and things are connected within a larger network for alarms and to provide power to a power grid 870 or other loads (e.g., one or more batteries). At least two mechanical modules 832 include a bottom module and one or more upper modules as described herein. Each string 820 corresponds to and is electrically connected to one of the at least two mechanical stacking modules 832 to receive electrical energy therefrom. Each string 820 is electrically different from the other strings 820. The support structure 810 fixes the mechanical stack of the at least two mechanical stacking modules 832 to vertically align the plurality of solar cells and / or transmissive solar cells in the at least two mechanical stacking modules 832.

[0040] According to one or more embodiments, the environment 800 may also include a unified design in which the modules 832 are connected in series or in parallel. For example, each battery of the module 832 may provide 1.5 volts. In addition, 32 batteries may be connected in series within each module 832, which are further connected in series in strings 820 (e.g., 18 modules 832 in series in each string 820 provide 864 volts). The inverter 815 may combine 32 strings 820 in parallel to produce a high current provided to the grid 870. According to one or more embodiments, the environment 800 may also include a tiered design in which the modules 832 of one or more strings 820 are connected in parallel, the modules 832 of one or more strings 820 are connected in series, and / or a combination thereof (e.g., a collection of tiers managed in a hybrid environment).

[0041] The support structure 810 may be a pre-wired modular rack system that incorporates one or more aspects of the technology described herein (e.g., modular DC optimizer). According to one or more embodiments, the support structure 810 may be a collection of one or more modular devices 830 thereof. The structure of the support structure 810 may be made of carbon fiber, steel, metal, alloy, wood, plastic, fiberglass, or any combination thereof. According to one or more embodiments, given the sensors 836 and the ability to communicatively couple to the devices 860, the support structure 810 may be a "smart rack" system.

[0042] The modular device 830 (e.g., a frame or stacked structure) can be any integrated system that provides a three-dimensional solar energy system application. According to one or more technical effects, advantages and benefits, the modular device 830 enables the modules 832 to be easily moved, replaced and / or exchanged, such as for the next generation of modules 832. The modular device 830 stacks the modules 832 vertically to maximize the solar energy captured per square meter of surface area. In addition, the vertical aspect of sequencing the modules 832 within the modular device 830 enables the capture of each band gap, cooling, spacing, etc. According to one or more embodiments, the modular device 8.3 can utilize a housing or shell that holds multiple solar modules placed on top of each other with a space 640 or no space between them to allow airflow cooling. According to one or more embodiments, the top solar module can be a concentrator or micro-concentrator, one or more middle modules can be one or more transmissive modules, and the bottom module can capture any remaining light energy (e.g., infrared radiation) or be reflective. Note that in one example, the modular device 830 stacks four layers of modules 832, where each module 832 corresponds to one of the strings 820. According to one or more technical effects, advantages and benefits, the modular device 830 enables single pn junction cells (cost-effective compared to other technologies) to be layered in a stacked structure, which mimics the concept of tandem cells without combining modules 832 and keeping the layers electrically different. In addition, according to one or more technical effects, advantages and benefits, the modular device 830 provides improved modularity, which facilitates easy on-site installation to reduce the balance of plant (BOP) cost structure. For example, for utility-scale solar project costs in the United States of America, solar module prices currently correspond to about $0.40 per watt and include diminishing returns on solar cell cost reductions. In addition, there has been little progress in reducing the BOP cost of conventional solar technology and it has not declined in proportion to the advancement of conventional solar technology. Different government agencies set the total cost threshold for solar power plants at $0.50 per watt (DC) to be cost-competitive with conventional fossil fuels. This goal can only be achieved if there is a significant improvement in BOP costs. One way to achieve this is to increase the density of sunlight capture per land surface area, thereby reducing the cost of electricity production by spreading the BOP costs over a higher kWh of electricity production. In addition, according to one or more technical effects, advantages, and benefits, modular devices 830 are more feasible for residential and commercial buildings with limited rooftop and property area. In turn, modular devices 830 can enable buildings to become net-zero electricity consumers and effectively disconnect from the grid 870. In addition, according to one or more technical effects, advantages, and benefits, environment 800 can save infrastructure while having the flexibility to take advantage of future technology improvements (e.g., the average lifespan of solar energy is 15 years; in contrast, environment 800 can now extend that lifespan to over 50 years).

