Solar energy harvesting assembly, front panel, set and building

Abstract

The invention relates to a solar energy harvesting assembly (100) comprising at least one solar energy harvesting panel (200), which for instance be a solar panel comprising photovoltaic cells arranged for converting sunlight into electrical energy. The solar energy harvesting assembly further comprises at least one separate front panel (300) which is formed separately from the at least one solar energy harvesting panel. The at least one separate front panel, which may preferably be a substantially flat front panel, is arranged for refracting and transmitting sunlight to at least a first part of the one or multiple solar energy harvesting panels. The separate front panel may comprises a first surface, preferably at its front side, at least partly provided with a first surface texture arranged for refracting sunlight, which may be provided with multiple first optical elements, preferably being formed as prisms.

Description

[0001] SOLAR ENERGY HARVESTING ASSEMBLY, FRONT PANEL, SET AND BUILDING

[0002] The disclosure relates to a solar energy harvesting assembly and a method for increasing the energy yield from an upright and / or vertically oriented solar panel. The disclosure further also relates to a front panel for such assembly, a set for forming the solar energy harvesting assembly and to a building comprising such an assembly.

[0003] Solar energy harvesting assemblies are known, for example ones comprising multiple solar panels and multiple mounting supports, wherein the mounting supports are placed on a substantially flat roof top of a building and support the solar panels, which in turn are fixedly mounted onto said mounting supports under a predetermined stationary tilting angle with respect to the horizontal plane. The horizontal plane to which the tilting angle is often related to the ground or the ground surface.

[0004] In order to determine an advantageous stationary tilting angle for mounting the solar panels, different aspects can be taken into consideration. It is noted that the predetermined tilting angle may differ from region to region, in particular in view of the local latitude. The latitude influences for instance the local four-seasonal average elevation angle of the sun, and since the output of a solar energy harvesting panel is usually optimal when light enters such a panel substantially perpendicular to the outer surface of said panel, it has been a conventional wisdom or so-called “rule of thumb” that solar energy harvesting panel should substantially be tilted such as to be aligned at zero azimuth. This can be done by means of fixedly mounting the panel under a tilting angle being substantially equal to the local latitude. Another factor is that in winter the light radiation usually has a lower intensity than in summer, for instance due to that light has to travel further through the atmosphere during winter months, which will result in more absorption of direct radiation. A further factor is that the demand for solar energy may be very different depending on the time of the year, but for instance also during different moments a day. For example, in the morning and in the evening, more electric energy may be demanded than during the middle of the day. Additionally, the number of hours of sunlight per day may be much lower during the winter months than during the summer months. When taking these (and other) factors into account, it may be that a predetermined stationary tilting angle of a solar energy harvesting panel differs from the local latitude as such, and usually will be lower than the local latitude. For example, in mid Sweden the local latitude is about 60° N, while it is believed that an optimal stationary tilting angle there would nevertheless be about 45°, and thus not about 60°. As another example, in the Netherlands the local latitude is about 52° N, while it is believed that an optimal stationary tilting angle there would be about 35°. The closer one is located to the equator, the desired stationary tilting angle will usually become smaller.

[0005] It is known that roofs, both tilted roofs and flat roofs, usually lend themselves relatively well to install solar energy harvesting panel thereon at angles coming close to a desired local installation tilt, for instance by using a mount support on flat roof tops. It is also known that this roof area, although substantial, is most likely insufficient to provide sufficient energy in view of the increasing demand thereof. Therefore, solar energy harvesting panels, or in brief solar panels, are also increasingly positioned on upright or vertical surfaces, such as vertical outer walls of buildings.

[0006] A disadvantage of such a vertically installed solar panel setup is that the energy yield is relatively low, especially in comparison to a ‘standard’ roof solar panel setup.

[0007] Another disadvantage of a flat on the wall panel setup is that the solar energy harvesting panels look ugly, for instance as they may make the wall to appear like one large, in particular mainly black, surface. Not only may the installation of solar energy harvesting panels to a wall detract from the architecture of a building, it may, in particular due to its looks, be considered to not comply with local regulations and codes relating to aesthetics or architectural quality or the like.

[0008] It is an object of the present disclosure to obviate at least one of the disadvantages mentioned above.

[0009] To that end, the disclosure provides a solar energy harvesting assembly, comprising: at least one solar energy harvesting panel having a light receiving surface; and at least one separate front panel that is associated with the at least one solar energy harvesting panel and that extends substantially parallel to the light receiving surface thereof; wherein the front panel comprises refracting means that are configured to refract incident light rays on the front panel having a predetermined angle with respect to a normal of the light receiving surface to adjusted light rays having an adjusted incident angle with respect to the normal of the light receiving surface, such that the adjusted incident angle is smaller than the predetermined angle.

[0010] An advantage of the assembly according to the disclosure is that it improves the incident angle at which the (sun)light reaches the light receiving surface of the solar panel, thus increasing the efficiency of the solar panel by increasing the energy yield therefrom. Another advantage is that the refracting means reduce the reflections of the (sun)light, which leads to an even further increase in efficiency of the solar panel. In particular, the improvement and the reduction in reflection have a synergistic effect. This is due to the fact that more (sun)light reaches the light receiving surface of the solar panel (by reflection reduction) and the increased amount of sunlight reaching the light receiving surface also does so under a better angle (i.e. more towards a perpendicular direction relative to the light receiving surface).

[0011] It is noted that throughout the application the phrase ‘solar energy harvesting panel’ is used interchangeably with the phrases ‘solar energy panel’ and ‘solar panel’, whereas these phrases all refer to the same object and are thus to be considered synonymous to each other.

[0012] In an embodiment according to the disclosure, the refracting means are additionally configured to reduce reflection of incident light rays on the front panel.

[0013] An advantage of the refracting means is that they reduce the reflections of the (sun)light, which leads to an even further increase in efficiency of the solar panel due to more incident light being directed towards the solar panel.

[0014] In an embodiment according to the disclosure, the improvement in the incident angle of the light reaching the light receiving surface of the solar panel is in the range of 3% to 80%, preferably in the range of 8% to 60%, and more preferably in the range of 15% to 40%.

[0015] An advantage of the refracting means according to the invention is that the incidence angle of the light rays reaching the light receiving surface of the solar panel is significantly improved. In other words, the incident angle is moved more to perpendicular, which is the most preferably incident angle for light rays to reach / contact the light receiving surface.

[0016] In an embodiment of the assembly according to the disclosure, the refracting means may include an interface surface that extends under an interface angle with an imaginary plane that is substantially parallel to an extension direction of the front panel, wherein the interface surface is configured to refract the incident light rays to adjusted incident light rays.

[0017] An advantage of this embodiment is that the interface surface improves the incident angle at which the (sun)light reaches the light receiving surface of the solar panel by refracting the light to adjusted incident light rays. This increases the efficiency of the solar panel by increasing the energy yield therefrom.

[0018] The interface surface also provides the advantage that the reflections of the (sun)light are reduced by changing the angle of the incident light. This leads to an even further increase in efficiency of the solar panel. In particular, the improvement and the reduction in reflection have a synergistic effect.

