Solar cell system and method for manufacturing the same

Abstract

Disclosed herein are solar cell systems and flexible solar panels. The solar cell system includes a glass housing and a set of rows of solar cells, each defining a front side and a rear side and disposed within the glass housing. The solar cell system can include a reflective element disposed within the glass housing and facing the rear side of the row of solar cells, and a first terminal coupled to a first end of the row of solar cells, the first terminal extending across and sealed to the first end of the glass housing. This solar cell system can be combined with other solar cell systems to form a flexible solar panel that can be deployed for a wide range of potential applications.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates generally to the field of photovoltaic power systems, and more particularly to new and useful systems and methods for packaging and deploying solar cells in the field of photovoltaic power systems.

[0002] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 044,967, entitled "System and Method for Packaging Solar Cells," filed June 26, 2020, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety. This application also claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 061,728, entitled "Flexible Solar Panel," filed August 5, 2020, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0003] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a flow chart illustrating the first method. [Figure 2] 2A and 2B are schematic and cross-sectional views of a first solar cell system. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a first solar panel system. [Figure 4] Figures 4A, 4B, and 4C are cross-sectional views of a portion of a first solar cell system, a schematic diagram of a first solar panel system, and a schematic diagram of a first solar panel system. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the first solar panel system. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the first solar panel system. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the first solar panel system. [Figure 8]Figure 8A is a schematic diagram of an example deployment of the first solar panel system, Figure 8B is a schematic diagram of an example deployment of the first solar panel system, Figure 8C is a schematic diagram of an example deployment of the first solar panel system, and Figure 8D is a schematic diagram of an example deployment of the first solar panel system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The following description of embodiments of the present invention is not intended to limit the present invention to those embodiments, but is intended to enable those skilled in the art to make and use the present invention. The aspects, configurations, examples, embodiments, and examples described herein are optional and are not limited to only the aspects, configurations, examples, embodiments, and examples they describe. The invention described herein can include any and all permutations of those aspects, configurations, examples, embodiments, and examples.

[0005] 1. Method A method S100 for packaging solar cells includes, at block S110, placing a set of perovskite solar cells in a glass housing defining a first thermal expansion coefficient, evacuating an ambient gaseous atmosphere from around the glass housing and the set of perovskite solar cells at block S120, and electrically coupling terminals comprising an oxide film and a conductive material, the terminals defining a second thermal expansion coefficient substantially equal to the first thermal expansion coefficient, to the set of perovskite solar cells at a proximal end of the set of perovskite solar cells at block S140. The method S100 may further include, at block S160, bonding sections of the glass housing around the terminals to seal the gaseous atmosphere around the set of perovskite solar cells within the glass housing.

[0006] In aspects of the embodiments described below, the method S100 may further include injecting a perovskite-compatible gas atmosphere into the glass housing, at block S130, and melting a section of the glass housing proximate a distal end of the set of perovskite solar cells, at block S150.

[0007] 2. Solar cell system The solar cell system 100 includes a glass housing 102 defining a cross-section, a first end 104, and a second end 106 opposite the first end 104. The solar cell system 100 may further include a set of rows of solar cells 102 disposed within the glass housing 102, each defining a front side 120A and a rear side 120B. The set of rows of solar cells 120 may include a first row 122 of solar cells and a second row 124 of solar cells positionally offset from the first row 122 in the cross-section of the glass housing 102. The solar cell system 100 may also include a reflective element 130 disposed within the glass housing 102 and facing the rear side 120B of the set of rows of solar cells 120, and a first terminal 140 coupled to the first end of the set of rows of solar cells 120 and traversing and sealed to the first end 104 of the glass housing 102.

[0008] An embodiment of an exemplary solar cell system 100 can include a glass housing 102 defining a first end 104, a second end 106 opposite the first end 104, and a circular cross-section defining a first diameter 108 and a second diameter 110 perpendicular to the first diameter 108. The solar cell system 100 also includes a set of rows of bifacial perovskite solar cells 120, including: a first row 122 of bifacial perovskite solar cells disposed within a first volume of the glass housing 102 defined by a first side of the first diameter 108 and a first side of the second diameter 110, the first row defining a first front side 122A facing outward from the center of the glass housing 102 and a first rear side 122B facing inward toward the center of the glass housing 102; and a second row 124 of bifacial perovskite solar cells disposed within a second volume of the glass housing 102 defined by the first side of the first diameter 108 and a second side of the second diameter 110, the second row defining a second front side 124A facing outward from the center of the glass housing 102 and a second rear side 124B facing inward toward the center of the glass housing 102. The solar cell system 100 may also include a reflective element 130 disposed on the inner surface of the glass housing 102 on the second side of the first diameter 108, which reflects incident light toward the first rear side 122B of the first row 122 of bifacial perovskite solar cells and toward the second rear side 122B of the second row 124 of bifacial perovskite solar cells. The solar cell system 100 may also include a first terminal 140 coupled to the set of rows of bifacial perovskite solar cells 120, the first terminal traversing the first end 104 of the glass housing 102 and sealed to the first end 104 of the glass housing 102, and a second terminal 150 coupled to the set of rows of bifacial perovskite solar cells 120, the second terminal traversing the second end 106 of the glass housing 102 and sealed to the second end 106 of the glass housing 102. The solar cell system 100 may further include a perovskite-compatible gas atmosphere 160 sealed within the glass housing 102.

[0009] In other aspects of the embodiment, sets of solar cells 120 can be positioned on either side of the first diameter 110. For example, the sets of solar cells 120 can be arranged so that they form two substantially planar surfaces that are angularly offset from one another with respect to the second diameter 112. In this particular aspect, when viewed along a cross section, the sets of solar cells 120 are arranged in an A-frame or V-shaped geometric shape. Alternatively, additional sets of solar cells 120 can be positioned near the interior surface of the glass housing 102 so that when viewed along a cross section, the sets of solar cells 120 are arranged in the shape of a triangle, square, rectangle, pentagon, hexagon, or other polygon. In yet another alternative, the sets of solar cells 120 can be formed as a single tubular structure and inserted or deposited / grown within the glass housing 102 to provide a continuous 360-degree exposed surface when viewed along a cross section of the glass housing 102.

[0010] 3. Flexible solar panel system The flexible solar panel system 200 can include a set of solar cell modules 100, each including an elongated glass housing 102 defining a cross section, a first end 104, and a second end 106 opposite the first end 104, a first cap 202 hermetically connected at the first end 104 of the elongated sealed glass housing 102, and a second cap 204 disposed at the second end 106 of the sealed glass housing 102. Each of the solar cell modules 100 can also include a set of solar cells 120, each defining a front side 120A and a back side 120B and disposed within the elongated glass housing 102, a reflective element 130 positioned within the elongated glass housing 102 and positionally offset from the set of solar cells 120 and facing the back side 120B of the row of the set of solar cells 120, and an electrical harness or terminal that electrically couples each of the sets of solar cell modules 120. The flexible solar panel system 200 may also include a first cable 212 connected to the first cap 202 at the first end 104 of each of the set of solar modules 100, and a first set of datums 222 configured to position the first cap 202 and the first end 104 of each of the solar modules 100 a predetermined distance along the first cable 212. The flexible solar panel system 200 may further include a second cable 214 connected to the second cap 204 at the second end 106 of each of the set of solar modules 100, and a second set of datums 224 configured to position the second cap 204 and the second end 106 of each of the set of solar modules 100 a second predetermined distance along the second cable 214 such that each of the solar modules 100 is fixedly positioned substantially perpendicular to the first and second cables 212, 214.

[0011] 4. Application Generally, the method S100, solar cell system 100 and flexible solar panel system 200 described below are directed to improving efficiencies in the manufacture, distribution and use of solar power systems.

[0012] 4.1 Solar cell module Generally, method S100 can be performed to fabricate a sealed, modular solar cell system 100 that houses a set of solar cells in a hermetically sealed environment (e.g., vacuum, inert gas, a gas environment complementary to the solar cell chemistry) to protect and / or preserve the solar cells throughout the operational lifetime of the solar cell system 100. For example, method S100 can be performed to assemble solar cell system 100 units that house solar cells with unstable cell chemistries (e.g., perovskite solar cells, tandem perovskite-silicon cells, silicon-based solar cells, or organic solar cells) in a controlled, hermetically sealed environment that inhibits cell degradation, thereby extending the operational lifetime of the solar cell system 100 when deployed to collect solar energy in various environmental conditions (e.g., when floating on a body of water, installed on agricultural land, installed on a roof or vertical wall).

[0013] In particular, block S100 of the method includes sealing and / or bonding one or more edges of an evacuated, rigid glass housing around a pair of electrodes electrically coupled to a set of solar cells (e.g., perovskite or crystalline silicon solar cells) disposed within the glass housing, thereby maintaining a vacuum condition (e.g., 10 -3 This can be done to seal a set of perovskite solar cells at temperatures below 2000 rpm (2000 rpm) while allowing the power converted by the solar cells to be sent to external traces and / or power lines connected to the exterior of the glass housing. Additionally, the glass housing 102 can be backfilled with an atmosphere of inert gas (e.g., nitrogen gas), a gas atmosphere similar to the cell chemistry of the solar cells, during fabrication of the solar cell system 100 to reduce and / or prevent degradation of the solar cells over time.

[0014] As shown, for a solar cell system 100 assembled with a set of perovskite solar cells and sealed according to block S100 of method S100, the perovskite solar cells can be maintained and operated in a hermetically sealed environment that is impermeable to ingress of humidity, water, and oxygen from the external environment and confines the perovskite solar cells within a vacuum or complementary gas atmosphere, thereby stabilizing the perovskite material and maintaining the power conversion efficiency of the perovskite solar cells over long-term timescales (e.g., years or decades). Additionally, in this example, the solar cell system 100 can seal out trace amounts of lead and potentially toxic compounds present in some perovskite solar cells within the glass housing over the operational lifetime of the solar cell system 100, thereby reducing the environmental impact of solar cell deployment, including perovskite solar cells, on residential or commercial properties, agricultural land, bodies of water, etc.

[0015] Furthermore, in the examples described above, the glass housing can form a rigid, durable, transparent housing, and the perovskite solar cells can be spring-mounted, kinematically coupled, or otherwise flexibly mounted within the glass housing to reduce the transfer of mechanical stress from the glass housing to the perovskite solar cells and to reduce thermal stress across the perovskite solar cells during operation.

[0016] Thus, in this example, as shown in FIG. 2, the solar cell system 100 can define a modular, hermetically sealed solar cell system 100 that can achieve the low manufacturing costs, high power conversion efficiency, and longer operating lifetime of perovskite solar cells compared to conventional solar cell chemistries.

[0017] In a similar example, method S100 can be performed to grow or form a set of perovskite solar cells directly on the interior surface of a glass housing (e.g., via solution and / or vapor deposition) and to connect these solar cells to the electrodes before sealing the edges of the glass housing around the electrodes. Thus, in this example, the resulting solar cell system 100 can include a glass housing that both seals out the surrounding environment and forms the substrate on which the perovskite solar cells are fabricated, thereby reducing the manufacturing steps and complexity for producing the solar cell system 100.