[0043] Now go to Fig. 9 , illustrates a computing system 900 according to one or more embodiments. The computing system 900 may represent any computing device, computing apparatus, and / or computing environment including hardware, software, or a combination thereof. In addition, the disclosed embodiments of the computing system 900 may include apparatuses, systems, methods, and / or computer program products at any possible level of integration technology detail. In general, Fig. 9 The computing system 900 operates to at least monitor Figure 1 For example, the computing system 900 can detect anomalies, degradation, operation, etc., and coordinate with other systems and data from these systems (e.g., weather data) to accept, process, and infer (e.g., use big data operations with respect to machine learning and artificial intelligence) Figure 1 at least the health status of the device 100 and its components.

[0044] The computing system 900 has a device 905 (e.g., Figure 8 The computing system 900 and / or the device 905 may be adapted or configured as an online platform, a server, an embedded computing system, a personal computer, a console, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a mobile phone, a tablet computing device, a quantum computing device, a cloud computing device, a mobile device, a smart phone, a fixed mobile device, a smart display, a wearable computer, etc. Processor 910 may be any type of general or special purpose processor, including a central processing unit (CPU), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a controller, a multi-core processing unit, a three-dimensional processor, a quantum computing device, or any combination thereof. Processor 910 may also have multiple processing cores, and at least some of the cores may be configured to perform specific functions. Multiple parallel processing may also be configured. In addition, at least processor 910 may be a neuromorphic circuit including processing elements that simulate biological neurons. The system bus 915 (or other communication mechanism) is configured to communicate information or data to the processor 910 , the system memory 920 , and various other components, such as an adapter 925 . The system memory 920 is an example of a (non-transitory) computer-readable storage medium, where the software 930 may be stored as software components, modules, engines, instructions, etc., for execution by the processor 910 to enable the device 905 to operate as described herein. The system memory 920 may include any combination of read-only memory (ROM), random-access memory (RAM), internal or external flash memory, embedded static random-access memory (SRAM), solid-state memory, cache, static memory such as a magnetic disk or optical disk, or any other type of volatile or non-volatile memory. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium may be any medium that the processor 910 can access, and may include volatile media, non-volatile media, etc. For example, ROM is coupled to the system bus 915 and may include a basic input / output system (BIOS) that controls certain basic functions of the device 905, and RAM is a read-write memory coupled to the system bus 915 for use by the processor 910. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium may include any removable, non-removable, etc. media.

[0045] According to one or more embodiments, the software 930 may be configured as hardware, software, or a hybrid implementation. The software 930 may consist of modules that communicate with each other and transfer information or instructions. According to one or more embodiments, the software 930 may provide one or more user interfaces, such as representing an operating system or other application and / or providing directly as needed. User interfaces include, but are not limited to, graphical user interfaces, window interfaces, Internet browsers, and / or other visual interfaces for applications, operating systems, folders, and the like. Therefore, user activities may include any interaction or operation of a user interface provided by the software 930. The software 930 may also include a custom module to perform application-specific processing or its derivatives so that the computing system 900 may include additional functionality. For example, according to one or more embodiments, the software 930 may be configured to store information, instructions, commands, or data to be executed or processed by the processor 910 to logically implement the methods described herein (e.g., big data operations on machine learning and artificial intelligence). Fig. 9 The software 930 may also represent an operating system, mobile applications, client applications, and / or the like of the device 905 of the computing system 900 .

[0046] Adapter 925 may represent one or more adapters of device 905, such as an input / output (I / O) adapter, a device adapter, and / or a communication adapter. According to one or more embodiments, adapter 925 may be connected to one or more I / O buses connected to system bus 915 via an intermediate bus bridge. Suitable I / O buses for connecting peripheral devices (such as hard disk controllers, network adapters, and graphics adapters) typically include common protocols, such as Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI).

