Device for generating electricity

Abstract

An apparatus for generating electricity is provided. The device includes: a first panel having a region transparent to at least a portion of visible light and having a light receiving surface; a second panel positioned substantially parallel to the first panel in such a manner that the light received by the light receiving surface of the first panel initially propagates through the first panel before being received by the second panel; at least one first solar cell string, each having opposing major surfaces having opposite electrical polarities, each first solar cell overlapping and electrically connected in series with another of the first solar cells in the first solar cell string; the at least one first solar cell string is positioned along and near an edge of the first panel, along an area that is at least partially transparent to visible light, and substantially parallel to a light receiving surface of the first panel; and at least one second solar cell string positioned at the second panel.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the application with national application number 202080067919.6, international application date October 1, 2020, national entry date March 28, 2022, and invention name “Device for Power Generation”. Technical Field

[0002] The present disclosure relates to devices for generating electricity and particularly, but not exclusively, to panels, such panels including solar cells for use in windows. Background Art

[0003] Buildings such as office towers, high-rise residential buildings, and hotels utilize extensive exterior window panels and / or facades that incorporate glass panels.

[0004] Overheating of interior spaces, such as spaces that receive daylight through such window panels, is a problem that can be overcome using air conditioning. Large amounts of energy are used worldwide to operate air conditioning.

[0005] PCT International Applications Nos. PCT / AU2012 / 000778, PCT / AU2012 / 000787 and PCT / AU2014 / 000814 (owned by the present applicant) disclose a spectrally selective panel which may be used as window glass and which is largely transmissive to visible light but which diverts a portion of the incident infrared light to the sides of the panel where it is absorbed by solar cells to generate electricity.

[0006] It should be understood that, if any prior art publication is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country. Summary of the invention

[0007] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a device for generating electricity, the device comprising:

[0008] a panel having a region transparent to at least a portion of visible light and having a light receiving surface; and

[0009] at least one string of solar cells, each solar cell having opposing major surfaces, the opposing major surfaces having opposite electrical polarities, each solar cell overlapping and electrically connected in series with another solar cell in the string of solar cells;

[0010] Therein, at least one solar cell string is positioned along and near an edge of the panel, along a region transparent to at least a portion of visible light, and substantially parallel to a light receiving surface of the panel.

[0011] The panel may be a panel of a window, and the device may further comprise a frame structure for supporting the panel.In this embodiment, the device may be provided in the form of a window unit (eg an insulating glass unit) of a building.

[0012] The solar cells of a solar cell string are positioned in an overlapping relationship or in a shingled arrangement, which has benefits for window applications. In such applications, space is limited and the solar cells should be as small as possible. Embodiments of the present invention avoid gaps between adjacent solar cells. Thus, the conversion efficiency per unit area can be increased. Furthermore, no top contacts or fingers are required, which would otherwise reduce the area of ​​each solar cell available to receive photons for power generation.

[0013] The solar cells of at least one solar cell string may have a front surface portion that is directly or indirectly bonded to the panel in a manner that avoids an air gap between the solar cell and the panel. Additional adhesives may be used for bonding. In one embodiment, the adhesive has a refractive index that is at least close to the refractive index of the panel material, which may be, for example, glass or a suitable polymer material. Alternatively, the solar cell may have an outer layer of a polymer material such as polyvinyl butyral (PVB) or ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) or another suitable material. In this embodiment, the solar cell is directly bonded to the panel. For example, if the solar cell includes a layer of PVB or EVA or another suitable material, the material may be slightly softened and then directly adhered to the panel. Since the gap between the panel and the solar cell is avoided, the light intensity loss of light propagating from the panel into the solar cell is reduced.

[0014] The device may include a plurality of solar cell strings, and the plurality of solar cell strings may be positioned around (and may surround) the area that is transparent to at least a portion of the visible light. The plurality of solar cell strings may be positioned near an edge of the panel so that the panel is largely transparent to at least a portion of the visible light, and the area that is transparent to at least a portion of the visible light is a central area and is 5, 10, 15, 20, 50, 100, or even 500 times larger than the area of ​​the panel where the solar cell strings are positioned.

[0015] The at least one solar cell string is typically positioned at a surface of the panel opposite the light receiving surface such that light received by the light receiving surface propagates through at least a portion of the panel before reaching the at least one solar cell string.

[0016] The panel may have four edges, and at least one of the solar cell strings may be positioned at each edge of the panel.

[0017] In a specific embodiment, the at least one solar cell string includes at least two solar cell strings, which can be positioned at adjacent edges of the panel and can be electrically connected in series or in parallel.