[0018] In another embodiment, method S100 can be performed to fabricate a solar cell system 100 that includes a set of adjacent, angularly offset rows of bifacial solar cells (e.g., perovskite or crystalline silicon solar cells) disposed within a first (e.g., upper) sector of the circular cross section of the glass housing, and an internal reflector disposed within a second (e.g., lower) sector of the circular cross section of the glass housing and facing the rows of bifacial solar cells.

[0019] In this example, the units of solar cell system 100 may be installed in a north-south orientation. Thus, in this example, light incident on solar cell system 100 when the sun is highest in the sky (e.g., 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM) strikes the top of the bifacial solar cell, which can then convert this light into electrical energy. However, when the sun is lower relative to the eastern or western horizon (e.g., 5:00 AM - 9:00 AM and 3:00 PM - 7:00 PM), some of the light incident on the solar cell housing strikes the internal reflector, which reflects this light to the back side of the bifacial solar cell, which can then convert this light into electrical energy.

[0020] In particular, in this example, the combination of solar cells and internal reflectors positioned across the top or sun-facing portion of the solar cell system can function as a static single-axis solar tracker that reflects light (that enters the glass housing but not immediately onto the solar cells) back onto the solar cells. Thus, in this example, method S100 can be performed to manufacture a passive (or static) solar cell system 100 that exhibits high energy capture efficiency over a wide range of sun angles, seasons, and latitudes.

[0021] Generally, method S100 is described below as being performed to fabricate a solar cell system 100 that includes a set of perovskite solar cells sealed within a cylindrical glass housing. However, the blocks of method S100 can additionally and / or alternatively be performed to seal solar cells of any other solar cell chemistry (e.g., silicon solar cells, perovskite solar cells, thin-film solar cells, tandem solar cells, organic solar cells) within a larger glass housing structure of any other geometric shape (e.g., a shape defining an elliptical cross-section, a polygonal cross-section, a partially parabolic cross-section, or a combination of a polygonal and a circular, elliptical, or parabolic cross-section) that includes a vacuum or sealed gas atmosphere.

[0022] 4.2 Flexible solar panel system As shown, the system 100 and method S100 described herein are applicable to the construction and deployment of a modular flexible solar panel system 200. Typically, the flexible solar panel system 200 includes a set of tubular solar-electric modules 100 electrically connected via an electrical harness, which are mechanically positioned between two cables configured for installation, for example, between four poles in a field or parking lot, or along two rails on a flat roof, sloped roof, or vertical wall, or floating on a body of water.

[0023] In particular, the flexible solar panel 200 includes a set of rigid tubular solar modules 100, each containing a set of sealed solar cells. The solar modules 100 are arranged at a pitch offset corresponding to the target open area of ​​the solar power installation, mechanically connected at both ends, supported by a pair of flexible cables, and electrically coupled in series or parallel by electrical harnesses extending between the solar cell systems and adjacent ones of the cables. For example, for an 80% total projected open area at ground level below flexible solar panels strung (and hanging) between a set of posts in a field, a set of 2-inch diameter solar cell systems 100 can be attached to a set of cables at a 10-inch pitch offset with an 8-inch open gap between the solar cell systems.

[0024] Thus, the mechanical and electrical connections at the first ends of the solar modules 100 can be substantially co-spatial. In the case of a flexible solar panel 200 in which the ends of multiple solar modules 100 are mechanically connected by flexible cables and electrically connected by flexible wiring harnesses, the flexible solar panel 200 can be wound into a tightly packed configuration, such as by being wound onto a spool for storage or transportation, without constraining or fraying the mechanical or electrical connections between adjacent solar modules 100. The flexible solar panel 200 can then be unspooled, for example, during installation between pairs of vertical support members, or between pairs or standoffs in a vertical or tilted orientation, or during deployment into a body of water, without similarly constraining or fraying the mechanical or electrical connections between adjacent solar modules 100. After installation, the flexible solar panel 200 can bend or move in response to changing wind conditions, changing ambient conditions, thermal expansion due to solar irradiation, etc., without similarly constraining or fraying the mechanical or electrical connections between adjacent solar modules 100.

[0025] Furthermore, because the flexible solar panel 200 is constructed from a limited number of unique components, it is possible to customize the flexible solar panel 200 for various applications requiring different open area ratios by installing the solar cell system 100 at different pitch offsets along two standardized cables and assembling the wire harness with connectors at the corresponding pitch offsets. Furthermore, because each solar cell module 100 defines a single complete solar cell structure configured to be assembled between two cables (rather than behind a glass plane), the power capacity, weight, material consumption, and cost of the flexible solar panel 200 can be directly correlated to and controlled by the pitch offset between adjacent solar cell modules 100.

[0026] 5. Modular solar cell system 2A and 2B, an exemplary modular solar cell system 100 can include a set of solar cells 120 electrically connected to a pair of terminals 140, 150, and a glass housing 102 containing the set of solar cells 120, the glass housing sealed around and / or bonded to the pair of terminals 140, 150 (e.g., via a matching seal and / or a compression seal) to hermetically enclose the set of solar cells 120 in a vacuum or complementary gas atmosphere to stabilize (indefinitely) the perovskite material against degradation due to moisture and oxidation. The solar cell system 100 can also include an optically transparent encapsulant 126 configured to secure the set of solar cells 120 to the interior walls of the glass housing 102 in a desired geometry, as described in more detail below.

[0027] The exemplary solar cell system 100 defines a modular, hermetically sealed perovskite solar cell capable of maintaining high power conversion efficiency over extended periods of time and under a variety of environmental conditions. In particular, the solar cell system 100 may include a first terminal 140 coupled to a first end 104 of the glass housing 102 and electrically coupled to the set of solar cells 120, and a second terminal 150 coupled to an opposite end 106 of the glass housing 102 and electrically coupled to the set of solar cells 120. The pair of terminals may thus define positive and negative terminals of the set of solar cells 120 configured to transmit power converted by the set of solar cells 120 to external traces and / or power lines connected to the terminals 140, 150, such that the solar cell systems 100 may be interconnected in parallel and connected to a common (e.g., high-voltage) DC line to form a solar panel and / or solar cell array.

[0028] 5.1 Glass housing 2A and 2B, solar cell system 100 includes a glass housing configured to house a set of solar cells 120, the glass housing configured to bond and / or secure each terminal 140, 150 around the periphery of each terminal 140, 150 during a sealing process. In particular, glass housing 140 can define an elongated, rigid glass cylinder or curved pillar having a diameter of approximately 15 to 200 millimeters and a length of one-half meter to three meters, thereby receiving and housing a set of solar cells 120 of similar dimensions. When sealed around terminals 140 and / or pairs of terminals 140, 150 according to blocks of method S100, glass housing 102 defines a continuous, airtight enclosure capable of maintaining internal conditions around the set of solar cells 120 over very long timescales. Furthermore, the exemplary cylindrical or curved pillar shape allows the glass housing 102 to contain and / or retain a high vacuum (e.g., pressures of millionths of an atmosphere, billionths of an atmosphere) and / or a high-pressure internal gas atmosphere (e.g., pressures of tens of atmospheres, hundreds of atmospheres) with a relatively minimal glass thickness (e.g., 1-10 millimeters) without risk of structural damage.

[0029] As noted above, in one aspect of the embodiment, the glass housing 102 defines a cylindrical shape having a circular cross-section. As shown in FIG. 2B , the circular cross-section can be defined in part by a first diameter 108 that bisects the cross-sectional area and a second diameter 110 that orthogonally bisects the first diameter 108. In another aspect of the embodiment, the glass housing 102 defines a curvilinear cylindrical shape having an elliptical cross-section. In this aspect, one of the first diameter 108 or the second diameter 110 can define a major axis of the elliptical cross-section, and the other of the first diameter 108 or the second diameter 110 can define a minor axis of the elliptical cross-section. In another aspect of the embodiment, the glass housing 102 defines a spatially variable shape that can define a circular cross-section along one portion of its length and an elliptical cross-section along another portion of its length. In yet another aspect of the embodiment, the glass housing 102 defines a polyhedral shape having a polygonal cross-section.

[0030] In one embodiment, the glass housing 102 can be formed from borosilicate glass with a low coefficient of thermal expansion, thereby reducing and / or preventing structural deformation of the glass housing in response to temperature changes (e.g., during evacuation of the glass housing, during operation of the solar cell system 100). Additionally, the borosilicate glass can provide an optical interface between the set of solar cells 120 and the external environment with relatively low dispersion and refractive index and / or reflectance, thereby transmitting incident sunlight through the glass housing 102 to the set of solar cells 120. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the inner surface of the glass housing 102 can be highly resistant to chemical corrosion and / or degradation, thereby enabling the glass housing 102 to maintain a gas atmosphere (e.g., methylammonium gas, halide gas) around the set of solar cells 120 over the operating life of the solar cell system 100.

[0031] In other embodiments, the glass housing 102 may be formed from alkali-aluminosilicate glass, soda-lime glass, or any other type of glass or polymeric material with desired mechanical, chemical, and / or thermal properties to encapsulate and protect the set of solar cells 120 over long periods of time under a variety of operating conditions.

[0032] 5.2 Solar cells 2A and 2B, the solar cell system 100 typically includes a set of solar cells 120 defining a length slightly (e.g., 5 centimeters) shorter than the length of the glass housing 102. In particular, the distal end of each solar cell 120 may be positioned a short longitudinal insertion distance (e.g., 3 centimeters) from the adjacent end of the glass housing 102 to protect the set of solar cells 120 and / or associated electrical transmission wiring from melting and / or thermal damage during sealing of the glass housing 102 in accordance with method S100. The solar cell system 100 may also include a sealant 126 formed around a section of the set of solar cells 120 and coupled to the inner surface of the glass housing 102 to mechanically support the set of solar cells 120 within the glass housing 102 and / or to fix the set of solar cells 120 in a particular position or orientation relative to the inner surface of the glass housing 102.

[0033] 2A and 2B, the solar cell system 100 can include a set of solar cells 120 spanning the length of the glass housing 102 and configured to convert incident sunlight into electricity, such as via the photovoltaic effect. In one aspect of the embodiment, the solar cell system 100 can include perovskite solar cells (e.g., single-junction perovskite solar cells, multi-junction perovskite solar cells) deposited on, formed on, and / or patterned across a flexible substrate, such as a metal foil, that can be molded into a curved surface similar to the curvature of the glass housing 102, prior to depositing the perovskite material and / or prior to placing the perovskite solar cells 120 within the glass housing 102. Additionally or alternatively, the solar cell system 100 can include solar cells 120 that include silicon solar cells, thin-film solar cells, tandem solar cells, organic solar cells, or a combination or subcombination of any of them.

[0034] In one aspect of the embodiment, the solar cell system 100 includes a set (e.g., multiple) of perovskite solar cells 120 deposited and / or formed on a (separate) substrate (such as a planar strip of glass or metal) and radially offset from adjacent perovskite solar cells along the inner surface of a glass housing relative to its radial axis (e.g., central axis), thereby increasing and / or maximizing the light-receiving surface area of ​​the set of perovskite solar cells relative to the interior surface area of ​​the glass housing, and enabling more consistent and / or efficient energy harvesting over a range of solar altitudes (e.g., throughout the day).