[0047] According to one or more embodiments, the I / O adapter may be configured as a Small Computer System Interface (SCSI), Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA), Single Carrier-FDMA (SC-FDMA), Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Orthogonal Frequency-Division Multiplexing (OFDM), Orthogonal Frequency-Division Multiple Access (OFDMA), Global System for Mobile (GSM), General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), CDMA2000 (Code Division Multiple Access 2000), Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (W-CDMA), High-Speed ​​Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA), orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM), orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA ... PacketAccess), High-Speed ​​Uplink Packet Access (HSVPA), High-Speed ​​Packet Access (HSPA), Long Term Evolution (LTE), Advanced LTE (LTE-A), 802.11x, Wi-Fi, Zigbee, Ultra-WideBand (UWB), 802.16x, 802.15. Home Node-B (HnB), Bluetooth, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), Infrared Data Association (IrDA), Near-Field Communications (NFC), Fifth Generation (5G), New Radio (NR), or any other wireless or wired device / transceiver used for communications. . According to one or more embodiments, device adapters interconnect input / output devices to the system bus 915 , such as the display 941 , sensors 942 , controllers 943 , etc. (eg, cameras, speakers, etc.). The display 941 is configured to provide one or more UIs (User Interfaces) or graphical UIs (Graphic User Interfaces) when a user interacts with the device 905, which can be captured and analyzed by the software 930. Examples of the display 941 may include, but are not limited to, plasma, liquid crystal display (LCD), light emitting diode (LED), field emission display (FED), organic light emitting diode (OLED), flexible OLED display, flexible substrate display, projection display, 4K display, high definition (HD) display, retina (Retina©) display, in-plane switching (IPS) display, etc. The display 941 may be configured as a touch, three-dimensional (3D) touch, multi-input touch, or a multi-touch display using resistive, capacitive, surface-acoustic wave (SAW) capacitive, infrared, optical imaging, dispersive signal technology, acoustic pulse recognition, frustrated total internal reflection, etc., as understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art, for input / output (I / O). Sensors 942, such as any transducer configured to convert one or more environmental conditions into electrical signals, may be further coupled to system bus 915 for input to device 905. In addition, one or more inputs may be provided remotely to computing system 900 via another computing system (e.g., computing system 955) in communication therewith, or device 905 may operate autonomously. For example, sensors 942 may include one or more of electrodes, temperature sensors (e.g., thermocouples), current sensors, light sensors, accelerometers, microphones, radiation sensors, proximity sensors, position sensors, and long range (LoRa, Long Range Radio) sensors (e.g., any low power wide area network modulated sensors). According to one or more embodiments, sensors 942 may be installed at each level and integrated into the environment (e.g., Figure 8 sensor 845 of environment 800 to monitor operations therein, such as identifying a particular module (e.g., Figure 8 When a module 832 in the environment 800 of the system fails to function properly, for example, when the current of the module drops below a defined threshold, the sensor 942 (e.g., a current sensor) sends a signal to the software 930 to identify the exact location of the failed module. Each sensor 942 includes a serial number that can be matched to each module / modular device / frame, etc. (e.g., as identified on a scannable code) and a corresponding level of the environment (e.g., Figure 8 environment 800). A controller 943, such as a computer mouse, touchpad, touch screen, keyboard, keypad, etc., may be further coupled to the system bus 915 for providing input to the device 905. In addition, one or more inputs may be provided to the computing system 900 remotely via another computing system (e.g., computing system 955) in communication therewith, or the device 905 may operate autonomously. The controller 943 may also represent a controller for moving, locking, unlocking the environment (e.g., Figure 8 One or more actuators of a portion of the environment 800 ), etc.

[0048] According to one or more embodiments, a communications adapter interconnects system bus 915 with a network 950 , which may be an external network, enabling device 905 to communicate data with other such devices (eg, with such computing system 955 via network 950 ).

[0049] According to one or more embodiments, the functionality of device 905 with respect to software 930 may also be implemented on computing system 955, as represented by a separate instance of software 990. Note that software 990 may be stored in a common repository located at device 905 and / or computing system 955, and may be downloaded to and / or from each of device 995 and / or computing system 955 (as needed).

[0050] According to one or more embodiments, a device is provided. The device includes at least two mechanical stack layers, the at least two mechanical stack layers including a bottom layer and one or more upper layers. Each of the one or more upper layers includes at least one transmissive solar cell configured to convert light energy into electrical energy and transfer an unconverted portion of the light energy to the bottom layer. The bottom layer includes at least one solar cell configured to convert at least a portion of the unconverted portion of the light energy into electrical energy.

[0051] In accordance with one or more embodiments or any device embodiment herein, the at least one solar cell of the bottom layer may include a transmissive solar cell.

[0052] In accordance with one or more embodiments or any device embodiment herein, a device may include a reflective layer beneath the underlying layer.

[0053] According to one or more embodiments or any device embodiment herein, each layer of at least two mechanical stack layers may be electrically different from other layers of the at least two mechanical stack layers.

[0054] According to one or more embodiments or any device embodiment herein, the one or more upper layers may include a first upper layer including at least one transmissive solar cell and a transparent portion on a sun-facing side of the transmissive solar cell.

[0055] In accordance with one or more embodiments or any device embodiment herein, the bottom layer may include a top transparent portion on a sun-facing side of at least one solar cell and a rear portion on a side opposite to the sun-facing side.