[0018] In one embodiment, adjacent strings of at least two solar cell strings may be oriented at an angle relative to each other (e.g., an angle in the range of 80 to 100 degrees or substantially 90 degrees) and may face the light receiving surface. At least one solar cell of the at least two solar cell strings may overlap and be electrically connected in series with at least one solar cell of an adjacent string of at least two solar cell strings, whereby the at least two solar cell strings are electrically connected in series. Alternatively, at least one solar cell of the at least two solar cell strings may overlap and may be electrically insulated from at least one solar cell of an adjacent string of at least two solar cell strings, and the at least two solar cell strings may be electrically connected in parallel.

[0019] In a specific example, a solar cell positioned at an end of one of the at least two solar cell strings overlaps with solar cells of an adjacent string of the at least two solar cell strings in such a manner that the adjacent solar cell strings form an angle, such as substantially 90 degrees.

[0020] In a specific embodiment, the panel has substantially right angles and has a generally rectangular shape. Adjacent solar cell strings may be positioned at adjacent edges of the panel such that the adjacent solar cell strings form substantially right angles. In this embodiment, the solar cells positioned at the ends of the adjacent solar cell strings may overlap the side surfaces of the solar cells positioned at the ends of the adjacent solar cell strings.

[0021] In one embodiment, adjacent series of at least two solar cell strings are substantially parallel to each other and face the light receiving surface. At least one solar cell of at least two solar cell strings may overlap with at least one solar cell of an adjacent string of at least two solar cell strings and be electrically connected in series or not electrically connected in series. In addition, the first and second strings of solar cells may be positioned adjacent to each other (and substantially parallel), and all or at least most of the solar cells of the first string may overlap with the corresponding solar cells of the second string. At least some or all of the solar cells of the first string may be electrically isolated or electrically connected to the corresponding solar cells of the second string. In a specific embodiment, the solar cells of the first string are electrically connected to the corresponding solar cells of the second string of solar cells, and the solar cells of the second string are electrically connected in series. Alternatively, the first and second series of solar cells may be electrically insulated from each other, and the first string or solar cells may be connected in series, and the solar cells of the second string may be electrically connected in series.

[0022] The solar cells of the first and second strings can be tilted in the same manner and direction. Alternatively, the solar cells of the first and second strings can be tilted in opposite manners and directions. In addition, the solar cells of the first and second strings can be tilted at the same or different angles relative to the surface normal of the receiving surface.

[0023] The panel may be a first panel, and the device may include a second panel that may be positioned substantially parallel to the first panel in a manner such that light received by a light receiving surface of the first panel initially propagates through the first panel before being received by the second panel. The second panel may also have an area that is transparent to at least a portion of visible light.

[0024] Each solar cell may have a rear surface portion that is directly or indirectly bonded to the second panel, whereby each solar cell of the first string and / or the second string may be directly or indirectly bonded to both the first panel and the second panel, and each solar cell is sandwiched between the first panel and the second panel. In this embodiment, both the front surface and the rear surface of the device are surfaces of the first panel or the second panel (which may be a glass panel), which has the benefit of protecting the solar cells and also has the benefit of providing a reliable (vacuum) sealing surface for window applications.

[0025] The at least one solar cell string may be at least one first solar cell string, and the device may further include at least one second solar cell string positioned at the second panel. Each second solar cell may have opposing major surfaces having opposite electrical polarities, each second solar cell may overlap with another second solar cell of the second solar cells and be electrically connected in series or not electrically connected in series, wherein the at least one second solar cell string is positioned: along and near an edge of the second panel, and facing a light receiving surface of the first panel.

[0026] The second solar cell may be bonded to the second panel, for example directly, in such a manner that an air gap between the second solar cell and the second panel is avoided.

[0027] The second panel may have four edges and may include at least one of the second solar cell strings positioned at each edge of the second panel.

[0028] In a specific embodiment, at least one second solar cell string includes a plurality of second solar cell strings oriented at adjacent edges of the second panel. The second solar cell strings may be oriented at an angle relative to each other (e.g., an angle in the range of 80 to 100 degrees or substantially 90 degrees). At least one solar cell of one of the second solar cell strings may overlap at least one solar cell of an adjacent string. In a specific example, a solar cell positioned at an end of one of the second solar cell strings may overlap a solar cell of an adjacent second solar cell string in such a manner that the adjacent solar cell strings form an angle. The overlapping solar cells at the ends of the adjacent second solar cell strings may be electrically connected to each other, whereby the adjacent solar cell strings are electrically connected in series. Alternatively, the overlapping solar cells at the ends of the adjacent second solar cell strings may be electrically insulated from each other, and the adjacent solar cell strings may be electrically connected in parallel.