[0035] In another aspect of the embodiment, the solar cell system 100 can include a tandem solar cell set, each defining a perovskite solar cell disposed above (and coplanar with) a silicon solar cell or thin-film solar cell (e.g., a gallium arsenide solar cell, a cadmium telluride solar cell, or another perovskite solar cell exhibiting a different bandgap). In this aspect, incident light that is not absorbed by the perovskite solar cell can be transmitted through the (transparent or partially transparent) perovskite material and captured by the underlying silicon or thin-film solar cell, thereby further increasing the power conversion efficiency of the solar cell system 100.

[0036] In another aspect of the embodiment, the solar cell system 100 includes a set of bifacial solar cells 120 (e.g., perovskite solar cells, crystalline silicon solar cells, thin-film solar cells, or a combination thereof) adjacent to the glass housing and responsive to light across both an outer surface facing the inner surface of the glass housing and an inner surface facing the center of the glass housing 102. For example, each bifacial solar cell 120 can include solar cells formed and / or disposed on a transparent substrate with high light transmittance, such as a strip of borosilicate glass. In another example, each bifacial solar cell 120 can include a first solar cell formed, deposited, and / or disposed on the outer surface of a substrate, such as a flexible substrate or a rigid planar substrate, and a second solar cell disposed on the inner surface of the substrate opposite the outer surface. As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B , the set of bifacial solar cells 120 can be offset radially (and parallel to the longitudinal axis) of the glass housing 102 so that the plane of each bifacial solar cell 120 is substantially perpendicular to an imaginary line extending from the central axis of the glass housing 102.

[0037] In another aspect of the embodiment, the solar cell system 100 can include one or more bifacial solar cells 120 disposed on a flexible substrate that is bent or curved to form an arc when inserted into the glass housing 102. Similarly, the solar cell system 100 can include one or more bifacial solar cells 120 disposed on a curved substrate with a radius that is (slightly) smaller than the inner radius of the glass housing 102.

[0038] In another aspect of the embodiment, the solar cell system 100 includes a set of perovskite solar cells 120 directly deposited, grown, and / or formed (e.g., via solution deposition and / or vapor deposition) on the inner surface of the glass housing 102. In particular, before sealing the edges of the glass housing 102, a block of method S100 can be performed to circumferentially etch or scribe the inner surface of the glass housing 102, and to rinse and / or spin-coat the inner surface of the glass housing 102 with a perovskite solution containing complementary concentrations of perovskite precursor compounds (e.g., methylammonium halide, lead halide). Once spin-coated on the inner wall of the glass housing 102, the resulting layer of perovskite solution can be fired, rinsed with additional solvents, and / or annealed in the presence of a specific steam atmosphere, thereby resulting in a film of crystallized (e.g., solid) perovskite material. The methods and techniques described above can then be repeated to increase and / or grow the film of perovskite crystals, and thus the absorber layer of the perovskite solar cells 120, to an appropriate thickness. By performing blocks of method S100, it is possible to grow a set of perovskite solar cells 120 directly within the glass housing 102 prior to the sealing process, utilizing the inner surface of the glass housing 102 as a substrate, further reducing the manufacturing and assembly costs and / or manufacturing complexity of the solar cell system 100.

[0039] 5.3 Reflective Elements As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B , the solar cell system 100 can also include a reflective element 130 disposed within or on the glass housing 102 and configured to reflect incident light transmitted through the side of the glass housing 102 toward one or more inner surfaces of the set of bifacial solar cells 120. As shown, the reflective element 130 can be positioned on the opposite side of the set of solar cells 120 relative to the first diameter 108. Typically, the reflective element 130 can be a diffuse reflector, a specular reflector, or a combination thereof. In one aspect of the embodiment, the reflective element 130 can include a coating, such as a white or specular paint, deposited on the inner or outer surface of the glass housing 102. Alternatively, the reflective element 130 can include a solid structure having a defined geometric shape configured to reflect incident light in a particular direction. For example, as shown in FIG. 2B , the reflective element 130 can define one or more parabolic reflectors, each configured to receive and reflect incident light toward one or more of the set of solar cells 120. Alternatively, the reflective element 130 can be configured with a compound parabolic or scalloped mirror shape to optimize photon capture and reflection in various orientations, latitudes, or climate conditions. In another aspect of the embodiment, in deployments where the solar cell system 100 can rotate about its longitudinal axis, the reflective element 130 can also function as a weight or ballast (e.g., heavier than the set of solar cells 120) to maintain a preferred orientation of the solar cell system 100.

[0040] In this embodiment, the reflective element 130 can function as a passive solar tracker to improve the efficiency of the set of solar cells 120. As mentioned above, in some cases, a certain amount of light can be transmitted through the solar cell material. The reflective element 130 can reflect this transmitted light back toward the rear-facing surface 120B of the set of solar cells 120, thereby potentially increasing the probability that incident photons will be absorbed by the set of solar cells 120. Similarly, the reflective element 130 can redirect incident light that strikes the glass housing 102 at a lower angle of incidence. In particular, when the solar cell system 100 is positioned substantially along a geographic north-south axis, the reflective element 130 can reflect sunlight that would otherwise bypass the outward-facing light-receiving surface 120A of the set of solar cells 120 (e.g., at low solar altitudes in the early morning or evening) toward the inner light-receiving surface 120B of the set of solar cells 120, thereby increasing the overall power conversion efficiency of the solar cell system 100 and enabling more uniform generation of solar power across a range of sun angles at different times of day and latitudes.

[0041] 5.4 Electrodes and Electrical Connections 2A and 2B, the solar cell system 100 includes a pair of terminals 140, 150, each comprising an electrical conductor such as a metal plate, disk, and / or wire that is bonded and / or sealed to an edge of the glass housing 102 during assembly. In one embodiment, the terminals 140, 150 are continuous between the interior of the glass housing 102 and the exterior of the glass housing 102 such that the glass housings 140, 150 are sealed around, adjacent to, or in cooperation with each of the terminals 140, 150. Typically, the terminals 140, 150 are configured to conduct current generated by the set of solar cells 120 to traces and / or wires connected to the terminals 140, 150, thereby allowing current converted by the solar cell system 100 to be routed externally (e.g., to a shared power line or panel that includes the solar cell system 100, to an inverter). As shown in FIG. 2B , each terminal 140, 150 can be connected to a set of solar cells 120 via a conductive tab ribbon 128 or wire connected between the terminal 140, 150 and the set of solar cells 120, which conducts the current generated by the set of solar cells 120 to the corresponding terminal 140, 150.

[0042] In one aspect of the embodiment, the solar cell system 100 may include a single terminal 140, 150 disposed at one of the first or second ends 104, 106 of the glass housing 102 that functions as both a ground and a potential terminal. In this aspect, rather than a pair of terminals 140, 150 that function to route current in a single direction (e.g., toward the terminal 150), the single terminal 140 may function as a ground or a high potential connector for current routed in a circular manner (e.g., clockwise around the pair of set solar cells 120). In the single terminal configuration, the glass housing 102 may be completely sealed at one of its ends 104, 106 during assembly, and the other end 104, 106 may be sealed onto, around, or together with the single terminal 140, 150, potentially reducing manufacturing cost and complexity.

[0043] Typically, the material properties and composition of the terminals 140, 150 can be selected to match the manufacturing and operating characteristics of the solar cell system 100. For example, the conductive material forming the body of the terminals 140, 150 can be selected to match the thermal expansion coefficient and / or other thermal properties of the glass housing 102 to enhance adhesion between the terminal surface and the (molten) glass during the sealing process. For example, in one embodiment in which the glass housing 102 comprises soda-lime glass, the solar cell system 100 can include terminals 140, 150 having iron-nickel (e.g., Dumet) and / or platinum bodies that provide a thermal expansion coefficient similar to that of soda-lime glass. In another embodiment in which the glass housing 102 comprises borosilicate glass, the solar cell system 100 can include terminals 140, 150 having iron-nickel-cobalt (e.g., Kovar) bodies that provide a thermal expansion coefficient similar to that of borosilicate glass.

[0044] In one aspect of the embodiment, the terminals 140, 150 may include a thin layer of inert metal (e.g., gold) plated thereon, which may stabilize the terminals 140, 150 against corrosion from the gas atmosphere sealed within the glass housing 102. Additionally, the terminal bodies themselves may be formed from tungsten, molybdenum, or another inert conductor, which may reduce or eliminate chemical reactivity between portions of the terminals 140, 150 located within the glass housing 102 and certain components of the gas atmosphere 160 (e.g., methylammonium gas, halide gas), thereby reducing and / or preventing corrosion or degradation of the terminals 140, 150 over the operational life of the solar cell system 100.

[0045] In another aspect of the embodiment, each terminal 140, 150 may also include an oxide layer formed on the surface of the terminal body, and may define a thickness proportional to the dimensions of the terminal 140, 150 and / or consistent with the glass type and thickness of the glass housing 102. For example, during the sealing process, oxides in the oxide layer may intersperse with (e.g., diffuse into) similar oxides in the (molten) glass, thereby significantly increasing the bonding and / or bonding between the glass housing 102 and adjacent surfaces of the terminals 140, 150 upon cooling.

[0046] 6. Manufacturing method A solar cell system 100 of the type described above can be manufactured and assembled by performing blocks of method S100. As shown in FIG. 1 , block 110 of method S100 recites disposing a set of perovskite solar cells within a glass housing defining a first thermal expansion coefficient. Typically, prior to evacuating and / or sealing the glass housing 102, the set of perovskite solar cells 120 are disposed along the length of the glass housing 102 such that the perovskite solar cells 120 span and / or cover a majority of the interior surface area of ​​the top half of the glass housing 102. In one embodiment, the set of perovskite solar cells 120 are formed on a curved and / or flexible substrate that matches the curvature of the glass housing 102 and then inserted into the open end of the glass housing 102. In another embodiment, each perovskite solar cell 120 can be formed on a separate (planar) substrate and inserted into the open end of the glass housing 102, and / or positioned within the glass housing 102 such that each perovskite solar cell 120 is positionally offset from adjacent perovskite solar cells 120 along the inner periphery of the glass housing 102. In the above embodiment, the set of perovskite solar cells 120 can then be bonded and / or affixed to the glass housing 102 in a particular location and orientation via an encapsulant 126 formed around the set of perovskite solar cells 120 and bonded or affixed to the inner surface of the glass housing 102. In yet another embodiment, the set of perovskite solar cells 120 can be solution deposited, grown and / or formed directly on the inner surface of the glass housing 102 prior to sealing the glass housing 102 according to the methods and techniques described herein.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 1 , block S120 of method S100 recites evacuating the ambient gas atmosphere from around the glass housing and the set of perovskite solar cells. Typically, the open end of the glass housing 102 can be connected to a vacuum pump or other pressure differential to remove air and / or other ambient atmosphere from the interior of the glass housing 102, thereby removing substantially all oxygen and moisture from the internal environment of the glass housing 102 surrounding the set of perovskite solar cells 120. Typically, the glass housing 102 can exhibit a wall thickness sufficient to maintain the structural stability of the solar cell system 100 during the sealing process and during deployment and operation of the solar cell system 100 while a low internal pressure (e.g., one millionth of an atmosphere) is maintained within the glass housing 102. In performing block S120 of method S100, trace contaminants (e.g., oxygen and water molecules) (which may reduce or affect the efficiency of the perovskite solar cells 120) can be evacuated from the glass housing 102 during the sealing process to extend the expected lifespan of the solar cell system 100 to several decades.