[0056] In accordance with one or more embodiments or any device embodiment herein, the at least one transmissive solar cell of the first upper layer and the top transparent portion of the bottom layer may be adjacent.

[0057] In accordance with one or more embodiments or any device embodiment herein, the first upper layer and the bottom layer may be sealed on a perimeter of the at least two mechanical stack layers.

[0058] In accordance with one or more embodiments or any device embodiment herein, the first upper layer may include a bottom portion on a side opposite to the sun-facing side.

[0059] In accordance with one or more embodiments or any device embodiment herein, the bottom portion of the first upper layer and the top transparent portion of the bottom portion may be adjacent.

[0060] In accordance with one or more embodiments or any device embodiment herein, the bottom layer and the first upper layer may be brought into proximity with each other to form a space therebetween. In accordance with one or more embodiments or any device embodiment herein, the space may be sealed on the perimeter of at least two mechanical stack layers by gap fillers and glue.

[0061] According to one or more embodiments or any device embodiment herein, the space may be sealed on the perimeter of the at least two mechanical stack layers by a screen, a waterproof membrane or an air filter.

[0062] According to one or more embodiments or any device embodiment herein, the device may further include a support structure that secures the mechanical stack of the at least two mechanical stack layers. In accordance with one or more embodiments or any apparatus embodiment herein, a support structure may include a frame and a track system.

[0063] In accordance with one or more embodiments or any apparatus embodiment herein, the support structure may include a snap and slot system.

[0064] In accordance with one or more embodiments or any device embodiment herein, the support structure may include a perimeter mold along an outer edge of each of the at least two mechanical stack layers, and each perimeter mold may be configured to be stacked with an adjacent perimeter mold.

[0065] According to one or more embodiments, a modular device is provided. The modular device includes at least two mechanically stacked modules, the modules including a module layer and one or more upper modules. Each of the one or more upper modules includes a plurality of transmissive solar cells configured to convert light energy received on a first side into electrical energy and to pass an unconverted portion of the light energy to a next module on a second side of the at least two mechanically stacked modules. The bottom module includes a plurality of solar cells configured to convert at least a portion of the unconverted portion of the light energy into electrical energy.

[0066] In accordance with one or more embodiments or any modular device embodiment herein, a mechanical stack of at least two mechanically stacked modules may vertically align a plurality of solar cells of a bottom module with each of a plurality of transmissive solar cells of each of one or more upper modules.

[0067] According to one or more embodiments, a system is provided. The system includes a plurality of modular devices. Each modular device includes at least two mechanical stacking modules. The at least two mechanical stacking modules include a bottom module and one or more upper modules. Each of the one or more upper modules includes a plurality of transmissive solar cells configured to convert light energy into electrical energy and transfer the unconverted portion of the light energy to the bottom module. The bottom module includes a plurality of solar cells configured to convert at least a portion of the unconverted portion of the light energy into electrical energy. The system includes at least two strings. Each string corresponds to and is electrically connected to one of the at least two mechanical stacking modules to receive electrical energy therefrom. Each string is electrically different from the other strings. The system includes a support structure that fixes the mechanical stack of at least two mechanical stacking modules to vertically align the plurality of solar cells of the bottom module with each of the plurality of transmissive solar cells of each of the one or more upper modules.

[0068] The flow chart and block diagram in the accompanying drawings illustrate the possible architecture, function and operation of the system, method and computer program product according to various embodiments of the present invention. In this regard, each block in the flow chart can represent a module, a fragment or a part of an instruction, which includes one or more executable instructions for realizing a specified logical function. In some alternative implementations, the function marked in the box may not occur in the order marked in the figure. For example, the two boxes shown in succession can actually be performed substantially at the same time, or these boxes can sometimes be performed in reverse order, depending on the functions involved. It should also be noted that each box in the block diagram and / or the flow chart diagram and the combination of the boxes in the block diagram and / or the flow chart diagram can be implemented by a system based on special-purpose hardware, and these systems perform specified functions or actions, or perform a combination of special-purpose hardware and computer instructions.

[0069] Although features and elements are described above in specific combinations, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that each feature or element can be used alone or in any combination with other features and elements. In addition, the methods described herein can be implemented in a computer program, software, or firmware incorporated into a computer-readable medium for execution by a computer or processor. The computer-readable medium used herein should not itself be interpreted as a transient signal, such as a radio wave or other freely propagating electromagnetic wave, an electromagnetic wave propagated through a waveguide or other transmission medium (e.g., a light pulse through a fiber optic cable), or an electrical signal transmitted by a wire.