[0029] In a specific embodiment, the second panel has a substantially right-angled and generally rectangular shape. At least two second solar cell strings may be positioned at adjacent edges of the second panel such that adjacent strings form a substantially right angle. In this embodiment, a second solar cell positioned at an end of one of the second solar cell strings may overlap a side surface of a second solar cell positioned at an end of an adjacent second solar cell string.

[0030] The second panel may also include diffractive elements and / or luminescent materials to help redirect incident infrared light to the edges of the second panel.

[0031] Furthermore, the device may include at least one third solar cell string positioned at at least one edge surface of the second panel and oriented substantially perpendicular to the major surface of the second panel, whereby the at least one third solar cell string is positioned substantially perpendicular to the first solar cell string at the first panel and the second solar cell string at the second panel. The third solar cell string is positioned to receive at least a portion of the light redirected by the diffractive element and / or the luminescent material. The deflection of infrared radiation by the diffractive element has the further benefit of reducing the transmission of infrared radiation into a building (when the panel is used as a window glass), which thereby reduces overheating of the space within the building and can reduce the cost for air conditioning.

[0032] The solar cells may be silicon based solar cells, but may alternatively be based on any other suitable material, such as CIGS or CIS, GaAs, CdS or CdTe.

[0033] In a specific embodiment, the solar cells of the first solar cell string and the second solar cell string are silicon-based, and the solar cells of the third solar cell string are CIS or CIGS-based.

[0034] A device for generating electricity is provided, the device comprising: a first panel having an area transparent to at least a portion of visible light and having a light receiving surface; a second panel positioned substantially parallel to the first panel in a manner such that light received by the light receiving surface of the first panel initially propagates through the first panel before being received by the second panel, wherein the second panel has an area transparent to at least a portion of visible light; at least one first solar cell string, each first solar cell having opposing major surfaces, the opposing major surfaces having opposite electrical polarities, each first solar cell overlapping another first solar cell in the first solar cell string and being electrically connected in series; the at least one first solar cell string being positioned: along an edge of the first panel and near the edge of the first panel, along the area transparent to at least a portion of visible light and substantially parallel to the light receiving surface of the first panel; and at least one second solar cell string positioned at the second panel, wherein each second solar cell has opposing major surfaces, the opposing major surfaces having opposite electrical polarities, each second solar cell overlapping another second solar cell in the second solar cell string, and the at least one second solar cell string being positioned near the edge of the second panel and substantially parallel to the light receiving surface of the first panel.

[0035] The present invention will be more fully understood from the following description of specific embodiments of the present invention. The description is provided with reference to the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0036] Figure 1 is a schematic top view of a device for generating electricity according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional representation of components of an apparatus for generating electricity according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 a schematic top view of a portion of the apparatus for generating electricity as shown; and

[0039] Figure 4 and Figure 5 is a schematic cross-sectional representation of a portion of a device according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0040] First refer to Figure 1, shows a schematic top view of an apparatus 100 for generating electricity according to an embodiment of the present invention. The apparatus 100 includes a panel 102, and in this embodiment, four solar cell strings 104, 106, 108, 110 are positioned at respective edges of the panel 102. The four solar cell strings 104, 106, 108, 110 face a light receiving surface of the panel and together surround an area of ​​the panel that transmits light to a large extent at least. The panel 102 may, for example, form a panel of a window of a building or another structure, and the four solar cell strings 104, 106, 108, 110 may be positioned at a frame structure that supports the panel 102 and one or more other panels to form a window unit.

[0041] The panel 102 may have any shape, but in one embodiment is rectangular and may be square. The panel 102 may be formed of a suitable glass or polymer material.

[0042] Figure 2 A cross-sectional representation of a portion of panel 102 and a portion of solar cell string 108 is shown. Solar cells 112 of solar cell string 108 are arranged in an overlapping relationship and are electrically coupled using conductive adhesive 116. Solar cells 112 have opposing major surfaces, and the opposing major surfaces have different polarities, and solar cells 112 are oriented so that only surfaces of the same polarity face panel 102. Conductive adhesive 116 couples the back side of one of solar cells 112 to the front side of an adjacent solar cell 112. Thus, the solar cells of the solar cell string are electrically connected in series.

[0043] The solar cells 112 are adhered directly to the panel 102. In this example, the solar cells 112 include an outer ETA layer. Before adhering the solar cells 112 to the panel 102, the ETA is softened slightly (by carefully applying heat), and then the solar cells 112 are pressed against the panel 102. Once the softened ETA hardens again, the solar cells are adhered to the panel 102.

[0044] Figure 2 Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the solar cells 112 are relatively long compared to their thickness and therefore are substantially parallel to the panel 102 even though the solar cells 112 are arranged in an overlapping (stacked) relationship.