[0019] In an embodiment of the assembly according to the disclosure, the refracting means may comprise one or more protrusions extending from and / or indentations provided in the front and / or the rear surface of the front panel, wherein each protrusion and / or indentation includes an interface surface that extends under an interface angle with an imaginary plane, which plane is substantially parallel to an extension direction of the front panel.

[0020] It is noted the extension direction may also be described as being parallel to the front and rear surfaces of the front plate, which front and rear surfaces also are parallel to each other. The rear surface is (thus) a surface facing the light receiving surface and the front surface is (thus) facing away from the light receiving surface. In other words, the front surface is positioned on an opposite side of the front panel with respect to the rear surface.

[0021] An advantage of this embodiment is that the interface surface improves the incident angle at which the (sun)light reaches the light receiving surface of the solar panel by refracting the light to adjusted incident light rays. This increases the efficiency of the solar panel by increasing the energy yield therefrom.

[0022] The interface surface also provides the advantage that the reflections of the (sun)light are reduced by the changed incident angle of incident light. This leads to an even further increase in efficiency of the solar panel. In particular, the improvement and the reduction in reflection have a synergistic effect.

[0023] In an embodiment of the assembly according to the disclosure, the one or more protrusions and / or indentations may be a plurality of protrusions and / or indentations, wherein a first subset of the plurality of protrusions and / or indentations is positioned on the front or the rear surface and an optional second subset of the plurality of protrusions and / or indentations is positioned on the other of the front and the rear surface, and preferably wherein, when having a first and second subset, the protrusions and / or indentations of the first and second subsets are configured to cooperate to diminish the adjusted incident angle with respect to the predetermined angle.

[0024] An advantage of providing the protrusions and / or indentations on both sides of the front panel (i.e. on both the front and rear surfaces) allows the angle of the light to be refracted on both the front side and the rear side. As a result, a further improvement of the adjusted incident angle, which is the angle at which the light reaches the light receiving surface of the solar panel, can be achieved. In particular, it means that the angle is closer to perpendicular, which is a preferred angle. It in general means that the incident light is refracted to intermediate light (at or near the first surface) and is refracted from intermediate light to adjusted light (at or near the second surface).

[0025] In an embodiment of the assembly according to the disclosure, the refracting means may comprise one or more of prisms that are positioned on a front surface and / or rear surface of the front panel, wherein each prism includes an interface surface that extends under an interface angle with an imaginary plane that is substantially parallel to an extension direction of the front panel. It is noted the extension direction may also be described as being parallel to the front and rear surfaces of the front plate as also described above.

[0026] An advantage of this embodiment is that the interface surface improves the incident angle at which the (sun)light reaches the light receiving surface of the solar panel by refracting the incident light to adjusted incident light rays. This increases the efficiency of the solar panel by increasing the energy yield therefrom.

[0027] The interface surface also provides the advantage that the reflections of the (sun)light are reduced by changing the angle of the incident light. This leads to an even further increase in efficiency of the solar panel. In particular, the improvement and the reduction in reflection have a synergistic effect.

[0028] In an embodiment of the assembly according to the disclosure, the one or more prisms may be a plurality of prisms, wherein a first subset of the plurality of prisms is positioned on the front or the rear surface and an optional second subset of the plurality of prisms is positioned on the other of the front and the rear surface, and preferably wherein, when having a first and a second subset, the prisms of the first and second subsets are configured to cooperate to diminish the adjusted incident angle with respect to the predetermined angle.

[0029] An advantage of providing prisms on both sides of the front panel (i.e. on both the front and rear surfaces) allows the angle of the light to be refracted on both the front side and the rear side. As a result, a further improvement of the adjusted incident angle, which is the angle at which the light reaches the light receiving surface of the solar panel, can be achieved. In particular, it means that the angle is closer to perpendicular, which is a preferred angle. Therewith, the incident light is refracted to intermediate light (at or near the first surface) and is refracted from intermediate light to adjusted light (at or near the second surface).

[0030] Another advantage of prisms is that have a predetermined shape that increases the stability and robustness of the refraction means. As a result, the prisms can be made of a wide variety of (suitable) materials. Such materials are preferably transparent materials, preferably having good refractive and / or anti-reflective properties.

[0031] In an embodiment of the assembly according to the disclosure, the at least one solar energy harvesting panel may extend in a substantially upright position, preferably a substantially vertical position.

[0032] In a preferred embodiment, the assembly, in particular the solar panel thereof, is positioned in an upright or vertical position. This position is a position that, in general, will be a position in which the assembly extends along a (vertical) surface of a wall and can be connected (or integrated) thereto. It is noted that the upright or vertical position is considered relative to a ground or base surface, wherein the ground or base surface preferably is the ground or a surface substantially parallel thereto.

[0033] In an embodiment of the assembly according to the disclosure, the at least one separate front panel may be configured to maintain a relative positioning of incident light rays with respect to each other during transmittal to the at least one solar energy harvesting panel, in particular wherein parallel incident light rays remain parallel during transmittal to the at least one solar energy harvesting panel.

[0034] An advantage of this embodiment, in particular of the refracting means, is that the relative position of the incident light rays remain the same during refraction and transmittal, which allows the light receiving surface of the solar panel to be utilized to the largest possible extent. In other words, the light is not concentrated, yet distributed over substantially the entire light receiving surface. This increases energy yield as well as operational life time of the solar panel.

[0035] In an embodiment of the assembly according to the disclosure, the interface surfaces of the subset associated with the front surface of the front panel may extend under a first angle with respect to the imaginary plane, wherein preferably said first angle lies in the range of 2° to 89°, more preferably in the range of 2° to 80°, even more preferably in the range of 7° to 70°, and most preferably in the range of 10° to 60°, and / or the interface surfaces of the subset associated with the rear surface of the front panel may extend under a second angle with respect to the imaginary plane, wherein preferably said second angle lies in the range of 25° to 89°, more preferably in the range of 30° to 75°, even more preferably in the range of 35° to 65° and most preferably in the range of 45° to 55°.

[0036] The interface surfaces are preferably positioned such that the refraction is optimized, that is the angle of the adjusted incident light is closer to 90° relative to the light receiving surface, and the reflection is minimized. It is noted that the optimisation is a combination of both, which is included in the abovementioned ranges for the angles of the first and second interface surfaces. This provides an efficient and effective assembly, in particular relative to (vertically positioned) solar panels that are known from the prior art.

[0037] In an embodiment of the assembly according to the disclosure, each prism associated with the front surface may comprise a first boundary surface extending between the interface surface and the front surface and wherein the first boundary surface extends under a first connection angle with respect to the imaginary plane, wherein the first connection angle preferably is in the range of 30° to 90°, more preferably is in the range of 40° to 70°, and even more preferably is in the range of 50° to 60°.

[0038] It is preferred that the boundary surfaces are chosen such that the prisms are robust. In addition, the connection angle as outlined above provides an advantage that the formation of ‘gaps’, in which the light rays are refracted in a different manner (or hardly reflected at all), is minimized. The minimisation allows a larger portion of the (sun)light to reach the light receiving surface of the solar panel, which increases the energy yield of the assembly.