[0048] In aspects of an embodiment, method S100 may further include injecting a perovskite-compatible gas atmosphere into the glass housing at block S130. For example, the glass housing 102 may be backfilled with an atmosphere of an inert or noble gas, such as nitrogen or helium gas, to exclude oxygen and water from the interior of the glass housing 102 while reducing distortion on the surface of the glass housing 102 (e.g., distortion due to the pressure difference between the internal vacuum and the external atmospheric pressure) over the operational lifetime of the solar cell system 100.

[0049] In another aspect of the embodiment, the interior of the glass housing 102 can be backfilled with a gas atmosphere similar to the cell chemistry of the set of perovskite solar cells 120 to stabilize, balance, and / or equilibrate the decomposition pathways (e.g., decomposition reactions) of the perovskite material. In particular, in aspects where the set of perovskite solar cells 120 includes a methylammonium lead halide chemistry, the glass housing 102 can be backfilled with a gas atmosphere including methylamine gas and hydrogen halide gas at complementary partial pressures (e.g., less than 1 atmosphere), thereby stabilizing and / or preventing (indefinitely) the natural decomposition of the perovskite crystal structure into these gaseous byproducts. That is, the blocks of method S100 can be performed to evacuate oxygen, water, and / or humidity from the interior of the glass housing 102, which may decompose the perovskite material in the set of perovskite solar cells during operation, and to trap a specific gas atmosphere within the glass housing 102 prior to sealing to stabilize the specific perovskite solar cell chemistry.

[0050] 1 , block S140 of method S100 recites electrically coupling terminals 140, 150, which include an oxide layer and a conductive material and define a second coefficient of thermal expansion substantially equal to the first coefficient of thermal expansion, to the set of perovskite solar cells 120 at proximal ends of the set of perovskite solar cells 120. Typically, the set of perovskite solar cells 120 are electrically coupled to the terminals 140, 150, which may be disposed within the glass housing 102 and / or at open ends of the glass housing 102 via conductive tabs 128 connected (e.g., soldered or welded) between the terminals and sets of solar cell electrodes of the set of perovskite solar cells 120. In one aspect of the embodiment, the conductive tabbing ribbon 128 and its connections to the terminals 140, 150 can have a melting point higher than that of the glass housing 102 to maintain electrical connection between the terminals 140, 150 and the set of perovskite solar cells 120 when exposed to high temperatures during the sealing process. Additionally, the conductive tabbing ribbon 128 can be plated with a thin layer of a chemically inert protective material, such as a layer of gold or a protective polymer, to prevent degradation and / or corrosion of the conductive tabbing ribbon 128 over the operational lifetime of the solar cell system 100.

[0051] The blocks of method S100 can be performed to achieve an airtight, matching seal between the terminals 140, 150 and the glass housing 102 that seals the interior conditions of the glass housing 102 from external environmental conditions. For example, method S100 can further include, at block S150, fusing a section of the glass housing 102 proximate a distal end of the set of perovskite solar cells 120, and, at block S160, joining the section of the glass housing 102 around the terminals 140, 150 to seal the gas atmosphere around the set of perovskite solar cells 120 within the glass housing. Typically, after evacuating and / or backfilling the glass housing 102, the glass housing 102 is heated (e.g., via a localized gas flame) around a localized section of its periphery surrounding one of the terminals 140, 150. Upon achieving a sufficiently low viscosity, the molten glass may deform and / or collapse toward the longitudinal axis of the glass housing 102 to contact the terminals 140, 150, surrounding the terminals 140, 150 around a continuous section of their surface, allowing the oxide layer on the terminals 140, 150 to diffuse into the oxide in the molten glass and providing a strong adhesive bond between the glass and the oxide surface of the terminals 140, 150. As mentioned above, the material of the terminal body (e.g., iron-nickel-cobalt, tungsten, molybdenum) may typically exhibit a thermal expansion coefficient that is the same as or substantially the same as that of glass (e.g., borosilicate glass), thereby maintaining adhesion between the glass and the terminal surface as the glass cools and solidifies, providing a hermetic, matched seal between the glass housing 102 and the terminals 140, 150.

[0052] In another aspect of the embodiment, the solar cell system 100 may additionally and / or alternatively include a metal ring disposed at one or both ends 104, 106 of the glass housing 102 during the sealing process and configured to compress the glass housing 102 around the surfaces of the terminals 140, 150. The metal ring may include a band of structural metal (such as steel, aluminum, or an aluminum alloy) of similar geometry that matches the surface dimensions of the terminals 140, 150 and defines a coefficient of thermal expansion greater than that of the glass housing 102.

[0053] During the sealing process, as the molten glass cools and solidifies, the metal ring contracts at a faster rate than the underlying glass, thereby applying a large compressive force that further enhances the bond and seal strength between the glass housing 102 and the terminals 140, 150. In use, the metal ring can provide a strong, dimensionally stable end cap for the glass housing 102 around the terminals 140, 150, which can further enhance and / or maintain the strength of the seal throughout the operational life of the solar cell system 100. Furthermore, in this aspect of the embodiment, the compressive force applied by the metal ring around the seal can reinforce and / or replace the bond provided by matching thermal expansion coefficients between the glass housing 102 and the terminals 140, 150, thereby allowing the solar cell system 100 to include a wide range of metals and / or metal alloys for the terminal body and a wide selection of glass materials that are potentially compatible with the glass housing 102.

[0054] 7. Flexible solar panels As shown in Figures 3, 4, 5A, 5B, 5C, and 5D, each of the solar cell systems 100 can function as a modular segment or portion of a larger flexible solar panel 200. In the embodiment shown in Figure 3, sets of solar cell systems 100 are arranged along first and second wire ropes (hereinafter "cables") 212, 214 such that the glass housings 102 are oriented substantially parallel to one another. As shown in Figure 3, each of the solar cell systems 100 can be attached to the cables 212, 214 by sets of datums 222, 224 that cooperate with end caps 202, 204 to maintain a desired fixed parallel spacing between the solar cell systems 100. As described in more detail below, each cap 202, 204 can further function to route electrical connections between each of the sets of solar cells 120 and an electrical transmission line defined by an external transmission line 230. Additionally, in some aspects of the embodiment, the caps 202 , 204 may also function as the terminals 140 , 150 , providing both electrical connectivity and sealing to the solar cell system 100 .

[0055] 7.1. Solar Cell System Interface As shown in Figures 3, 4A, 4B and 4C, each solar cell system 100 further includes a set of mechanical connectors (hereinafter referred to as "caps") 202, 204 that are positioned at the end of the glass housing 102 and configured to couple to a pair of cables 212, 214, to conduct the weight of the solar cell system 100 to these cables 212, 214, and to connect the set of solar cell systems 100 to an external transmission line 230 that transmits the generated electricity to a battery, an electrical load or a power grid.

[0056] In one embodiment, the first and second caps 202, 204 can each include a cable bore 234 through which either the first or second cable 212, 214 can be routed. As shown in FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 4C, the cable bore 234 can be oriented perpendicular to the glass housing 102 so that, when strung together on the flexible solar panel 200, the glass housing 102 is perpendicular to the cables 212, 214 and parallel to each other. The first and second caps 202, 204 can also include mechanical structures and / or bonding compounds to resist external stresses on the flexible solar panel 200 (which could tend to separate the first and second caps 202, 204 from the glass housing 102). As shown in FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 4C, the first and second caps 202, 204 can each include an inner flange 242 defining an outer periphery and an outer flange 240 defining an inner periphery. In this embodiment, the outer periphery of the inner flange 242 and the inner periphery of the outer flange 240 can be geometrically configured to cooperatively and hermetically engage the inner and outer surfaces of the glass housing 102, thereby exerting a consistent circumferential retention force on the glass housing 102 and preventing accidental separation between the glass housing 102 and the caps 202, 204. Additionally, epoxy or other adhesive can be deposited or injected into the space between the inner and outer flanges 242, 240 to further bond and connect the glass housing 102 and the caps 202, 204.

[0057] As shown in FIG. 4A , in one aspect of the embodiment, the cable bore 234 is positioned substantially flush with an imaginary plane that bisects the glass housing 102 into an upper section and a lower section (e.g., the first diameter 108 shown in FIG. 2B for a circular cross section). Thus, the cables 212, 214 interact with the caps 202, 204 along their centers of mass and along the central axis of the solar cell system 100. Alternatively, the cable bore 234 can be offset from the central axis of the caps 202, 204 to accommodate additional torsional forces caused by additional or optional configurations of the solar cells 120 or the reflective element 130 within the glass housing 102. As shown, the outer recess 236 is flush with the cable bore 234. However, the relative orientation of the outer recess 236 and the cable bore 234 can be changed or adjusted to accommodate a desired geometry or weight distribution of the solar cell system 100.

[0058] In another aspect of the embodiment, the first cap 202 can be configured to directly connect the solar cell system 100 to external transmission lines 230. As shown in FIG. 4A , the first cap 202 can include an exterior recess 236 along which the transmission lines 230 can be mechanically attached to the solar cell system 100 and electrically connected to the set of solar cells 120 within each glass housing 102. The transmission lines 230 can be attached to the first cap 202 by epoxy or other adhesive. Alternatively, the transmission lines 230 can be attached to the first cap 202 by (e.g., selectively removable) non-conductive clamps.

[0059] The first cap 202 can also include electrodes 238 that electrically couple or connect the set of solar cells 120 to the transmission line 230. As shown in FIG. 4A , the electrodes 238 can be integrated into or embedded within the first cap 202 and configured to provide electrical contacts that engage the transmission line 230 within the outer recess 236. Thus, when assembling the flexible solar panel 230, for each solar cell system 100, the first cap 202 is attached to the glass housing 102 and electrically connected to the set of solar cells 120 via the electrodes 238. The solar cell system 100 is then aligned and attached to the cables 212, 214, for example, by threading the cables 212, 214 through the respective cable bores 234 of the first and second caps 202, 204. The flexible solar panels 200 are then deployed at a desired site (described below) and engaged by attaching transmission lines 230 to the first cap 202 of each of the solar cell systems 100, thereby allowing current to be delivered from each set of solar cells 120 through the transmission lines 230 to its desired termination point. In some aspects of this embodiment, a ground wire or wiring (not shown) may be attached to the second cap 204 to provide a ground potential at each of the respective sets of solar cells 120.

[0060] 4B , the solar cell systems 100 may include a current protection circuit 244 electrically connectable to the transmission line 230 and configured to prevent reverse current flow to the set of solar cells 120 in each solar cell system 100. The current protection circuit 244 may be an external circuit or electrical coupling disposed between adjacent solar cell systems 100 along the transmission line 230.

[0061] 4C , the current protection circuit 244 can be incorporated into or integrated with the first cap 202. In this alternative embodiment, when the flexible solar panel system 200 is operated and current begins to flow, the current protection circuit 244, along with the first cap 202, automatically connects to the transmission line 230. The current protection circuit 244 can be arranged or disposed adjacent to the electrode 238, for example, as a diode (e.g., a protection diode) or other similar electronic device (e.g., an integrated circuit) that biases the flow of current along the transmission line 230 between adjacent solar cell systems 100 or sets of adjacent solar cell systems 100. Alternatively, the current protection circuit 244 can be configured as a separate module or circuit configured to cooperate with the electrode 238 to bias the flow of current away from the set of solar cells 120.