[0045] Now go to Figure 3 , showing Figure 1 Schematic representation of a corner region of the device shown. Figure 3A portion of a panel 102 and a portion of adjacent solar cell strings 108, 110 are shown. In this embodiment, the solar cell strings 108, 110 form a right angle, and the end surface of the solar cell positioned at the end of the string 110 of solar cells overlaps the side of the solar cell positioned at the end of the other string 108 of solar cells. The overlapping portions of the solar cells are bonded using a conductive adhesive 116 to the above referenced Figure 2 In a variation of the described embodiment, the overlapping portions of the solar cells at the ends of the strings 108, 110 are electrically insulated from each other, and the solar cell strings 108, 110 are electrically connected in parallel.

[0046] Now go to Figure 4 , showing a cross-sectional view of a portion of a window unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. Window unit 400 includes panel 102 having (stacked) solar first cell strings 104, 106, 108 and 110, which are encapsulated by ETA layer 109. Panel 102 has a light receiving surface 103. In this embodiment, panel 102 is a first panel, and window unit 400 also includes a second panel 402, which is positioned parallel to and spaced apart from the first panel 102. The second panel 402 has a light receiving surface 103 that is similar to the first panel 102 and referenced above. Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 In this embodiment, the panels 102 and 402 are rectangular and each includes four solar cell strings that are attached to the edge portions of the panels 102 and 404 and are as shown. Figure 1 The solar cell string includes Figure 2 The overlapping (stacked) solar cells shown in FIG. 1 and the corners are as shown above. Figure 3 The method shown for the first panel 102 is used for formation.

[0047] The window unit 400 also includes a frame structure 405 that is arranged to hold the panels 102 and 402 and the solar cell strings in place.

[0048] In this embodiment, panel 102 and panel 404 comprise respective sheets of glass that are each largely transmissive to visible light. In an embodiment, the sheets of glass forming panel 102 and panel 404 are formed of low iron ultra clear glass sheets, wherein panel 404 additionally has a low E coating.

[0049] exist Figure 4In the illustrated embodiment, panel 404 is a laminated structure with three sub-sheets 404a, 404b and 404c. Sub-sheet 404a is formed by the low iron ultra-clear glass with a thickness of 4mm, and the second sheet 404b and the third sheet 404c are each formed by the ultra-clear glass with a thickness of 4mm. Sub-sheets 404a, 404b and 404c cooperate with each other to form a stacking of sub-sheets substantially parallel to each other. Distributed between sheet 404a and sheet 404b is an intermediate layer 410 of polyvinyl butyral (PVB). PVB intermediate layer 412 is also located between sub-sheet 404b and sub-sheet 404c, but PVB intermediate layer 412 also includes light scattering element. In this embodiment, light scattering element includes luminescent scattering powder embedded in PVB, and this PVB is also an epoxy resin providing adhesive. The panel 404 also includes a diffraction grating arranged to help redirect light towards an edge region of the panel 404 (ie, towards the frame 20) and to guide the light by total internal reflection.

[0050] It should be appreciated that panel 404 can have any number of sheets and any number of intermediate layers. In some embodiments, panel 404 can include a single sheet of light-transmissive material, such as glass.

[0051] The panel 404 has an edge 411 having a plane transverse to the light receiving surface 103. Figure 2 In the embodiment of FIG. 4 , the angle between the edge 411 and the light receiving surface 103 is 90°.

[0052] The window unit 400 also has a third solar cell string 414. The third solar cell string 414 faces the edge 411 and the cavity between the first panel 102 and the second panel 404. The third solar cell string 414 substantially surrounds the second panel 404 and is positioned to receive light redirected by the scattering material and / or diffractive element (not shown) to the edge 416 of the second panel 404. In addition, the third solar cell string 414 also receives light at an area facing the cavity between the first panel 102 and the second panel 404.

[0053] Figure 5 A device for generating electricity according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 5 An apparatus 500 is shown having a first panel 502 and a second panel 504. The first panel 502 and the second panel 504 are transmissive to at least 70% of incident visible light (limited by the transmissivity of the panel material, such as glass). The apparatus 500 includes the above-described solar cell strings 104, 106, 108, 110 ( Figure 5 Only string 104 is shown).