[0039] In an embodiment of the assembly according to the disclosure, each prism associated with the rear surface may comprise a second boundary surface extending between the interface surface and the rear surface, and wherein the second boundary surface extends under a second connection angle with respect to the imaginary plane, wherein the second connection angle preferably is in the range of 30° to 60°, more preferably is in the range of 40° to 60°.

[0040] It is preferred that the boundary surfaces are chosen such that the prisms are robust. In addition, the connection angle as outlined above provides an advantage that the formation of ‘gaps’, in which the light rays are refracted in a different manner (or hardly reflected at all), is minimized. The minimisation allows a larger portion of the (sun)light to reach the light receiving surface of the solar panel, which increases the energy yield of the assembly.

[0041] In an embodiment of the assembly according to the disclosure, the refracting means may be configured to refract incident light rays over a refraction angle in the range of 10° to 50°, preferably 15° to 40°, more preferably 20° to 35°, and even more preferably 30° to 35°.

[0042] The refraction means are advantageously provided to refract the light such that the incident light on the light receiving surface of the solar panel reaches the panel perpendicularly (i.e. under an angle of incident of about 90°). To that end, the refracting means are preferably provided such that they refract light over a refraction angle in the abovementioned ranges. The refraction angle is preferably defined as the angle relative to a normal of the light receiving surface. The angle may also be a composite angle that comprises a first and a second refraction angle that is provided by respectively a first and a second refraction means that are respectively positioned on the front and rear surfaces of the front panel. When providing refraction means on both sides of the front panel, the refraction means provide the advantage that an adjustment of the incident angle of the light reaching the light receiving surface may be provided in two steps. This two-step adjustment allows a further improvement, thus resulting in a higher energy yield.

[0043] In an embodiment of the assembly according to the disclosure, in which a first and a second subset are present, the first subset may be configured to refract incident light rays over a first refraction angle and the second subset may be configured to refract incident light rays on the second interface surface over a second refraction angle, and preferably wherein the first refraction angle is in the range of 10° to 50°, more preferably is in the range of 15° to 40°, even more preferably is in the range of 20° to 35°, and most preferably is in the range of 30° to 35°, and / or preferably wherein the second refraction angle is in the range of 10° to 50°, more preferably is in the range of 15° to 40°, even more preferably is in the range of 20° to 35°, and most preferably is in the range of 20° to 25°.

[0044] When providing refraction means on both sides of the front panel, the refraction means provide the advantage that an adjustment of the incident angle of the light reaching the light receiving surface may be provided in two steps. This two-step adjustment allows a further improvement, thus resulting in a higher energy yield. In particular, it is noted that the first and second angles do not need to be the same, and preferably are not the same, yet are chosen such that the combined or composite effect thereof is maximized both in terms of reflection and refraction.

[0045] In an embodiment of the assembly according to the disclosure, said solar energy harvesting assembly may comprise multiple solar energy harvesting panels, which preferably are placed substantially flush with each other, and / or a multiple front panels, wherein the multiple front panels are configured to cover substantially the combined light receiving surfaces of the multiple solar energy harvesting panels.

[0046] An advantage is that the assembly according to the disclosure can be expanded without any difficulty to provide larger surfaces. The front panels and the solar panels may be chosen to have a substantially similar surface or the surfaces may differ. It is preferred that the entire (combined) solar panel surface is covered by one or more front panels to maximize the energy yield. In an embodiment of the assembly according to the disclosure, at least one of the one or multiple solar energy harvesting panels may be formed as a solar panel comprising photovoltaic (PV) cells arranged for converting sunlight into electrical energy; and / or at least one of the one or multiple solar energy harvesting panels is formed as a photovoltaic thermal hybrid solar collector.

[0047] It is preferred that the assembly at least is configured to generate electrical energy, which may be supplemented by heat when a thermal hybrid solar collector is chosen.

[0048] In an embodiment of the assembly according to the disclosure, the at least one separate front panel, preferably its front side, may be provided at least partly with a brick-like or stone-like appearance or the like.

[0049] An advantage of this embodiment is that the front panel will have the appearance of a ‘regular’ stone or brick wall, therewith providing a pleasant aesthetic view.

[0050] Another advantage is that the front panel can also adapted for use with existing buildings, which can be done by matching the brick-like look of the front panel with the existing brick wall.

[0051] In an embodiment of the assembly according to the disclosure, the separate front panel preferably a front side thereof, is at least partly be provided with a coating, wherein the coating may be one or a combination of: a colour-coating, a structure coating and / or a anti-fouling coating. It is preferred and advantageous if a coating on the front panel is a multi-purpose coating which fulfils multiple functions. This may for example be a colour and structure coating that provides a brick-like look or a coating that at least includes an anti-fouling function.

[0052] In an embodiment of the assembly according to the disclosure, the front side of the separate front panel may be provided at least partly with a visual surface texture such as to mimic the appearance of masonry wall. It is preferred that the visual surface texture mimicks mortar joints or the like to at least some extent, in particular such as to mimic the appearance of masonry wall.

[0053] In an embodiment of the assembly according to the disclosure, the visual surface texture includes one or more recesses, for instance grooves or other recesses mimicking mortar joints. The one or more recesses preferably have a depth, measured in a direction transverse to a front face of the separate front panel, which is substantially larger than the depth of the optical elements or structures, if any, provided at, in and / or on said front face of said separate front panel. An advantage of providing grooves and / or recesses is that the look of a masonry or brick wall is enhanced even further by also providing the structure of such a wall. It is preferred if the texture of the grooves and / or recesses is chosen such that these also have a positive effect on the refraction and / or reflection of the light on the front panel.

[0054] The disclosure also relates to a front panel for the solar energy harvesting assembly according to the disclosure.

[0055] The front panel according to the disclosure has similar effects and advantages as the assembly according to the invention. It is noted that the embodiments disclosed in relation to the assembly of the disclosure may be, either alone or in combination, also be applied with the front panel according to the disclosure.

[0056] The disclosure also relates to a set for forming the solar energy harvesting assembly according to the disclosure, the set comprising: at least one front panel according to disclosure; and at least one solar energy harvesting panel, preferably a photovoltaic panel or a photovoltaic thermal hybrid solar collector.

[0057] The set according to the disclosure has similar effects and advantages as the assembly and the front panel according to the invention. It is noted that the embodiments disclosed in relation to the assembly or the front panel of the disclosure may be, either alone or in combination, also be applied with the set according to the disclosure.

[0058] The disclosure also relates to a building provided with a solar energy harvesting assembly according to the disclosure.

[0059] The building according to the disclosure has similar effects and advantages as the assembly, the front panel and the set according to the invention. It is noted that the embodiments disclosed in relation to the assembly, the front panel or the set of the disclosure may be, either alone or in combination, also be applied with the building according to the disclosure.