[0062] In another aspect of the embodiment, one or both ends of the glass housing 102 can be sealed before connecting with the caps 202, 204. For example, as shown in FIG. 1 , the second end 106 of the glass housing 102 can be sealed to itself or on or around the terminals 150 as shown. The second cap 204 can be attached to, around, or near the sealed second end 106 using an epoxy or other adhesive. Similarly, the first end 104 of the glass housing 102 can be sealed by mating with the first cap 202 in the manner described above. In another alternative aspect, both ends 104, 106 of the glass housing 102 can be sealed around or near the terminals 140, 150, and separate caps 202, 204 configured to attach to the cables 212, 214 can be attached to the solar cell system 100 at, around, or near the terminals 140, 150. In yet another alternative, the terminals 140, 150 can function as caps 202, 204 by including a cable bore 234, an outer recess 236, and / or current protection circuitry 244 for electrically and mechanically coupling to the cables 212, 214 and transmission line 230.

[0063] 3, the flexible solar panel 200 may be configured as a set of parallel solar cell systems 100 arranged along cables 212, 214. To this end, the flexible solar panel 200 may include sets of datums 222, 224 selectively attachable to the first and second cables 212, 214 for mounting and positioning each of the solar cell systems 100 along the first and second cables 212, 214. The sets of datums 222, 224 may be configured to cooperate with first and second cable bores 234 (in each of the first and second caps 202, 204) to hold, restrain, or secure the respective caps 202, 204 relative to the cables 212, 214 routed therethrough. For example, the set of datums 222, 224 may be positioned adjacent to, within, or partially within the first and second cable bores 234 and may include fasteners such as set screws, ferrules, grommets, clamps, or recessible nuts that may mechanically cooperate to prevent movement of the cables 212, 214 relative to the first and second caps 202, 204. In one embodiment, the set of datums 222, 224 may be constructed of a soft, deformable material such as plastic, rubber, soft metal, or a combination thereof that may be irreversibly positioned at a selected position along the cable 212 and against which the first and second caps 202, 204 are substantially immovable.

[0064] For example, during assembly, the cables 212, 214 can be marked with indicia at appropriate intervals for each solar cell system 100 included in the flexible solar panel system 200. Each of the caps 202, 204 can be associated with a pair of datums 222, 224 (e.g., front and back datums), and each of the cables 212, 214 can be threaded through the respective caps 202, 204 and associated datums 222, 224. Once the proper position of the solar cell system 100 is determined and confirmed according to the indicia along the cables 212, 214, the datums 222, 224 can be attached or irreversibly placed in their permanent positions to permanently position the solar cell system 100 relative to or in cooperation with the caps 202, 204. This process can be repeated for all of the solar cell systems 100, either sequentially or in parallel.

[0065] Once the set of solar cell systems 100 has been attached to the set of cables 212, 214, the resulting flexible solar panel 200 can be wound into a cylindrical roll for storage and / or transportation. For example, the flexible solar panel 200 can be wound into a near-cylindrical coil and stored in a flexible sleeve or rigid drum. Additionally, the flexible solar panel 200 can be wound around a spool, after which a protective flexible material or the like can be wrapped around the outer spool and / or between each layer of the solar cell system 100 on the spool for long-term storage and / or transportation to a destination.

[0066] 7.2 Interface Variations 5, 6, and 7, the solar cell system 100 includes a first cap 202 disposed at a first end of the solar cell system 100 and a second cap 204 disposed at a second end of the glass housing 102. As shown, the ends of the glass housing 102 are sealed. However, as discussed above, one or both ends of the glass housing 102 can also be sealed by permanently attaching the caps 202, 204.

[0067] 7.2.1 Cable Bore Interface In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5 , the first cap 202 can define an internal tube bore sized to snugly fit the first end of the glass housing 102. The first cap 202 can also include a set of pin bores or other electrical connectors that can be oversized to receive electrical pins from the set of solar cells 120. To assemble the first cap 202 to the first end of the glass housing 102, a UV-stable epoxy is loaded into the tube bore of the first cap 202, and then the electrical pins of the set of solar cells 120 are aligned with the pin bores of the first cap 202 and the first end of the glass housing 102 is inserted into the tube bore with the electrical pins extending into and offset from the pin bores. The epoxy bonds the first end of the glass housing 102 to the first cap 202, with the electrical pins physically separated from the first cap and accessible to the plug connector.

[0068] In this embodiment, the first cap 202 can be made of a conductive material such as die-cast aluminum. Thus, the pin bores in the first cap 202 can be oversized for the electrical pins, and the gap between each electrical pin and its corresponding pin bore can be filled with a potting material such as the epoxy described above simultaneously with assembly of the first cap to the first end of the glass housing 102, or with silicone rubber after assembly of the first cap to the first end of the glass housing 102. Alternatively, the first cap 202 can be fabricated from a non-conductive material such as molded fiberglass or an injection-molded UV-stable polymer (e.g., PVDF, PTFE), and the pin bores in the first cap can be sized to provide a tight fit (e.g., a snug fit) with the electrical pins so that the first cap mechanically supports the electrical pins cantilevered from the first end of the glass housing 102.

[0069] In this embodiment, the first end of the glass housing 102 can also include a retention feature configured to mechanically resist separation of the glass housing 102 from the cap. For example, a convex dimple can be molded into the glass housing near the first end of the glass housing 102 when the first end is closed during manufacturing, and the first cap 202 can define a complementary receiver in the tube bore that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the tube bore. This allows the dimple on the glass housing 102 to seat in the receiver when the first end of the glass housing 102 is inserted into the first cap 202. Alternatively, the tube bore can define an L-shaped groove, and the first end of the glass housing 102 can be inserted into the first cap 202 by aligning the dimple with the longitudinal section of the groove, and then the first cap 202 can be longitudinally locked to the first end of the glass housing 102 by rotating the glass housing 102 to seat the dimple in the radial section of the groove.

[0070] 5, the first cap 202 defines a cable bore 234 that passes through its body perpendicular to and along the axis of the glass housing 102, such that the cable bore passes between two pins extending from a first end of the glass housing 102 that are offset above and below the axis of the glass housing 102. The second cap 204 can similarly define a cable bore 234 that passes through its body perpendicular to and along the axis of the glass housing 102.

[0071] In this embodiment, the glass housing 102 can be assembled to the first and second cables 212, 214 by inserting the first cable 212 into the cable bore 234 of the first cap 202 and the second cable 214 into the cable bore 234 of the second cap 204. Ferrules or other fiducials can then be clamped to the first and second cables 212, 214 on each side of the first and second caps 202, 204, as described above.

[0072] Alternatively, a first set screw (not shown) can be installed in a threaded bore of the first cap 202 (e.g., perpendicular to the cable bore 234) and tightened against the first cable 212 to restrain and lock the first cap 202 in a fixed position on the first cable 202, and similarly, a second set screw can be installed in a threaded bore of the second cap 204 and tightened against the second cable 214 to restrain and lock the second cap 204 in a fixed position on the second cable 214.

[0073] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5 , the electrical harness includes a set of conductive wire segments (e.g., insulated high-voltage braided copper wire), a series of female plug connectors (electrically connected in parallel or series) arranged along the conductive wire segments at a pitch distance equal to (or slightly greater than) the pitch distance between the solar cell systems 100 arranged along the first and second cables 112, 114, and inter-panel connectors at one or both ends of the conductive wire segments configured to electrically couple to a load or an adjacent flexible solar panel 200.

[0074] Thus, the exemplary electrical harness may form a continuous "wiring harness" that spans the length of the flexible solar panel 200. This electrical harness may be attached to the flexible solar panel 200 by inserting each female plug connector into a corresponding pin socket (or pair of pin sockets) in the first cap 202 of each solar cell system 100 of the flexible solar panel 200.

[0075] 5, in this embodiment, each female plug connector can include a pair of pin receptacles configured to receive and electrically couple with electrical pins extending from a first end of the solar cell system 100 within the flexible solar panel 200. In this example, the female plug connector can include a U-shaped base and a pair of bosses extending from the U-shaped base, the bosses being offset by the distance between the two pins and each capable of accommodating a female pin receptacle.

[0076] To assemble the solar cell system 100 to the flexible solar panel 200, the bosses of the female plug connectors can be inserted into the pin sockets formed by the bores of the first cap 202, with the bases of the female plug connectors resting on or near the first cable 212. Thus, when the female plug connectors are attached to the solar cell system 100, the bosses of the female plug connectors can separate the pins from the first cap 202, mechanically support the pins in the corresponding pin bores of the first cap 202, and electrically couple the female pin receptacles of each female plug connector to their corresponding pins on the solar cell system 100. Furthermore, in this example, the first cap 202 can form a rigid structure around the set of pins, thereby protecting the set of pins from damage when the female plug connectors are removed from the first cap 202, such as during manufacturing of the solar cell system 100, initial assembly of the flexible solar panel 200, or field maintenance of the flexible solar panel 200.

[0077] Alternatively, the electrical pins of the solar cell systems 100 can extend through and beyond the first cap 202 of the solar cell systems 100, and a female plug connector can be attached over the pins, with the first cable located between the solar cell systems 100 and the female plug connector. In another alternative, the electrical harness includes a set of individual "jumpers," each jumper configured to connect a first electrical pin of a first solar cell system 100 to a second electrical pin of an adjacent solar cell system 100, and including a wire section configured to wrap, clip, or tie around an adjacent section of the first cable 212.

[0078] In another alternative embodiment, the first cap 202 defines two blind pin bores that extend parallel to the longitudinal axis of the bore and solar cell system 100 to the base of the solar cell system 100 bore, terminating before the distal end (i.e., outer end) of the first cap 202 and are vertically offset from the axis of the solar cell system 100 by the pitch distance between the two pins extending from the first side of the solar cell system 100. In this embodiment, the first cap 202 also includes an electrical socket that extends from the outer surface of the first cap to the two pin bores. For example, the first cap 202 may include a first electrical socket extending from the front of the first cap perpendicular to the axis of the solar cell system 100 and meeting an upper pin bore of the first cap near an upper pin of the solar cell system 100, and a second electrical socket extending from the rear of the first cap 202 perpendicular to the axis of the solar cell system 100 and meeting a lower pin bore of the first cap 202 near a lower pin of the solar cell system 100.

[0079] In this embodiment, the first cap 202 can also include a cable bore 234 disposed between the distal end of the first cap 202 and the base of the pin bore. (Alternatively, as described herein, a hook, continuous loop, or other cable interface can be disposed at or near the distal end of the first cap.) Thus, as described above, the first cap 202 can be installed and positioned over the first cable 212, with the first cap 202 coupled between the distal end of the first cap 202 and the electrical pin.

[0080] Further, in this embodiment, the electrical harness may include a first plug configured to be inserted into a first electrical socket at the front of the solar cell system 100 to make electrical contact with the top pins of the solar cell system 100, a second plug configured to be inserted into a second electrical socket at the rear of the solar cell system 100 to make electrical contact with the bottom pins of the solar cell system 100 next in the flexible solar panel 200, and an insulated conductor (e.g., braided copper ribbon) connecting the first and second plugs. Thus, the system may include one electrical harness for each pair of adjacent solar cell systems 100 in the flexible solar panel 200, positioned between the top and bottom pins of the pair of adjacent solar cell systems 100 and connecting them in series.