[0054] The solar cells 104, 106, 108, 110 each have a light receiving surface portion that faces the panel 502 and is adhered to the panel 502 such that there is no air gap between the solar cells 104, 106, 108, 110 and the panel 502. In addition, the solar cells 104, 106, 108, 110 each have a rear surface portion that faces the panel 504 and is adhered to the panel 504. In this example, the solar cells 104, 106, 108, 110 include an outer polyvinyl butyral (PVB) or ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) layer at the front surface. A sheet of excluded volume branched polymer (EVB) or ethylene-tetrafluoroethylene copolymer (ETFE) is placed between the panel 502 and the panel 504 so that the sheet is also positioned between the rear surface of the solar cells 104, 106, 108, 110 and the panel 504. Before adhering the solar cells 104, 106, 108, 110 to the panels 502, 504 (and adhering the panels 502, 504 to each other), the PVB, ETA, EVB or ETFE is slightly softened (by carefully applying heat), and then the panels 502, 504 are pressed together so that the solar cells 104, 106, 108, 110 are positioned between the panels 502 and 504. Once the softened PVB, ETA, EVB or ETFE hardens again, the solar cells are sandwiched between the panels 502 and 504 and adhered to the panels 502 and 504 without additional adhesive, thereby forming a laminated structure. The panels 502, 504 protect the solar cells 104, 106, 108, 110 and also provide a reliable sealing surface on the front and back sides of the device, which is advantageous for window applications.

[0055] In the present embodiment, the first solar cell string 104, 106, 108, 110 and the second solar cell string 408 may be silicon-based solar cells, but may alternatively be based on any other suitable material, such as CdS, CdTe, GaAs, CIS or CIGS. The third solar cell string 414 may be CIS or CIGS-based, but may alternatively be based on any other suitable material, such as SI, CdS, CdTe or GaAs.

[0056] Although a number of specific embodiments have been described, it will be appreciated that the disclosed unit 400 may be implemented in many other forms. For example, the unit 400 need not be rectangular, but may alternatively have any other suitable shape (e.g., circular or rounded). Furthermore, the panel 404 may include any suitable number of sub-panels. Furthermore, the window unit may include a third panel, such that a triple-glazed unit is formed.

[0057] Any discussion of the background art throughout this specification should in no way be taken as an admission that such background art is prior art, or that such background art is known or forms part of the common general knowledge in the art, either in Australia or worldwide.

[0058] In addition, those skilled in the art will recognize that modifications of the described embodiments are possible. For example, the solar cells within each string may not necessarily be connected in series. The device may also include adjacent and substantially parallel strings of solar cells. Adjacent and substantially parallel strings of solar cells may overlap so that each solar cell of the first string overlaps with the (or corresponding) solar cell of the immediately adjacent and substantially parallel strings of solar cells. The solar cells of the first string may be electrically connected in series, or alternatively may be electrically isolated from each other and electrically connected to the corresponding solar cells of the second string. For example, the solar cells of the first string may be electrically connected to the corresponding solar cells in the second string of solar cells, and the solar cells of the second string are electrically connected in series. The solar cells of the first string and the solar cells of the second string may be tilted in the same manner and direction. Alternatively, the solar cells of the first string and the solar cells of the second string may be tilted in opposite manners and directions. In addition, the solar cells of the first string and the solar cells of the second string may be tilted at the same or different angles relative to the surface normal of the receiving surface.

[0059] According to the above description, the embodiments of the present invention also disclose the following technical solutions, including but not limited to:

[0060] Solution 1. A device for generating electricity, comprising:

[0061] a panel having a region transparent to at least a portion of visible light and having a light receiving surface; and

[0062] at least one string of solar cells, each solar cell having opposing major surfaces having opposite electrical polarities, each solar cell overlapping and electrically connected in series with another solar cell in the string of solar cells;

[0063] wherein the at least one solar cell string is positioned along and near an edge of the panel, along the region transparent to at least a portion of visible light, and substantially parallel to a light receiving surface of the panel.

[0064] Option 2. The device according to Option 1, wherein the panel is a panel of a window, and the device further comprises a frame structure for supporting the panel.

[0065] Option 3. An apparatus according to Option 2, wherein the apparatus is provided in the form of a window unit of a building, such as an insulating glass unit.

[0066] Solution 4. The device according to any of the preceding solutions, wherein the solar cells of the solar cell string are positioned in an overlapping relationship or in a shingled arrangement.

[0067] Aspect 5. The device according to any of the preceding aspects, wherein the solar cells of the at least one solar cell string are bonded to the panel in such a way as to avoid an air gap between the solar cells and the panel.

[0068] Option 6. A device according to Option 5, wherein the solar cell includes an outer layer of polymer material and is directly bonded to the panel.

[0069] Option 7. The device according to Option 6, wherein the polymer material is polyvinyl butyral (PVB) or ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA).

[0070] Solution 8. A device according to any one of the preceding solutions,

[0071] comprising a plurality of solar cell strings positioned around the area transparent to at least a portion of visible light and near an edge of the panel such that the panel is largely transparent to at least a portion of visible light, the area transparent to at least a portion of visible light being a central area and being 10 times larger than an area of ​​the panel where the solar cell strings are positioned.