[0060] The disclosure also relates to a method for increasing the energy yield from an upright and / or vertically oriented solar energy harvesting panel, the method comprising the steps of: providing a solar energy harvesting assembly according to the disclosure; and operating the assembly.

[0061] The method for increasing the energy yield according to the disclosure has similar effects and advantages as the assembly, the front panel, the set and the building according to the invention. It is noted that the embodiments disclosed in relation to the assembly, the front panel, the set and the building of the disclosure may be, either alone or in combination, also be applied with the method for increasing the energy yield according to the disclosure.

[0062] In an embodiment of the method, the step of operating the assembly may comprise the steps of: refracting, using refracting means on a front surface of the front panel, an incident light ray to provide an adjusted light ray; transmitting, through the front panel, the adjusted light ray; and operating the solar energy harvesting panel using the adjusted light ray; wherein the incident light ray has a predetermined angle with respect to a normal of a light receiving surface of the solar energy harvesting panel that is larger than an adjusted incident angle of the adjusted light ray with respect to the normal of the light receiving surface.

[0063] An advantage of the abovementioned embodiment of the method is that it improves the incident angle at which the (sun)light reaches the light receiving surface of the solar panel, thus increasing the efficiency of the solar panel by increasing the energy yield therefrom.

[0064] Another advantage is that the refracting means reduce the reflections of the (sun)light, which leads to an even further increase in efficiency of the solar panel. In particular, the improvement and the reduction in reflection have a synergistic effect. This is due to the fact that more (sun)light reaches the light receiving surface of the solar panel (by reflection reduction) and the increased amount of sunlight reaching the light receiving surface also does so under a better angle (i.e. more towards perpendicular).

[0065] In an embodiment of the method, the step of operating the assembly may comprise the steps of: receiving a plurality of parallel incident light rays; refracting the parallel incident light rays to provide a plurality of parallel adjusted light rays; transmitting the adjusted light rays; and operating the solar energy harvesting panel using the parallel adjusted light rays.

[0066] An advantage of the abovementioned embodiment is that the relative position of the incident light rays remains the same during refraction and transmittal, which allows the light receiving surface of the solar panel to be utilized to the largest possible extent. In other words, the light is not concentrated, yet parallel light rays are distributed over substantially the entire light receiving surface. This increases energy yield as well as operational life time of the solar panel. In an embodiment of the method, the step of operating the assembly may additionally comprise the steps of: receiving a plurality of parallel incident light rays at a first surface; transmitting the incident light rays through the front panel to a rear surface; and refracting, using refracting means on a rear surface of the front panel, the incident or intermediate light ray to provide an adjusted light ray; operating the solar energy harvesting panel using the parallel adjusted light rays.

[0067] The disclosure also relates to a method for manufacturing a solar energy harvesting assembly according to the disclosure, the method comprising the steps of: providing at least one solar energy harvesting panel, preferably a photovoltaic panel or a photovoltaic thermal hybrid solar collector; manufacturing or providing a panel of base material for a front panel; applying refracting means to at least a front side of the front panel and preferably to the front and a rear side of the front panel; operationally connecting the front panel to a light receiving surface of the at least one solar energy harvesting panel; wherein the steps of manufacturing a panel and applying the refractive means preferably are performed in a single operation or wherein the step of applying after the step of providing the panel of base material comprises a machining operation, such as milling.

[0068] The method for manufacturing according to the disclosure has similar effects and advantages as the assembly, the front panel, the set, the building and the method for increasing the energy yield according to the invention. It is noted that the embodiments disclosed in relation to the assembly, the front panel, the set, the building and the method for increasing the energy yield of the disclosure may be, either alone or in combination, also be applied with the method for manufacturing according to the disclosure.

[0069] In an embodiment according to the disclosure, the polycarbonate (PC), Teflon (PTFE), polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG), (transparent) polyvinylchloride (PVC), poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA).

[0070] Each of the abovementioned materials provide at least one advantage with respect to durability, UV-resistance, transparency, refractive index, availability, cost and / or producibility. It was found that in particular polycarbonate (PC) and poly-methyl methacrylate (PMMA), and mostly polycarbonate, provide an excellent balance between the various aspects mentioned above. A combination of abovementioned materials, for example in the form of a composite, or a composite including at least one of the abovementioned materials is also possible.

[0071] In an embodiment according to the disclosure, the refractive index of a material of the refractions means is less than 1.6, preferably less than 1.5, more preferably about 1.4.

[0072] An advantage of a lower refractive index is that less reflection is present. A lower refractive index also means that the bending of the light rays is less. The abovementioned refractive indices provide a good balance between bending (i.e. refracting) of the light rays and reflection of the incident light rays.

[0073] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the solar energy harvesting assembly comprises at least one solar energy harvesting panel, that is a substantially flat panel, wherein the solar energy harvesting assembly further comprises at least one separate front panel, said separate front panel being formed separately from the at least one solar energy harvesting panel, preferably wherein said at least one separate front panel is a substantially flat front panel, and wherein said separate front panel is arranged for refracting and transmitting sunlight to at least a first part of the one or multiple solar energy harvesting panels.

[0074] It is noted that although the separate front panel is herein called a “panel”, this so-called panel does nevertheless not necessarily have to include a more or less stiff or rigid board or plate forming an optical layer arranged for refracting and transmitting sunlight, as the separate front panel may for instance also be of a different design. For example, said separate panel may comprise a frame holding a more or less flexible sheet, which may form an optical layer, and which may be arranged for refracting and transmitting sunlight to at least a first part of the one or multiple solar energy harvesting panels provided behind said separate front panel. In the context of the present disclosure, such designs comprising a frame and an optical layer formed a flexible sheet, which for example may be made of PMMA foil material or another foil material, may also be considered to form a separate front panel as meant in the present disclosure. For example, the sheet of foil material may have a thickness, such as for instance a thickness measured at the most protruding portions of a textured sheet of foil material, of between 0.15 mm and 0.8 mm, such as for example about 0.2 mm, about 0.4 mm, about 0.5 mm or about 0.6 mm.

[0075] However, in alternative embodiments, the separate front panel arranged for refracting and transmitting sunlight may comprise a thicker sheet arranged for refracting and transmitting sunlight, for instance a sheet which is more rigid than a sheet of foil material. For instance, the separate front panel may comprise a sheet, such as plate of glass or a plate of a transparent plastic material, arranged for refracting and transmitting sunlight which is one or multiple centimetres thick, and which may for example have a thickness, such as for instance a thickness measured at the most protruding portions of a textured sheet or plate, of between about 1 cm and about 6 cm, such as for example about 1.5 cm, about 2 cm, about 3 cm or about 4 cm.