[0081] As mentioned above, the electrical harness may also include a set of current protection circuits (e.g., diodes) incorporated between groups of connectors of the solar cell systems 100 and configured to allow current to flow around shaded groups of the solar cell systems 100 within the flexible solar panel 200.

[0082] 7.2.2 Clamshell Interface In another embodiment, shown in FIG. 6 , the first cap 202 includes a clamshell structure configured to surround the first end of the solar cell system 100 and define a parting plane between two halves of the clamshell structure that intersects with the electrical pins of the glass housing 102 when the cap is attached to the first end of the glass housing 102. Thus, each half of the clamshell structure can include recesses for the electrical pins at the parting plane. Thus, the clamshell structure can be assembled onto the first end of the glass housing 102 (with the electrical pins positioned and / or supported by the recesses in the clamshell halves) and then fastened together to clamp the clamshell structure onto the first end of the glass housing 102, with the electrical pins entering (or passing through) the recesses in the clamshell structure. As shown, the second cap 204 can define a similar or identical shape and can similarly be coupled to the second end of the glass housing 102.

[0083] For example, the first cap 202 can include a fork defining a semicircular base with an inner radius similar to the outer radius of the first cable 212 and symmetrical about a horizontal plane passing through the longitudinal axis of the glass housing 102. A U-clamp having a similar semicircular base with an inner radius similar to that of the first cable 212 is configured to be fastened onto the fork with a set of threaded fasteners, thereby clamping the first cable 212 between the U-clamp and the semicircular base of the fork. Thus, a first end of the solar cell system 100 can be coupled to and held at a specific location on the first cable 212 by attaching and clamping the first cable 212 between the fork and the U-clamp on the first cap 202 of the solar cell system 100. A second end of the solar cell system 100 can similarly be coupled to and held at a specific location on the second cable 214 by clamping the second cable 214 between the fork and the U-clamp on the second cap 204 of the solar cell system 100.

[0084] Additional solar cell systems 100 can be similarly installed on the first and second cables 212, 214 at a desired pitch between adjacent solar cell systems 100. Furthermore, in this embodiment, individual solar cell systems 100 can be removed from the flexible solar panel 200 by removing the U-clamps from each end of the solar cell system 100, such as for replacement or maintenance. Additionally, additional solar cell systems 100 can be similarly installed between the first and second cables 212, 214 to reduce the open area of ​​the flexible solar panel 200 and / or to increase the power output of the flexible solar panel 200.

[0085] 7.2.3 Loop Interface 7 , the first cap 202 defines a hook (e.g., a “split” or partial loop) that extends outwardly from the first cap 202 opposite the first end of the glass housing 102 and flips downward across a horizontal plane passing through the longitudinal axis of the solar cell system 100. In this embodiment, the first cap 202 may also include a hinged, spring-loaded gate that extends from the outer surface of the cap 202 and latches against a free end (or “nose”) of the hook, and / or a locking sleeve (e.g., a spring-loaded linear sleeve or threaded sleeve) disposed on the gate and configured to lock the gate against the free end of the hook.

[0086] In this embodiment, the first and second cables 212, 214 can be manufactured with datums or ferrules crimped onto the cables 212, 214 or wrapped around the cables 212, 214 at a desired pitch distance. A set of solar cell systems 100 can then be installed on the first and second cables by fastening a hook extending from a first cap 202 at a first end of the solar cell systems 100 onto, adjacent to, or between the datum on the first cable 212, and then fastening a hook extending from a second cap 204 at a second end of the solar cell systems 100 onto, adjacent to, or between the datum on the second cable 214.

[0087] In this embodiment, individual solar cell systems 100 can be removed from the flexible solar panel 200 for replacement, maintenance, etc., by unhooking the hooks at either end of the solar cell system 100 from the corresponding cables 212, 214. Similarly, in this aspect, additional solar cell systems 100 can be installed on the flexible solar panel 200 by fastening the hooks at the ends of the additional solar cell system 100 to the first and second cables 212, 214 between the existing solar cell systems 100 on the flexible solar panel 200.

[0088] 7 can be replaced with a complete, continuous loop. For example, one or both of the first and second caps 202, 204 can each include a continuous loop extending outwardly opposite the first end of the glass housing 102, symmetrical about horizontal and vertical planes passing through the longitudinal axis of the housing, and configured to receive the cables 212, 214, and a resilient grommet disposed within the loop and configured to separate the loop from the cables 212, 214. In this embodiment, the flexible solar panel 100 can be assembled by threading the first cable 212 through the loops of the first cap 202 at the first end of the set of solar cell systems 100, threading the second cable 214 through the loops of the second cap 204 at the second end of the set of solar cell systems 100, and attaching datums along the first and second cables 212, 214 between each of the solar cell systems 100.

[0089] For example, U-bolt cable clips can be attached to the first and second cables 212, 214 on each side of each cap 202, 204 to position the solar cell systems 100 at a desired pitch along the length of the flexible solar panel 200. Alternatively, to install a set of solar cell systems 100, two loose ferrules can be attached onto the first cable 212 between each adjacent first cap 202 on the solar cell system 100, and similarly, two loose ferrules can be attached onto the second cable 214 between each adjacent second cap 204 on the solar cell system 100. The two ferrules on either side of each first cap 202 can then be crimped onto the first cable 212 to position the first ends of the solar cell systems 100 at a desired pitch distance along the first cable 212, and a pair of ferrules on the second cable 214 can be similarly crimped to position the second ends of the solar cell systems 100 at a desired pitch distance along the second cable 214.

[0090] 7.2.4 Adjustable Interface In the above-described embodiment, the first cap 202 can be divided into an inner segment that defines the bore and pin bore of the solar cell system 100 and that attaches to a first end of the solar cell system 100, and an outer segment that defines the cable interface and that is pivotally coupled to the inner segment. The second cap 204 can similarly include an inner segment and an outer segment. In this embodiment, fasteners or clamps disposed between the inner and outer segments of the first and second caps 202, 204 can be loosened, and the inner segments of the caps (and the solar cell system 100 coupled thereto) can be rotated (e.g., “rolled”) relative to the outer cap segments and cables 212, 214, thereby enabling roll adjustment of the angular position of the solar cell system 100 on the cables even after the flexible solar panel 100 has been deployed and installed, for example, to orient the cables 212, 214 to track the solar altitude as the flexible solar panel 100 is deployed.

[0091] 7.2.5 Integral mechanical connectors In one embodiment, the first cable bore 234 can be fabricated directly into the structure of the glass housing 102 proximate the first end of the glass housing 102, such as by heating the glass housing 102 to its glass transition temperature and then crimping and drilling the glass housing 102 to form a sealed glass structure around the first cable bore 234. In this embodiment, upper and lower pins of the glass housing 102 can extend through and to the first end of the glass housing 102 and pass above and below the first cable bore, respectively. A second cable bore can be similarly fabricated near the second end of the glass housing 102. Thus, the first and second cables 212, 214 can be attached directly to their integrated cable bores or to their solar cell system 100.

[0092] In this aspect, additional external support structures may also be placed on or near the solar cell system 100 around the first and second cable bores. For example, a composite material (e.g., fiberglass, Kevlar) may be wrapped and secured to the first and second ends of the glass housing 102 to distribute the weight of the solar cell system 100 over an area of ​​the solar cell system 100 near the cable bores and reduce localized stresses on the glass housing 102. In this embodiment, an electrical harness may be attached directly onto the electrical pins extending from the first end of the solar cell system 100, as described above.

[0093] 8. Deployment As shown in Figures 8A, 8B, 8C, and 8D, the flexible solar panel 200 can be deployed and installed in a variety of environments and can incorporate a variety of additional structures and functions, including, for example, battery storage capacity, electric vehicle charging, and local grid power generation.

[0094] 8.1 Agriculture As shown in FIG. 8A, flexible solar panels 200 can be placed over agricultural land to protect crops, increase crop yields, and output power directly to a local electrical grid or to power an electric agricultural vehicle via a battery and / or charging station 310.

[0095] In general, the open area of ​​each flexible solar panel 200 (and thus the solar shading and energy absorption by the flexible solar panel 200) is a function of the pitch spacing of the solar cell systems 100 within the flexible solar panel 200. Thus, for deployment over agricultural land, the flexible solar panels 200 can be configured according to pitch spacings that are proportional to the light demand of the crops grown on the agricultural land, inversely proportional to the heat and light sensitivity of the crops, and / or inversely proportional to the historical or predicted temperature and solar intensity in the geographic region of the agricultural land.

[0096] To install a set of flexible solar panels 200 on a field, an array of support members 300 is first installed between the rows of crops across the field, with the horizontal pitch between the support members equal to the width of the flexible solar panels 200 and the vertical pitch between the support members equal to the length of the flexible solar panels 200 when suspended from both ends (e.g., the "hang length" of the flexible solar panels 200 when forming a catenary curve between the support members 300). For example, for a 200-foot-long field with four-foot spacing between crop rows, a set of flexible solar panels 200 approximately eight feet wide (i.e., spanning two crop rows) and fifty feet long can be deployed across the field. Each flexible solar panel 200 can be designed to span a 40-foot length at a specific tension. Thus, five columns of flexible solar panels 200 can be assembled to span the entire length of the field. Thus, the panels on the columns can be installed across the field with an eight-foot horizontal pitch offset and a forty-foot vertical pitch offset.

[0097] Additionally or alternatively, a set of flexible solar panels 200 can be deployed across or between a set of support members 300 that include truss support members that stiffen the support members 300 and carry some of the load from the flexible support panels 200. In this alternative embodiment, the truss members can function to increase the stiffness and resilience of the structure while reducing the number of support members 300 required to support the set of flexible solar panels 200.

[0098] The coiled flexible solar panel 200 is then placed on a spool on a truck bed, flatbed, or wheelbarrow. The coil of flexible solar panel 200 is transported to a first end of the field, where a first guy line is looped around a first support member 300 of the support panel, and a second guy line is looped around a second support member 300 of the support panel. A first end of a first cable 212 is then hooked to the first guy line, a second end of a second cable 214 is hooked to the second guy line, and tension is applied to the first and second guy lines to pull the first ends of the first and second cables 212, 214 up to the top of the first and second support members 300. The first ends of the first and second cables are then secured to the first and second support members 300.

[0099] Then, once the flexible solar panel 200 is stretched on the ground, it is moved to the next pair of support members 300 installed in the field. With the flexible solar panel 200 fully stretched near the third and fourth support members 300, a first guy line is looped around the top of the third support member 300 of the support panel and connected to the second end of the first cable 212, and a second guy line is looped around the top of the fourth support member of the support panel and connected to the second end of the second cable 214. Tension is then applied to the first and second guy lines, pulling the second ends of the first and second cables 212, 214 up to the top of the third and fourth support members 300 and securing the second ends of the first and second cables to the third and fourth support members 300.

[0100] The process is then repeated to install additional flexible solar panels 200 across the remaining support members 300 on the field.

[0101] Next, the installed flexible solar panels 200 are grounded, and the electrical harnesses of the flexible solar panels 200 are connected to each other and to the power sink 310, completing the installation of the flexible solar panels 200.