[0072] Aspect 9. The device according to any of the preceding aspects, comprising at least two solar cell strings, wherein the at least two solar cell strings are positioned along adjacent edges of the panel.

[0073] Embodiment 10. The apparatus of embodiment 8, wherein adjacent strings of the at least two strings of solar cells are oriented at an angle relative to each other and substantially parallel to the light receiving surface of the panel.

[0074] Embodiment 11. The device according to embodiment 8, wherein at least one solar cell of the at least two solar cell strings overlaps with at least one solar cell of an adjacent string of the at least two solar cell strings.

[0075] Option 12. The device according to Option 10, wherein at least one solar cell of the at least two solar cell strings overlaps and is electrically connected to at least one solar cell of an adjacent string of the at least two solar cell strings, whereby the at least two solar cell strings are electrically connected in series.

[0076] Option 13. The device according to Option 10, wherein at least one solar cell of the at least two solar cell strings overlaps and is electrically insulated from at least one solar cell of an adjacent string of the at least two solar cell strings, and the at least two solar cell strings are electrically connected in parallel.

[0077] Option 14. An apparatus according to any one of Option 10 to Option 12, wherein the solar cells positioned at the end of one of the at least two solar cell strings overlap with the solar cells of an adjacent string of the at least two solar cell strings in such a manner that the adjacent solar cell strings form an angle.

[0078] Embodiment 15. The device according to embodiment 10, wherein adjacent strings of the at least two solar cell strings are substantially parallel to each other and face the light receiving surface.

[0079] Embodiment 16. The device according to embodiment 14, wherein at least one solar cell of the at least two solar cell strings overlaps with at least one solar cell of an adjacent string of the at least two solar cell strings.

[0080] Option 17. A device according to Option 14 or 15, wherein the first string and the second string of solar cells are positioned adjacent to each other, and all or at least most of the solar cells of the first string overlap with corresponding solar cells of the second string of solar cells.

[0081] Option 18. The device of Option 16, wherein the solar cells of the first string are electrically connected to corresponding solar cells of the second string of solar cells, and the solar cells of the second string are electrically connected in series.

[0082] Option 19. The device according to Option 16, wherein the first string and the second string of solar cells are electrically insulated from each other, and the first string or the solar cells are connected in series, and the solar cells of the second string can be electrically connected in series.

[0083] Option 20. A device according to any one of Option 14 to Option 18, wherein the solar cells of the first string and the second string are tilted in the same manner and direction.

[0084] Option 21. A device according to any one of Option 14 to Option 18, wherein the solar cells of the first string and the second string are tilted in opposite ways and directions.

[0085] Option 22. A device according to any one of Option 14 to Option 18, wherein the solar cells of the first string and the second string are tilted at the same or different angles relative to the surface normal of the receiving surface.

[0086] Option 23. An apparatus according to Option 7 or any one of Options 8 to 22 when subordinate to Option 7, wherein the panel has substantially right angles and has a roughly rectangular shape, wherein adjacent solar cell strings are positioned at adjacent edges of the panel so that the adjacent solar cell strings form substantially right angles, and wherein the solar cells positioned at the ends of the adjacent solar cell strings form an overlapping relationship with the side surfaces of the solar cells positioned at the ends of the adjacent solar cell strings.

[0087] Option 24. An apparatus according to any of the preceding options, wherein the panel is a first panel and the apparatus includes a second panel, the second panel being positioned substantially parallel to the first panel in such a manner that light received by a light receiving surface of the first panel initially propagates through the first panel before being received by the second panel, wherein the second panel has an area that is transparent to at least a portion of visible light.

[0088] Option 25. A device according to Option 24, wherein each solar cell has a front surface portion and a rear surface portion, the front surface portion is directly or indirectly bonded to the first panel, and the rear surface portion is directly or indirectly bonded to the second panel, whereby each solar cell of the first string and / or the second string is directly or indirectly bonded to both the first panel and the second panel and sandwiched between the first panel and the second panel.

[0089] Option 26. A device according to Option 24 or 25, wherein the at least one solar cell string is at least one first solar cell string, and the device also includes at least one second solar cell string positioned at the second panel, wherein each second solar cell has relative major surfaces, the relative major surfaces have opposite electrical polarities, each second solar cell overlaps with another second solar cell in the second solar cells, and wherein the at least one second solar cell string is positioned near the edge of the second panel and substantially parallel to the light receiving surface of the first panel.

[0090] Embodiment 27. The device according to embodiment 26, wherein the second solar cell is bonded to the second panel in such a manner as to avoid an air gap between the second solar cell and the second panel.