[0070] Examples of computer-readable media include electronic signals (transmitted via wired or wireless connections) and computer-readable storage media. Examples of computer-readable storage media include, but are not limited to, registers, cache memory, semiconductor storage devices, magnetic media such as internal hard disks and removable disks, magneto-optical media, optical media such as compact discs (CDs) and digital versatile discs (DVDs), random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), static random access memory (SRAM), and memory sticks. A processor associated with software can be used to implement a radio frequency transceiver used in a terminal, base station, or any host computer.

[0071] The terminology used herein is intended only to describe specific embodiments and should not be construed as limiting. Unless otherwise specified, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" should also include the plural forms. It will be further understood that when the terms "comprising" and / or "consisting of" are used in this specification, the presence of the features, integers, steps, operations, elements and / or components is specified, but the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, element components and / or groups thereof is not excluded.

[0072] The description of various embodiments herein is presented for the purpose of illustration, but is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the disclosed embodiments. 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 is selected to best explain the principles of the embodiments, practical applications, or technical improvements over technologies found on the market, or to enable those of ordinary skill in the art to understand the embodiments disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A device comprising: At least two electrically different layers of a mechanical stack, wherein the at least two electrically different layers are configured to be removable, replaceable or exchangeable from the device, the at least two electrically different layers are not electrically connected to each other, and operate independently in the device, the at least two electrically different layers comprising: a bottom layer composed of silicon and including a transparent top surface, and One or more upper layers, wherein each of the one or more upper layers comprises at least one transmissive solar cell composed of a cadmium alloy, the transmissive solar cell being configured to convert light energy into first electrical energy and to transfer an unconverted portion of the light energy to the bottom layer, and The bottom layer includes at least one solar cell configured to convert at least a portion of the unconverted portion of the light energy into a second electrical energy.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the device comprises a reflective layer below the bottom layer.

3. A modular device comprising: At least two electrically different modules are mechanically stacked, wherein the at least two electrically different modules are configured to be removable, replaceable or exchangeable from the modular device, there is no electrical connection between the at least two electrically different modules, and the power generation of each of the at least two electrically different modules is independent of another module of the at least two electrically different modules in the modular device, and the at least two electrically different modules include: A silicon module having a silicon, a transparent top surface, and a plurality of solar cells, and A transmissive module comprising a plurality of transmissive solar cells, wherein each of the plurality of transmissive solar cells comprises a cadmium alloy, The transmission module is configured to convert light energy received by a first surface adjacent to the transparent top surface into first electrical energy, and is configured to transmit an unconverted portion of the light energy to the silicon module, and The silicon module is configured to convert at least a portion of the unconverted portion of the light energy into second electrical energy.

4. The modular device of claim 3, wherein mechanical stacking of the at least two electrically distinct modules vertically aligns each of the plurality of solar cells with each of the plurality of transmissive solar cells.

5. A system comprising: Multiple modular devices, Each modular device comprises at least two electrically different modules that are mechanically stacked, wherein the at least two electrically different modules can be removed, replaced or exchanged from the modular device, wherein the at least two modules with different electrical properties are not electrically connected but operate independently, and, The at least two electrically different modules of the mechanical stack include: bottom module, and one or more upper transmission modules, wherein each of the one or more upper transmissive modules is configured to convert light energy into first electrical energy and transmit an unconverted portion of the light energy to the bottom module, wherein each of said bottom modules is configured to convert at least a portion of the unconverted portion of said optical energy into a second electrical energy; The system further comprises at least two strings, Each of the at least two strings corresponds to and is electrically connected to a layer spanning across a plurality of the modular devices, and is electrically different from each of the remaining strings of the at least two strings.

6. The modular device of claim 3, wherein the mechanical stacking of the plurality of solar cells vertically aligns the plurality of transmissive solar cells, reducing the negative impact of the mechanical stacking of the transmissive modules on the power conversion efficiency of the silicon module.

7. The system of claim 5, wherein mechanical stacking of the at least two electrically distinct modules vertically aligns the plurality of solar cells of the bottom module with the plurality of transmissive solar cells of the transmissive module.

8. The system of claim 7, wherein mechanical stacking vertically aligns the plurality of solar cells with the plurality of transmissive solar cells, reducing the negative impact of mechanical stacking of one or more of the upper transmissive modules on the power conversion efficiency of the bottom module.

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