[0102] In a similar manner, the piers of the support members 300 can be positioned at support positions throughout the field at the horizontal and vertical pitch distances described above, and the base of each support member 300 can be pinned to its pier and placed horizontally on the field.

[0103] Then, after the first ends of the first and second cables 212, 214 of the first flexible solar panel 200 are connected to the tops of the first and second support members 300, the first flexible solar panel 200 is stretched out on the farmland with its second ends pulled close to the next pair of support members 300, and the second ends of the first and second cables 212, 214 of the first flexible solar panel 200 are connected to the tops of those third and fourth support members 300.

[0104] This process is repeated with additional flexible solar panels 200 connected to corresponding supports, with the supports and flexible solar panels 200 remaining on the field.

[0105] Once these flexible solar panels 200 are assembled to their corresponding support members 300, tension is applied to the last pair of support members 300 in the first row of support members 300, causing them to be lifted vertically, thereby lifting the last flexible solar panel 200 in that row above the field surface, the next set of support members 300 is lifted vertically, and the next flexible solar panel 200 in that row is lifted above the field surface.

[0106] Braces (e.g., tension cables or beams that resist compression) may then be installed between the support members 300 and / or from those support members 300 to the ground to reinforce the installation of the support members 300 and flexible solar panels 200.

[0107] The flexible solar panels 200 are then grounded and an electrical harness is installed between the flexible solar panels 200 and connected to the power sink 310, thereby completing the installation of the flexible solar panels 200.

[0108] The installed flexible solar panels 200 can output power, for example, to power other agricultural operations or equipment (e.g., electric farm vehicles) or to augment power on the grid. Additionally, the installed flexible solar panels 200 can partially shade the crops below to slow evaporation rates after irrigation, thereby reducing total irrigation requirements, lower soil surface temperatures, thereby reducing the need for irrigation-induced crop cooling, and reduce total water consumption across the farm, such as in low-latitude regions.

[0109] By setting the pitch spacing between the solar cell systems 100 of these flexible solar panels 200 according to the light demand of the crops below and the local solar radiation conditions, these installed flexible solar panels 200 can reduce water consumption and increase energy access in agricultural land with no or minimal reduction in crop yield in the agricultural land (and instead increase crop yield).

[0110] 8.2.Vertical installation In another embodiment, shown in FIG. 8B , the flexible solar panel 200 is configured for installation on an inclined or vertical surface using horizontally oriented support members 300 or pairs of rigid struts. In one embodiment, the flexible solar panel 200 is paired with a set of struts 300, each defining a series of solar cell system 100 cups offset at a pitch distance (along its length) equal to the pitch spacing between the solar cell systems 100 of the flexible solar panel 200. In this embodiment, each cup defines a concave (e.g., semicircular) receptacle configured to receive and hold a solar cell system 100 cup, and each strut 300 can define a channel extending along its length, intersecting the cups, and configured to receive a cable extending between the solar cell systems 100 of the flexible solar panel 200. Furthermore, each strut 300 can define a length approximating the length of the flexible solar panel 200, or multiple struts 300 can be assembled to fill the length of the flexible solar panel 200.

[0111] The struts 300 can be installed on a horizontal or inclined surface, such as a sloped roof or flat roof deck, to firmly restrain the solar cell systems 100 of the flexible solar panels 200, and the flexible solar panels 200 can be quickly deployed in this installation by unrolling the rolled flexible solar panels 200 and dropping each solar cell system 100 into a corresponding pair of cups defined by the struts. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 8B, the struts 300 can be installed on a vertical surface, such as an exterior wall, to firmly restrain the solar cell systems 100 of the flexible solar panels 200 against (and offset from) the vertical surface.

[0112] Conversely, for low-profile flexible installation on flat, sloped, or vertical surfaces, such as the roof or wall of a building, panels of short triangular support structures 300 can be attached to the target surface with the lateral and longitudinal pitch offsets described above, and the flexible solar panel 200 can be strung between the triangular support structures 300. Typically, a set of triangular support structures 300 can be located at the ends of the flexible support panel 200. In a variation of the embodiment, a second set of triangular support structures 300 can be located at one or more locations along the length of the flexible solar panel 200 to provide additional support and resiliency to the flexible solar panel 200.

[0113] Parking As shown in FIG. 8C, a set of flexible solar panels 200 can be deployed and installed over the parking lot to shade vehicles and pedestrians in the parking lot and output power to the local grid, a battery, or an electric vehicle charging station 310.

[0114] In one embodiment, sets of support members 300 are installed along the section between two adjacent rows of parking spaces and along both ends of the parking lot to form panels of support members that are laterally offset by a pitch distance equal to the width of flexible solar panels 200 and longitudinally offset by the suspension length of flexible solar panels 200, as described above. The process described above can then be performed to string flexible solar panels 200 between each cluster of four support members and over the parking lot.

[0115] Additionally or alternatively, a set of flexible solar panels 200 can be deployed across or between a set of support members 300 that include truss support members that stiffen the support members 300 and carry some of the load from the flexible support panels 200. In this alternative embodiment, the truss members can function to increase the stiffness and resilience of the structure while reducing the number of support members 300 required to support the set of flexible solar panels 200.

[0116] In this embodiment, a translucent cover 320, such as a white nylon or canvas sunshade (or "shade cloth"), can also be installed between the posts and underneath the flexible solar panel 200. This translucent cover can function to shield vehicles and pedestrians below from rain and most of the sunlight, as well as to reflect incident solar radiation to the backside of the bifacial solar cell 120, increasing energy capture, without requiring an additional ground connection or framework underneath the flexible solar cell 200 installation.

[0117] 8.4. Water deployment In another variation shown in FIG. 8D, the flexible solar panel 200 is configured to be deployed over a body of water. In this variation, the electrical harness can include a waterproof female plug connector configured to seal around the electrical pins of the solar cell system 100 of the flexible solar panel 200. Once assembled, the flexible solar panel 200 can be unwound directly from a drum or spool and transported on the drum or spool to the surface of a body of water, such as a lake or ocean. The ends of the first and second cables 212, 214 of the flexible solar panel 100 can also be secured to a support member 300, such as a set of buoys, a pier, an underwater anchor, a moor, a mooring rope, or a dock.

[0118] As mentioned above, in one embodiment of the solar cell system 100, the glass housing 102 is pivotally coupled to its corresponding cap 202, 204. In this embodiment, an array of secondary cables or rigid struts can be coupled to the first cap of the solar cell system 100 below (or above) the first cables 212 and to a nearby actuator 330, as shown in FIG. 8D . In this embodiment, the flexible solar panel 200 can also include an array of secondary cables or rigid struts coupled to the second cap 204 of the solar cell system 100 and / or the actuator 330. During use, the actuator 330 can selectively tension and release the secondary cables or rigid struts to pivot (i.e., “roll”) the solar cell system 100 over a body of water, for example, to point the top of the solar cell system 100 toward the sun.

[0119] In a similar embodiment, an array of upper cables or rigid struts can be coupled to a first cap of the solar cell system 100 above the first cable, and an array of lower cables or rigid struts can be coupled to a first cap of the solar cell system 100 below the first cable, and an actuator can selectively apply and release tension to the upper and lower cables or rigid struts to rotate the solar cell system 100 and point the top of the solar cell system 100 toward the sun.

[0120] Further, in this embodiment, each solar cell system 100 can include a set of solar cells extending along its lower section (e.g., on the second side of the first diameter). In this embodiment, each solar cell system can also include a solar concentrator extending along the top of its internal bore and configured to focus incident light onto the solar cells below. Thus, in this embodiment, the solar cells of these solar cell systems 100 can be cooled by the surrounding water in which the flexible solar panels 200 float, and the actuators 330 can drive the solar cell systems 100 through a range of roll positions to cause the solar concentrator to track the sun's altitude over time.

[0121] A flexible solar panel 100 configured for land deployment as described above may similarly include a secondary upper cable and / or lower cable configured to roll the projection system relative to the cable to allow the solar panel 100 to track the sun.

[0122] Those skilled in the art will recognize from the above detailed description and drawings and claims that modifications and variations can be made to the embodiments of the invention without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.

Claims

1. 1. A solar cell system, comprising: a glass housing defining a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and a circular cross-section, the circular cross-section defining a first diameter and a second diameter perpendicular to the first diameter; A set of rows of bifacial perovskite solar cells, a first row of bifacial perovskite solar cells, disposed within a first volume of the glass housing defined by a first side of the first diameter and a first side of the second diameter; - defining a first front side facing outward from a center of said glass housing; a first row of bifacial perovskite solar cells defining a first rear side facing inward toward a center of the glass housing; a second row of bifacial perovskite solar cells, disposed within a second volume of the glass housing defined by a first side of the first diameter and a second side of the second diameter; - defining a second front side facing outward from the center of said glass housing; a second row of bifacial perovskite solar cells defining a second rear side facing inward toward the center of the glass housing; and a set of strings of bifacial perovskite solar cells including: - a reflective element, o disposed on an inner surface of the glass housing on a second side of the first diameter; and a reflective element that reflects incident light toward a first rear side of the first row of bifacial perovskite solar cells and toward a second rear side of the second row of bifacial perovskite solar cells; a first terminal coupled to a set of rows of bifacial perovskite solar cells, the first terminal extending across and sealed to the first end of the glass housing; a second terminal coupled to the set of rows of bifacial perovskite solar cells and extending across and sealed to the second end of the glass housing; a perovskite-compatible gas atmosphere enclosed within the glass housing.

2. 1. A solar cell system, comprising: a glass housing defining a cross section, a first end, and a second end opposite the first end; a set of rows of solar cells, each defining a front side and a back side and disposed within the glass housing, the set of rows of solar cells including a first row of solar cells and a second row of solar cells positionally offset from the first row of solar cells in a cross-section of the glass housing; a first terminal coupled to a first end of the string set of solar cells, extending across the first end of the glass housing, and sealed to the first end of the glass housing.

3. 3. The solar cell system according to claim 2, A solar cell system further comprising a second terminal coupled to a second end of the set of solar cell strings, extending across the second end of the glass housing, and sealed to the second end of the glass housing.

4. 3. The solar cell system according to claim 2, The glass housing is a tubular volume in which the set of solar cell rows is arranged; a reflective element disposed within the glass housing and facing the rear of the set of rows of solar cells; a solar cell system having a circular cross-section defining a first diameter and a second diameter perpendicular to the first diameter, the set of rows of solar cells being disposed on a first side of the first diameter and the reflective element being disposed on a second side of the first diameter.

5. The solar cell system according to claim 4, 1. A solar cell system, wherein the first row of solar cells comprises a row of perovskite solar cells disposed on a first side of the first diameter and disposed on a first side of the second diameter.

6. 6. The solar cell system according to claim 5, the second string of solar cells comprises a string of perovskite solar cells disposed on a first side of the first diameter and on a second side of the second diameter.

7. 7. The solar cell system according to claim 6, The solar cell system, characterized in that the reflective element includes a coating disposed on a second side of the first diameter opposite the first side of the first diameter on the inner surface of the glass housing, the coating facing toward the rear side of the set of rows of solar cells such that a portion of light incident on the reflective element is reflected toward the rear side of the set of rows of solar cells.