[0076] By providing the solar energy harvesting assembly with a separate front panel, in particular one not integrally formed with the solar energy harvesting panel, wherein said separate front panel is arranged for refracting and transmitting sunlight to at least a first part of the one or multiple solar energy harvesting panels, the energy yield of a solar energy harvesting panel, in particular a vertically installed solar panel, can be increased with respect to that of a common flat on the wall panel setup lacking such a front panel. Besides, by providing said separate front panel, there may then be lesser or no need to mount the solar energy harvesting panel under an angle with respect to the wall of the building, thereby facilitating that on the one hand the additional thickness added to a wall or facade by the installation of the solar energy harvesting assembly can be relatively small, whereas on the other hand the solar energy harvesting panels can be relatively large in comparison to solar energy harvesting panel being which are not installed substantially vertically, but relatively flat with respect to the horizontal plane, i.e. under a relatively large angle with respect to the wall of the building, which far less upright position of the solar energy harvesting panels would either lead to a relatively deep and bulky addition to a wall or facade, or would need relatively shallow solar energy harvesting panels, if not both, each of which could form a severe disadvantage with respect to the solution provided by the present disclosure.

[0077] Further, by providing a separate front panel it may, additionally or alternatively, be facilitated that the solar energy harvesting panel, which itself may include an integrated front glass plate, can be covered, for instance to protect it, at least to a certain extent, from for instance hail or other impingements that could otherwise harm an uncovered solar energy harvesting panel. In this context, it is noted that the separate front panel, which for instance can be made out of acrylic plastic or another suitable plastic, may for instance be better resistant to impacts by hail stones and / or foreign objects. Hence, the present solar energy harvesting assembly may be more robust and / or more durable. Besides, even if the separate front panel may nevertheless got damaged, such damage may have a smaller negative influence to the energy yield than when an integral glass front plate gets shattered, in particular in case when the front panel would be substantially made from plastic. Additionally, or alternatively, replacing a damaged separate front panel, even it would be made out of glass, may be much easier and / or cheaper and / or environmentally friendlier than replacing a solar panel or other solar energy harvesting panel. This may for instance be due to that, at least in certain embodiments, no electronics need to be connected or disconnected when no solar energy harvesting panels, but only the separate front panel need to be replaced, and / or due to that a separate front panel, in particular one substantially completely made out of a single material, may be disposed of and / or can be recycled in a relatively environmentally friendly manner.

[0078] By arranging the at least one separate front panel such that it can refract substantially parallelly entering light rays of a certain wavelength, which enter said at least one separate front panel at its front side, into substantially parallelly exiting light rays, which exit the at least one separate front panel at its rear side, it can be facilitated that exiting light rays, at least those of a certain wavelength, can travel substantially parallel to a respective solar energy harvesting panel, thereby counteracting that light would be focused too much at certain portions of the solar energy harvesting panel.

[0079] In embodiments, the at least one separate front panel can comprise a first surface of which at least a part is provided with a first surface texture arranged for refracting sunlight. The surface texture may for example be protrusions extending from and / or indentations in the first surface of the front panel.

[0080] Preferably, said first surface of the separate front panel may be formed by a front surface of said separate front panel and is substantially facing away from the at least one solar energy harvesting panel. Alternatively, said first surface of the separate front panel may be a rear surface of said separate front panel and may then be substantially facing towards the at least one solar energy harvesting panel.

[0081] Additionally, or alternatively, the at least one separate front panel may further comprise a second surface, wherein said second surface may then extend substantially opposite to and / or substantially parallel with the first surface, and wherein at least a part of said second surface is provided with a second surface texture arranged for refracting sunlight. Said second surface may be the rear surface of the separate front panel. The surface texture may for example be protrusions extending from and / or indentations in the first surface of the front panel.

[0082] In embodiments, the first surface texture may be arranged for refracting incoming substantially parallel light rays of a certain wavelength, being substantially parallel with each other, into refracted parallel light rays, being substantially parallel with each other, thereby, at least in case the first surface texture is provided on, in or at the front surface of the separate front panel, enabling said refracted parallel light rays to travel substantially parallel through said separate front panel.

[0083] Additionally or alternatively, the second surface texture, if any, may be arranged for refracting incoming substantially parallel light rays of a certain wavelength, which are substantially parallel with each other, into refracted parallel light rays, being again substantially parallel with each other, thereby, at least in case the second surface texture is provided on, in or at the rear surface of the separate front panel, enabling said parallel light rays, which then may be refracted a second time, to leave the separate front panel substantially parallel.

[0084] In preferred embodiments, the first surface texture may be provided with multiple first optical elements or structures, in particular prism elements or structures, each having a first flat interface surface, wherein said first interface surfaces are substantially parallel to each other. In particular embodiments, the first optical elements may be of elongate design and may extend substantially in a substantially horizontal direction. In a cross-sectional view seen from aside, the first surface texture may substantially form a zigzag pattern.

[0085] Additionally or alternatively, the second surface texture, if any, may be provided with multiple second optical elements or structures, in particular prism elements or structures, each having a second flat interface surface, wherein said second interface surfaces are substantially parallel to each other. In particular embodiments, the second optical elements may be of elongate design and may extend substantially in a substantially horizontal direction. In a cross- sectional view seen from aside, the second surface texture may substantially form a zigzag pattern.

[0086] In advantageous embodiments according to an aspect of the present disclosure, the second flat interface surfaces may lie substantially more horizontally than the first flat interface surfaces. This is, the angle between a first imaginary plane being substantially parallel with the first surface of the separate front panel, which here will be called the first angle, may be substantially smaller than the angle between said first imaginary plane and the second flat interface surface.

[0087] In embodiments, the first flat interface surfaces may extend under a first angle with respect to a first imaginary plane being substantially parallel with the first surface of the separate front panel, preferably wherein said first angle lies in the range of 2° to 40°, more preferably in the range of 7° to 35°, yet more preferably 10° to 30°. Additionally or alternatively, the second flat interface surfaces, if any, may extend under a second angle with respect to a first imaginary plane being substantially parallel with the first surface of the separate front panel, preferably wherein said second angle lies in the range of 25° to 70°, preferably in the range of 30° to 65°, yet more preferably 35° to 60°.

[0088] By arranging the separate front panel such that the first optical element or structure, in particular a prism element or structure, comprises a first boundary surface, in particular a substantially flat surface, wherein said first boundary surface then extends substantially transverse to the adjacent first flat interface surface, said adjacent first flat interface surface preferably being the adjacent first flat interface surface located above the respective first boundary surface, it may be counteracted, at least to a certain extent, that the respective first optical element or structure may cast relatively much shadow on a first flat interface surface of a first optical element located beneath said respective first optical element. Although a substantially transverse angle may be advantageous, any angle in the range of 70° to 110°, may be advantageous, preferably when it is in the subrange of 80° to 100°, such as for example in the range of 85° to 95°.

[0089] Alternatively, or additionally, the angle between the first boundary surface and the horizontal plane may substantially correspond to an optimal stationary titling angle locally advised for a solar energy harvesting panel, in particular a solar panel, not provided with such a separate front panel, as that angle may facilitate counteracting, at least to a certain extent, that the respective first optical element or structure may cast relatively much shadow on a first flat interface surface of a first optical element located beneath said respective first optical element. This is, said angle between the first boundary surface and the horizontal plane may, for example for a location in the Netherlands and / or another location being at a comparable latitude as the Netherlands, be for instance in the range of 30° to 40°, as the locally advised optimal stationary titling angle would there be about 35°.