[0091] Embodiment 28. The device according to embodiment 26 or 27, wherein the at least one second solar cell string comprises a plurality of second solar cell strings, and the plurality of second solar cell strings are oriented at adjacent edges of the second panel.

[0092] Option 29. The device of Option 28, wherein the second panel has four edges, and at least one of the second solar cell strings is positioned at each edge of the second panel.

[0093] Embodiment 30. The apparatus of embodiment 28 or 29, wherein the second solar cell strings are oriented at an angle relative to each other.

[0094] Embodiment 31. The device of embodiment 30, wherein at least one solar cell of one of the second solar cell strings overlaps with at least one solar cell of an adjacent string.

[0095] Option 32. A device according to any one of Options 28 to 31, wherein the second panel has a substantially right-angled and roughly rectangular shape, and wherein the plurality of second solar cell strings are positioned at adjacent edges of the second panel so that adjacent solar cell strings form substantially right angles.

[0096] Option 33. A device according to Option 32, wherein the second solar cell is positioned at the end of one of the second strings of solar cells, and the end surface of the second solar cell overlaps with the side surface of the second solar cell positioned at the end of the adjacent second string of solar cells.

[0097] Option 34. A device according to any one of Option 18 to Option 33, wherein the second panel further includes a diffractive element and / or a luminescent material to help redirect incident IR light to an edge of the second panel.

[0098] Option 35. An apparatus according to any of the preceding options, comprising at least one third solar cell string, wherein the at least one third solar cell string is positioned at at least one edge surface of the second panel and is oriented substantially perpendicular to the main surface of the second panel, whereby the at least one third solar cell string is positioned substantially perpendicular to the first solar cell string at the first panel and the second solar cell string at the second panel.

[0099] Option 36. A device according to Option 35, wherein the third solar cell is a CIS or CIGS based solar cell.

[0100] Option 37. A device according to any one of Option 26 to Option 36 when dependent on Option 22, wherein the first solar cell and the second solar cell are silicon-based.

Claims

1. A device for generating electricity, comprising: a first panel having a region transparent to at least a portion of visible light and having a light receiving surface; a second panel positioned substantially parallel to the first panel in a manner such that light received by a light receiving surface of the first panel initially propagates through the first panel before being received by the second panel, wherein the second panel has a region that is transparent to at least a portion of visible light; at least one first solar cell string, each first solar cell having opposing major surfaces with opposite electrical polarities, each first solar cell overlapping and electrically connected in series with another first solar cell in the first solar cell string; The at least one first solar cell string is positioned: along and near an edge of the first panel, along the region transparent to at least a portion of visible light, and substantially parallel to a light receiving surface of the first panel; at least one second solar cell string positioned at the second panel, wherein each second solar cell has opposite main surfaces, the opposite main surfaces have opposite electrical polarities, and each second solar cell overlaps with another second solar cell in the second solar cell string, The at least one second solar cell string is positioned near an edge of the second panel and substantially parallel to a light receiving surface of the first panel.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein: The first panel and the second panel are panels of a window, and the apparatus further comprises a frame structure for supporting the first panel and the second panel.

3. The device according to claim 2, wherein: The device is provided in the form of a window unit for a building.

4. The device according to claim 2, wherein: The device is provided in the form of an insulating glazing unit for a building.

5. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The solar cells of the first solar cell string are positioned in an overlapping relationship or in a shingled arrangement.

6. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The solar cells of the at least one first solar cell string are bonded to the first panel in such a manner that an air gap between the first solar cells and the first panel is avoided.

7. The device according to claim 6, wherein: The first solar cell includes an outer layer of polymer material and is directly bonded to the first panel.

8. The device according to claim 7, wherein: The polymer material is polyvinyl butyral (PVB) or ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA).

9. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein: The at least one first solar cell string includes a plurality of first solar cell strings positioned around the area transparent to at least a portion of visible light and near an edge of the first panel such that the first panel is largely transparent to at least a portion of visible light, the area transparent to at least a portion of visible light being a central area and being 10 times larger than an area of ​​the first panel where the first solar cell strings are positioned.

10. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein: The at least one first solar cell string includes at least two solar cell strings positioned along adjacent edges of the first panel.

11. The device according to claim 10, wherein: Adjacent ones of the at least two strings of solar cells are oriented at an angle relative to each other and substantially parallel to the light receiving surface of the first panel.

12. The device according to claim 10, wherein: At least one solar cell of the at least two strings of solar cells overlaps with at least one solar cell of an adjacent string of the at least two strings of solar cells.