8. 7. The solar cell system according to claim 6, 1. A solar cell system comprising: a reflective element including a specular reflector defining a first parabolic cross-section and a second parabolic cross-section, each of the first and second parabolic cross-sections being coplanar with the circular cross-section, each of the first and second parabolic cross-sections being positioned to reflect a portion of light incident on the reflective element toward a rear side of the set of solar cell rows.

9. 7. The solar cell system according to claim 6, 10. A solar cell system, wherein the reflective element includes a diffuse reflector that reflects a portion of light incident on the reflective element toward a rear side of the set of rows of solar cells.

10. 3. The solar cell system according to claim 2, a first string of solar cells; - a perovskite layer; a crystalline silicon layer disposed adjacent to the perovskite layer, wherein a portion of light transmitted through the perovskite layer is incident on the crystalline silicon layer.

11. 3. The solar cell system according to claim 2, The cross section is - defining a substantially elliptical cross-section defining a major axis and a minor axis; A solar cell system, characterized in that a set of perovskite solar cells is arranged on a first side of the long axis.

12. 3. The solar cell system according to claim 2, The solar cell system further includes a ballast disposed within the glass housing, the ballast being positionally offset on the opposite side of the set of solar cell rows in the cross section to change the orientation of the solar cell system to capture incident solar energy.

13. 1. A method for packaging a solar cell, comprising: - placing a set of perovskite solar cells within a glass housing defining a first coefficient of thermal expansion; - evacuating the ambient gaseous atmosphere from around the glass housing and the set of perovskite solar cells; - injecting a perovskite compatible gas atmosphere into said glass housing; electrically coupling a terminal to the set of perovskite solar cells at a proximal end of the set of perovskite solar cells, the terminal comprising an oxide layer and a conductive material defining a second coefficient of thermal expansion substantially equal to the first coefficient of thermal expansion; melting a section of the glass housing adjacent a distal end of the set of perovskite solar cells; and joining sections of the glass housing around the terminals to seal a gaseous atmosphere around the perovskite solar cell within the glass housing.

14. 14. The method of claim 13, The glass housing is - includes a substantially circular cross-section defining a first diameter; the set of perovskite solar cells is disposed on a first side of the first diameter; the method further comprising the step of positioning a reflective element within the glass housing on a second side of the first diameter opposite the first side of the first diameter such that a portion of light incident on the reflective element is reflected towards a rear side of the set of perovskite solar cells.

15. 15. The method of claim 14, the method further comprising the step of: disposing a ballast within the glass housing on a second side of the first diameter opposite a first side of the first diameter to change the orientation of the set of perovskite solar cells.

16. 15. The method of claim 14, and depositing a reflective coating on a portion of an inner surface of the glass housing on a second side of the first diameter opposite the first side of the first diameter to reflect a portion of light incident on the reflective element toward a rear side of the set of perovskite solar cells.

17. 15. The method of claim 14, and wherein disposing a reflective element within the glass housing includes disposing a specular reflector adjacent to a portion of an inner surface of the glass housing on a second side of the first diameter opposite the first side of the first diameter, the specular reflector defining a first parabolic cross-section and a second parabolic cross-section, each of the first and second parabolic cross-sections being coplanar with the circular cross-section, and each of the first and second parabolic cross-sections being positioned to reflect a portion of light incident on the reflective element toward a rear side of the set of perovskite solar cells.

18. 15. The method of claim 14, and disposing a reflective element within the glass housing includes disposing a diffuse reflector adjacent to a portion of an inner surface of the glass housing on a second side of the first diameter opposite a first side of the first diameter to reflect a portion of light incident on the reflective element to a rear side of the set of perovskite solar cells.

19. 15. The method of claim 14, The set of perovskite solar cells includes: - a perovskite layer; a crystalline silicon layer disposed adjacent to the perovskite layer, wherein a portion of the light transmitted through the perovskite layer is incident on the crystalline silicon layer.

20. 14. The method of claim 13, The glass housing is - includes a substantially elliptical cross-section defining a major axis and a minor axis; The method, wherein the set of perovskite solar cells is disposed on a first side of the major axis.

21. 1. A flexible solar panel system comprising: a set of photovoltaic modules, each of which comprises: a sealed glass housing defining a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and a cross-section, the cross-section defining a substantially circular cross-section including a first diameter; a first cap disposed on a first end of the sealed glass housing; and a second cap disposed on a second end of the sealed glass housing. a set of bifacial perovskite solar cells defining a front side and a back side and disposed within the glass housing on a first side of the first diameter; a reflective element disposed on an inner surface of the glass housing on a second side of the first diameter; a set of solar cell modules, including an electrical harness for electrically coupling each of the set of solar cell modules; a first cable connected to the first cap at a first end of each of the set of solar modules at a predetermined distance along the first cable; a second cable connected to the second cap at a second end of each of the set of solar modules at a predetermined distance along the second cable, each of the solar modules being positioned substantially perpendicular to the first and second cables.

22. 22. The system of claim 21, For each of the solar cell modules the first cap includes a first cable bore oriented perpendicular to the sealed glass housing, through which the first cable passes; the second cap includes a second cable bore oriented perpendicular to the sealed glass housing, through which the second cable passes; - The system further includes a set of datums selectively attachable to the first and second cables adjacent the first and second cable bores, thereby securing and positioning each of the sets of solar modules along the first and second cables.

23. 23. The system of claim 22, The set of criteria is: a first fastener selectively positionable on the first cable in the first cable bore and irreversibly disposed at a first reference location along the first cable; a second fastener selectively positionable on the second cable in the second cable bore and irreversibly disposed at a second reference location along the second cable.

24. 22. The system of claim 21, the first cap includes an outer recess along which an electrical transmission line can be attached; The system, wherein the first cap further comprises an electrode connecting the set of bifacial perovskite solar cells to the electrical transmission line.

25. 25. The system of claim 24, 10. The system of claim 9, further comprising: a current protection circuit electrically connectable to the electrical transmission line and biased to prevent reverse current flow to each of the set of bifacial perovskite solar cells.

26. 26. The system of claim 25, the current protection circuit is integrally disposed on the first cap so as to be electrically connected to the electrical transmission line when the electrical transmission line is attached to the first cap.

27. 27. The system of claim 26, the current protection circuit comprises a diode connectable to the electrical transmission line and biased to prevent reverse current flow to each of the set of bifacial perovskite solar cells.

28. A flexible solar panel system a set of photovoltaic modules, each of which comprises: an elongated glass housing defining an o-section, a first end, and a second end opposite the first end; a first cap hermetically connected to a first end of the elongated glass housing; a second cap disposed on a second end of the elongated glass housing; a set of solar cells, each defining a front side and a back side, and disposed within the elongated glass housing; a set of solar cell modules having an electrical harness electrically coupling each of the set of solar cell modules; a first cable connected to the first cap at a first end of each of the set of solar modules; a first set of datums configured to position the first cap and a first end of each of the solar modules at a predetermined distance along the first cable; a second cable connected to the second cap at a second end of each of the set of solar modules; a second set of datums configured to position the second cap and a second end of each of the set of solar modules at a second preset distance along the second cable such that each of the solar modules is fixedly positioned substantially perpendicular to the first and second cables.

29. 29. The system of claim 28, The system, wherein the second cap is hermetically connected to a second end of the elongated glass housing, thereby cooperating with the first cap to hermetically seal the set of solar cells within the elongated glass housing.

30. 29. The system of claim 28, a second end of the elongated glass housing is sealed, thereby cooperating with the first cap to hermetically seal the set of solar cells within the elongated glass housing; the second cap is disposed about a second end of the elongated glass housing.

31. 29. The system of claim 28, the first cap includes an inner flange including an outer periphery and an outer flange including an inner periphery; a system in which the outer periphery of the inner flange and the inner periphery of the outer flange cooperate to sealingly engage the inner and outer surfaces of the elongated glass housing;

32. 29. The system of claim 28, further comprising a reflective element disposed within the glass housing and positioned offset from the set of solar cells and facing the rear of the set of solar cell rows; for each of the set of solar cell modules, a cross-section of the elongated glass housing defines a substantially elliptical cross-section including a major axis and a minor axis; and o the set of solar cells is disposed on a first side of the major axis; the reflective element is disposed on a second side of the major axis; o the longitudinal axis is substantially parallel to the first and second cables.

33. 29. The system of claim 28, further comprising a reflective element disposed within the glass housing and positioned offset from the set of solar cells and facing the rear of the set of solar cell rows; for each of the set of solar cell modules, a cross-section of the elongated glass housing defines a substantially circular cross-section including a first diameter and a second diameter perpendicular to the first diameter; and o the set of solar cells is disposed on a first side of the first diameter; the reflective element is disposed on a second side of the first diameter; o The system, wherein the first diameter is substantially parallel to the first and second cables.

34. 29. The system of claim 28, further comprising a reflective element disposed within the glass housing and positioned offset from the set of solar cells and facing the rear of the set of solar cell rows; for each of the set of solar cell modules, the cross-section of the elongated glass housing defines a polygonal cross-section divisible into a first portion and a second portion separated by an imaginary dividing line; and o the set of solar cells is disposed on a first side of the imaginary dividing line; the reflective element is disposed on a second side of the imaginary dividing line; o The system, wherein the imaginary dividing line is substantially parallel to the first and second cables.

35. A flexible solar panel system a set of photovoltaic modules, each of which comprises: an elongated glass housing defining an o-section, a first end, and a second end opposite the first end; a first cap disposed on a first end of the elongated hermetic glass housing, and a second cap disposed on a second end of the hermetic glass housing; A set of solar cells, each defining a front side and a back side, and disposed within a glass housing, and again, the bifacial solar cell and the reflector that makes it up are not necessarily what we want to build. We do not want to be limited to this. a set of solar cell modules having an electrical harness electrically coupling each of the set of solar cell modules; a first cable connected to the first cap at a first end of each of the set of solar modules; a second cable connected to the second cap at a second end of each of the set of solar modules, each of the solar modules being disposed substantially perpendicular to the first and second cables; a set of support members to which the first cable and the second cable are connected.

36. 36. The system of claim 35, the set of support members: first and second vertical support members, the first cable extending between them; a third and fourth vertical support member between which the second cable extends, wherein the set of solar modules is flexibly suspended between the first, second, third and fourth vertical members. Does this protect the idea of ​​using a truss between the vertical members?

37. 37. The system of claim 36, The system further comprising a local power storage system electrically connected to the set of solar modules for receiving and storing power generated by the set of solar modules.

38. 38. The system of claim 37, an electric agricultural vehicle charging station electrically connected to the set of solar cell modules and the power storage system, the electric agricultural vehicle charging station comprising: - receiving and storing the power generated by the solar module; - Distributing the generated solar power to electric agricultural vehicles, The system, wherein the first, second, third and fourth vertical members are positioned around an agricultural field.

39. 36. The system of claim 35, Further comprising a reflective element positioned within the glass housing and offset from the set of solar cells and facing the rear side of the set of rows of solar cells, wherein the set of support members - first and second anchors to which the first cable is attached; and third and fourth anchors to which the second cable is attached, wherein the set of solar cell modules is deployable on a body of water.

40. 36. The system of claim 35, the set of support members: first and second horizontal support members, between which the first cable extends; and third and fourth horizontal support members between which the second cable extends, wherein the set of solar modules is flexibly suspended in a substantially vertical plane.

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