[0090] Somewhat similarly, it may be advantageous when the second optical element or structure, in particular a prism element or structure, comprises a second boundary surface, in particular a substantially flat surface, extending substantially under a second connection angle with respect to a second imaginary plane being substantially parallel with the second surface of the separate front panel, wherein said second connection angle preferably is in the range of 40° to 120°, more preferably in the range of 50° to 110°, yet more preferably in the range of 60° to 100°, for instance wherein said second boundary surface extends substantially transverse to said second imaginary plane and / or substantially transverse to a front surface of the respective solar energy harvesting panel. This may namely counteract that refracted light beams exiting the separate front panel at the second flat interface surface of a respective second optical element or structure provided at the rear side of the separate front panel may be obstructed by an adjacent second optical element or structure, which could otherwise negatively influence the energy yield of the solar energy harvesting assembly.

[0091] In advantageous embodiments, a first part of the separate front panel may, in particular by means of a first part of multiple first optical elements of a first surface texture and / or a first part of multiple corresponding second optical elements of a second surface texture, if any, be arranged for refracting incoming light beams over a first refracting angle. A second part of the separate front panel may then, in particular by means of a second part of the multiple first optical elements of the first surface texture and / or a second part of the multiple corresponding second optical elements of the second surface texture, if any, be arranged for refracting incoming light beams over a second refracting angle being substantially different from said first refracting angle.

[0092] As a result, the first part of the separate front panel may thus relatively well be arranged to refract and transmit sunlight beams coming in under a first incoming angle, which for example may correspond with the angle of the elevation angle of the sun during a certain moment of the day and / or a certain period of the year, whereas the second part of the separate front panel may relatively well be arranged to refract and transmit sunlight beams coming in under a different, second incoming angle, which for example may correspond with the angle of the elevation angle of the sun during a certain different, second moment of the day and / or a certain different, second period of the year.

[0093] Advantageously, the difference between the first refracting angle and the second refracting angle may be at least 10°, preferably at least 15°, more preferably at least 20°, yet more preferably at least 25°, such as for example about 30°.

[0094] The separate front panel may further comprise one or more additional parts arranged for refracting incoming light under one or more corresponding refracting angles, in particular one or more corresponding intermediate refracting angles lying between the first and second refracting angles.

[0095] In embodiments, the first surface texture can provided with a multiplicity of first optical elements, in particular prism elements, arranged for refracting incoming light beams, wherein at least one first one, and preferably multiple first ones, of the multiplicity of first optical elements are arranged for refracting a respective incoming light beam over a first refracting angle, wherein at least one second one, and preferably multiple second ones, of the multiplicity of first optical elements are arranged for refracting a respective incoming light beam over a second refracting angle, and wherein said first refracting angle substantially then differs from said second refracting angle, preferably wherein the difference between the first refracting angle and the second refracting angle is at least 10°, preferably at least 15°, more preferably at least 20°, yet more preferably at least 25°, such as for example about 30°.

[0096] By providing the separate front panel, for instance its front side, with a stone-like or brick-like appearance or something similar, such as for instance a concrete-like or wood-like appearance, the solar energy harvesting assembly may be perceived relatively attractive and / or relatively aesthetic. Thereto, the front side of the separate front panel may at least partly be provided with a coating, in particular a spectrum coating which substantially only absorbs light with wavelengths in a certain spectrum. Preferably, said coating can be arranged for absorbing relatively little light in the spectrum in which the solar energy harvesting panel works, such as to counteract that the coating has a relatively large negative impact on the energy yield of the solar energy harvesting assembly.

[0097] By providing the front side of the separate front panel with a visual surface texture, in particular a visual surface texture mimicking mortar joints or something similar or the like, for instance to mimic the appearance of masonry wall or something similar such as for example a facade covered with wooden panels, to at least some extent, the solar energy harvesting assembly may be perceived relatively attractive and / or relatively aesthetic. Preferably, said visual surface texture may include one or more recesses, for instance recesses in the form of grooves, which may mimic mortar joints, in particular wherein said one or more recesses may have a depth, measured in a direction transverse to the front face of the separate front panel, which is substantially larger than the depth of the optical elements or structures, if any, provided at, in or on said front face of said separate front panel. Advantageously, said relatively deep grooves or other recesses may, when measured from the most forwardly protruding portions of the front panel, which in particular can be formed by the most forwardly protruding portions of the optical elements or structures, up to the most posteriorly located portions of the recess, may be at least two times, preferably at least three times, more preferably at least four times deeper than the depth of the surface texture, if any, provided at, on or in the front side of the separate front panel, wherein said depth of the surface texture is then measured from the most forwardly protruding portions of the optical elements or structures up to the most posteriorly located portions of said optical elements or structures. By providing the separate front panel with relatively deep grooves or other recesses, the solar energy harvesting assembly may for instance be perceived less boring and / or more aesthetically appealing than a substantially undifferentiated surface free of such recesses.

[0098] Advantageously, the back face of the groove or other recess may itself be provided with a third surface texture, in particular one corresponding with the first surface texture, which third surface structure may be arranged for refracting incoming substantially parallel light rays of a certain wavelength, being substantially parallel with each other, into refracted parallel light rays, being substantially parallel with each other, and / or which may be provided with multiple third optical elements or structures, in particular prism elements or structures, each having a third flat interface surface, wherein said third interface surfaces are substantially parallel to each other. In particular embodiments, the third optical elements may be elongate and may extend substantially in a substantially horizontal direction. In a cross-sectional view seen from aside, the third surface texture may substantially form a zigzag pattern. It is noted that the back face of the recess thus does not need to be flat, as it may preferably be formed in a zigzagging manner.

[0099] The separate front panel, or at least one or more portions thereof arranged for refracting and transmitting sunlight to at least a first part of the one or multiple solar energy harvesting panels, may be made of any suitable material, materials or composition. Advantageously, said front panel and / or said one or more portions thereof may for example be made of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) or so-called acrylate or acrylic glass. However, any other suitable material may be used, preferably a material being substantially transparent to at least a relatively large part of the range of wavelengths in which the solar panel or other solar energy harvesting panel works. For example, separate front panel may be made of and / or comprise glass, and / or a substantially transparent plastic, such as for instance acrylate (PMMA), polycarbonate (PC), polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG) or clear polyvinyl chloride (clear PVC). It will be appreciated that the material may preferably be a substantially UV resistant material. Besides, the front panel may, alternatively or additionally, be provided with a UV resistant coating, in particular in case the main material is not so UV resistant.

[0100] Besides, it is noted that the separate front panel, or at least one or more portions thereof arranged for refracting and transmitting sunlight to at least a first part of the one or multiple solar energy harvesting panels, may be made by any suitable means.

[0101] For example, the first surface texture and / or second surface texture, if any, and / or optical elements or structures, in particular prism elements, thereof, if any, may be made by means of an extrusion process. In embodiments, the visual surface texture, if any, which for example may include one or more recesses, such as for instance grooves, may be created in a separate fabrication step, and / or may for instance be made by means of a machining operation, such as milling or the like. However, in other embodiments, the visual surface texture, if any, may also be made substantially together, e.g. simultaneously, with the first surface texture and / or second surface texture.