13. The device according to claim 12, wherein: At least one solar cell of the at least two solar cell strings overlaps and is electrically connected to at least one solar cell of an adjacent string of the at least two solar cell strings, whereby the at least two solar cell strings are electrically connected in series.

14. The device according to claim 12, wherein: At least one solar cell of the at least two solar cell strings overlaps and is electrically insulated from at least one solar cell of an adjacent string of the at least two solar cell strings, and the at least two solar cell strings are electrically connected in parallel.

15. The device according to any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein: The solar cells positioned at the end of one of the at least two solar cell strings overlap with the solar cells of an adjacent string of the at least two solar cell strings in such a manner that the adjacent solar cell strings form an angle.

16. The device according to claim 11, wherein Adjacent strings of the at least two solar cell strings are substantially parallel to each other and face the light receiving surface of the first panel.

17. The device according to claim 15, wherein: At least one solar cell of the at least two strings of solar cells overlaps with at least one solar cell of an adjacent string of the at least two strings of solar cells.

18. The device according to claim 15 or 16, wherein: A first string and a second string of the at least two strings of solar cells are positioned immediately adjacent to each other, and all or at least a majority of the solar cells of the first string overlap with corresponding solar cells of the second string of solar cells.

19. The device according to claim 18, wherein: The solar cells of the first string of the at least two solar cell strings are electrically connected to corresponding solar cells of the second string of the at least two solar cell strings, and the solar cells of the second string are electrically connected in series.

20. The device according to claim 18, wherein The first and second strings of the at least two solar cell strings are electrically insulated from each other, and the first strings or the solar cells of the at least two solar cell strings are connected in series, and the solar cells of the second string of the at least two solar cell strings can be electrically connected in series.

21. The device according to claim 18 or 19, wherein: The solar cells of the first string and the second string of the at least two solar cell strings are tilted in the same manner and direction.

22. The device according to claim 18 or 19, wherein: The solar cells of the first string and the second string of the at least two solar cell strings are tilted in opposite ways and directions.

23. The device according to claim 18 or 19, wherein: The solar cells of the first string and the second string are tilted at the same or different angles relative to a surface normal of a receiving surface of the first panel.

24. Apparatus according to claim 8 or any one of claims 9 to 23 when dependent thereon, wherein: The first panel has a substantially right angle and has a generally rectangular shape, wherein adjacent solar cell strings are positioned at adjacent edges of the first panel so that the adjacent solar cell strings form a substantially right angle, and wherein solar cells positioned at ends of adjacent solar cell strings overlap side surfaces of solar cells positioned at ends of the adjacent solar cell strings.

25. The device according to any one of claims 18 to 24, wherein: Each solar cell has a front surface portion and a rear surface portion, the front surface portion is directly or indirectly bonded to the first panel, and the rear surface portion is directly or indirectly bonded to the second panel, whereby each solar cell of the first string and / or the second string of the at least two solar cell strings is directly or indirectly bonded to both the first panel and the second panel and sandwiched between the first panel and the second panel.

26. The device according to claim 25, wherein The at least one second solar cell string positioned at the second panel is bonded to the second panel in such a manner that an air gap between the at least one second solar cell string and the second panel is avoided.

27. The device according to claim 26, wherein: The at least one second solar cell string includes a plurality of second solar cell strings oriented at adjacent edges of the second panel.

28. The device according to claim 27, wherein The second panel has four edges, and at least one of the plurality of second solar cell strings is positioned at each edge of the second panel.

29. The device according to claim 27 or 28, wherein The second plurality of solar cell strings are oriented at an angle relative to each other.

30. The device according to claim 29, wherein: At least one solar cell of one of the plurality of second solar cell strings overlaps at least one solar cell of an adjacent string.

31. The device according to any one of claims 27 to 30, wherein: The second panel has a substantially right-angled and generally rectangular shape, and wherein the plurality of second solar cell strings are positioned at adjacent edges of the second panel such that adjacent solar cell strings form a substantially right angle.

32. The device according to claim 31, wherein The second solar cell is positioned at an end of one of the second strings of solar cells, and an end surface of the second solar cell overlaps a side surface of a second solar cell positioned at an end of an adjacent second solar cell string.

33. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 32, wherein: The second panel also includes diffractive elements and / or luminescent materials to help redirect incident IR light to an edge of the second panel.

34. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 33 comprises at least one third solar cell string positioned at at least one edge surface of the second panel and oriented substantially perpendicular to the main surface of the second panel, whereby the at least one third solar cell string is positioned substantially perpendicular to the first solar cell string at the first panel and the second solar cell string at the second panel.

35. The device according to claim 34, wherein The third solar cell is a CIS or CIGS based solar cell.

36. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 35, wherein: The first solar cell string and the second solar cell string are silicon based.

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