[0102] In embodiments, the respective surface texture(s) and / or optical elements or structures may for instance be made by means of pressing. Any visual surface texture, such as for instance one mimicking mortar joints or the like, may then for instance be pressed simultaneously with one or multiple surface texture(s), which may for instance facilitate providing the back face of a recess of such visual surface texture can simultaneously be provided with a surface texture.

[0103] It is noted that, in embodiments, the separate front panel arranged for refracting and transmitting sunlight may comprise a sheet, for instance comprising a plate or a foil, arranged for refracting and transmitting sunlight. At least a first portion of the sheet may be arranged to refract and transmit sunlight such that, when the sheet is positioned vertically, a sunray or beam of light arriving at the front side of said sheet under a certain incoming angle with respect to the horizontal plane, will be refracted by said sheet such that it exits the sheet under an exit angle which, with respect to the horizontal plane, is substantially smaller than said certain incoming angle. For example, the sheet, or at least a portion thereof, may be arranged such that when a sunray or beam of light arrives at an incoming angle of about 40° at the front side of the sheet, it may exit the sheet at its rear side under an exit angle of about 10°, which may mean that at least a portion of the sheet can thus be arranged to refract the light over about 30°. Advantageously, the sheet, or at least a portion thereof, may be arranged to refract the light over a refracting angle of at least 10°, preferably at least 15°, more preferably at least 20°, yet more preferably at least 25°. It is noted that, as mentioned above, different portions of the sheet may be arranged to refract incoming light over different refracting angles. Two or more different portions of the sheet may for example each be arranged to more or less correspond with a certain elevation angle of the sun, for example corresponding with average elevation angles of different seasons and / or different average elevation angles corresponding to certain times of the day.

[0104] The present disclosure also relates to a front panel for an embodiment of the solar energy harvesting assembly disclosed herein. Further, the disclosure relates to a set for forming the solar energy harvesting assembly wherein the set comprises at least one front panel and at least one solar energy harvesting panel, preferably wherein said at least one solar harvesting panel is formed as a solar panel, a solar thermal collector panel, or a photovoltaic thermal hybrid solar collector. Furthermore, the disclosure relates to a building provided with a solar energy harvesting assembly, preferably provided on, in or at a wall of said building.

[0105] Advantageous embodiments according to aspects of the invention are described in the appending claims.

[0106] By way of non-limiting examples only, embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying figures in which:

[0107] Fig. 1 shows a schematic partly cut-away perspective view of a first example of a solar energy harvesting assembly according to the disclosure;

[0108] Fig. 2 shows a schematic exploded view of a second example of a solar energy harvesting assembly according to an the disclosure;

[0109] Fig. 3 shows a schematic partly cut-away cross-sectional view of a third example of a solar energy harvesting assembly according to the disclosure;

[0110] Fig. 4 shows a schematic partly cut-away cross-sectional view of a fourth example of a solar energy harvesting assembly according to the disclosure;

[0111] Fig. 5A shows a schematic partly cut-away cross-sectional view of a fifth example of a solar energy harvesting assembly according to the disclosure;

[0112] Fig. 5B shows a schematic partly cut-away cross-sectional view of a sixth example of a solar energy harvesting assembly according to the disclosure;

[0113] Fig. 6 shows a schematic partly cut-away cross-sectional view of a seventh example of a solar energy harvesting assembly according to the disclosure;

[0114] Fig. 7 shows a schematic partly cut-away cross-sectional view of an example of a separate front panel according to the disclosure;

[0115] Fig. 8 shows a schematic partly cut-away cross-sectional view of a second example of a separate front panel according to the disclosure;

[0116] Fig. 9 shows a schematic partly cut-away cross-sectional view of a third example of a separate front panel according to the disclosure;

[0117] Figure 10 shows a schematic view of an example of a method for increasing the energy yield from an upright and / or vertically oriented solar energy harvesting panel according to the disclosure; and

[0118] Figure 11 shows a schematic view of an example of a method for manufacturing a solar energy harvesting assembly according to the disclosure. It is noted that the figures show merely preferred embodiments according to the invention. In the figures, the same or similar reference signs or numbers refer to equal or corresponding parts.

[0119] In an example of a solar energy harvesting assembly 100 (see figure 1), the assembly comprises solar energy harvesting panel 200, which in this case is solar or photovoltaic panel 200, and separate front panel 300. Solar panel 200 extends vertically and can be attached to a building. Front panel 300 is a separate panel that can be detached from solar panel 200 (see figure 2). In this example, solar panel 200 and front panel 300 have a similar size. Front panel 300 in this example is provided, on front surface 310, with brick-like structure 302, which comprises a number of grooves 304. Grooves 304 in this example are physical grooves 304 rather than visual grooves only. Front panel 300 further comprises a number of refraction means 306, which in this example are protrusions 306 in the form of prisms 306. These are schematically indicated (see figure 1). In a second example (see figure 2), which is comparable to the example of figure 1, refraction means 306 are only schematically indicated.

[0120] In a cross-sectional view of a third example (see figure 3), assembly 100 is shown relative to wall 430 of building 400, to which assembly 100 is connectable. Solar panel 200 in this example is photovoltaic panel 200 having light receiving surface 210 at the front thereof. The example further shows front panel 300 having front surface 310 and rear surface 320. Rear surface 320 is facing light receiving surface 210, whereas front surface 310 is facing away from light receiving surface 210. Front surface 310 of front panel 300 is provided with a plurality of prisms 352, whereas rear surface 320 is provided with a plurality of prisms 372. Therewith, plurality of prisms 352 forms first subset 314 and plurality of prisms 372 forms second subset 316. Prisms 352 and prisms 372 of respectively first subset 314 and second subset 316 together form refracting means 306, which together refract incident light rays 510 on front panel 300 to adjusted light rays 512. Adjusted light rays 512 reach solar panel 200 to allow solar panel 200 to generate (electrical) energy therefrom. Incident light ray 510 arrives at incident angle A with imaginary plane 312, which angle A in this example is about 38°. This incident angle A is more or less an incident light ray for a geographical location such as the Netherlands. It is noted that imaginary plane 312 in this example extends parallel to front surface 310 of front panel 300.

[0121] In more detail, it is shown that each prism 352 is provided with interface surface 353, which in this example is first interface surface 353 as it is part of first subset 314. Interface surface 353 extends under interface angle C with imaginary plane 312, which interface angle C in this example is about 20°. Prism 352 further comprises boundary surface 354, which connects lower end 318 of first interface surface 353 with front surface 310 of front panel 300. Boundary surface 354 extends under angle B with imaginary plane 312, which angle B in this example is about 90°.

[0122] Furthermore, each prism 374 of second subset 316 is provided with interface surface

[0123] 373, which in this example is second interface surface 373 as it is part of second subset 316. Interface surface 373 extends under interface angle D with imaginary plane 312, which interface angle D in this example is about 20°. Prism 373 further comprises boundary surface

[0124] 374, which connects lower end 322 of second interface surface 373 with rear surface 320 of front panel 300. Boundary surface 373 extends under angle E with imaginary plane 312, which angle E in this example is about 90°.

[0125] In use of assembly 100, incident light ray 510 enters front panel 300 through first interface surface 353 of prism 352 and is refracted to intermediate light ray 511. In this case, intermediate light ray 511 is refracted such that it is transmitted through front panel 300 at angle F, which is the angle of intermediate light ray 511 with imaginary plane 312. In this example, angle F is about 75°. Intermediate light ray 511 is transmitted to rear surface 320 and subsequently through second interface surface 373 of prism 372 as adjusted light ray 512. Adjusted light ray 512 is refracted a second time upon transmitting through second interface surface 373. Adjusted light ray 512 in this example exits with angle G, which is the angle between adjusted light ray 512 and imaginary plane 312. In this example, angle G is about 90°.

[0126] In a fourth example (see figure 4), solar panel 200 is similar to solar panel 200 of figure 3. Front panel 300 however in this example only comprises refracting means 306 on front surface 310. Front surface 310 is facing away from light receiving surface 210, whereas rear surface 320 is facing light receiving surface 210. Refracting means 306 in this example comprise a plurality of prisms 352, which refract incident light rays 510 on front panel 300 to intermediate light rays 511, which in turn are (slightly) adjusted to light rays 512 by rear surface 320. Adjusted light rays 512 reach solar panel 200 to allow solar panel 200 to generate (electrical) energy therefrom. Incident light ray 510 arrives at incident angle A with imaginary plane 312, which angle A in this example is about 38°. This incident angle A is more or less an incident light ray for a geographical location such as the Netherlands. It is noted that imaginary plane 312 in this example extends parallel to front surface 310 and rear surface 320 of front panel 300. In more detail, it is shown that each prism 352 is provided with interface surface 353, which extends under interface angle C with imaginary plane 312, which interface angle C in this example is about 20°. Prism 352 further comprises boundary surface 354, which connects lower end 318 of first interface surface 353 with front surface 310 of front panel 300. Boundary surface 354 extends under angle B with imaginary plane 312, which angle B in this example is about 67°.

[0127] In use of assembly 100, incident light ray 510 enters front panel 300 through interface surface 353 of prism 352 and is refracted to intermediate light ray 511. In this case, intermediate light ray 511 is refracted such that it is transmitted through front panel 300 at angle F, which is the angle of intermediate light ray 511 with imaginary plane 312. In this example, angle F is about 70°. Intermediate light ray 511 is transmitted to rear surface 320 and exits therefrom as adjusted light ray 512. Adjusted light ray 512 is refracted a second time upon transmitting through rear surface 320. Adjusted light ray 512 in this example exits with angle G, which is the angle between adjusted light ray 512 and imaginary plane 312. In this example, angle G is about 75°.

[0128] In another example (see figure 5A), assembly 100 comprises front panel 300 in which rear surface 320 is provided with plurality of prisms 372, whereas front surface 310 is flat. Prisms 372 are refracting means 306, that refract incident light rays 510 on front panel 300 to adjusted light rays 512 towards solar panel 200. In this figure, it is schematically shown that part of incident light ray 510 may, depending on factors such as the material, location / orientation and time of day, be reflected as reflected light ray 513. As already noted earlier, that the presence of refraction means, in particular on front surface 310, reduces the amount of reflection.

[0129] In a further example (see figure 5B), assembly 100 comprises solar panel 200, having light receiving surface 210, and front panel 300 having front surface 310 and rear surface 320. Rear surface 320 is facing light receiving surface 210, whereas front surface 310 is facing away from light receiving surface 210. Rear surface 320 in this example is provided with a plurality of prisms 372, whereas front surface 310 is flat. Prisms 372 are refracting means 306, that refract incident light rays 510 on front panel 300 to adjusted light rays 512 towards solar panel 200. Incident light ray 510 arrives at incident angle A with imaginary plane 312, which angle A in this example is about 38°. This incident angle A is more or less an incident light ray for a geographical location such as the Netherlands. It is noted that imaginary plane 312 in this example extends parallel to front surface 310 and rear surface 320 of front panel 300. Each prism 374 is provided with interface surface 373 that extends under interface angle D with imaginary plane 312. Interface angle D in this example is about 20°. Prism 373 further comprises boundary surface 374, which connects lower end 322 of interface surface 373 with rear surface 320 of front panel 300. Boundary surface 373 extends under angle E with imaginary plane 312, which angle E in this example is about 90°.

[0130] In use of assembly 100, incident light ray 510 enters front panel 300 through front surface 310 and is (slightly) refracted to intermediate light ray 511. In this case, intermediate light ray 511 is refracted such that it is transmitted through front panel 300 at angle F, which is the angle of intermediate light ray 511 with imaginary plane 312. In this example, angle F is about 50°. Intermediate light ray 511 is transmitted to rear surface 320 and subsequently through interface surface 373 of prism 372 as adjusted light ray 512. Adjusted light ray 512 is refracted a second time upon transmitting through second interface surface 373. Adjusted light ray 512 in this example exits with angle G, which is the angle between adjusted light ray 512 and imaginary plane 312. In this example, angle G is about 93°.

[0131] As indicated earlier, figure 1 discloses assembly 100 comprising at least one solar energy harvesting panel 200. The example of figure 1 has a substantially flat one solar energy harvesting panel. However, in other embodiments the solar energy harvesting panel 200 may be formed differently, and it may for instance be curved to a certain extent. Additionally, or alternatively, the solar energy harvesting panels 200 may be of a substantially rectangular design. However, other shapes may be possible as well, such as for instance triangular or hexagonal panels.

[0132] In embodiments, the at least one solar energy harvesting panel 200 can for instance be formed as a solar panel comprising photovoltaic (PV) cells arranged for converting sunlight into electrical energy. Alternatively, the at least one solar energy harvesting panel 200 can be formed as a solar thermal collector panel, preferably said solar thermal collector panel being formed as a flat plate collector. In yet another embodiment, the at least one solar energy harvesting panel 200 may be formed as a photovoltaic thermal hybrid solar collector. It will be appreciated that it is also possible that the solar energy harvesting assembly 100 comprises multiple solar energy harvesting panels 200 which are not all of a similar design.

[0133] In addition to the at least one solar energy harvesting panel 200, the solar energy harvesting assembly 100 further comprises at least one separate front panel 300. The separate front panel is formed separately from the at least one solar energy harvesting panel 200. Preferably, said at least one separate front panel 300 may be in the form of a substantially flat front panel. However, in other embodiments the separate front panel 300 may be formed differently, and may for instance be curved to a certain extent. It will be appreciated by the person skilled in the art that the curvature, if any, may substantially correspond with the curvature of the solar energy harvesting panel 200.

[0134] It is noted that the separate front panel 300, in particular its rear surface 320, may be substantially offset from the solar energy harvesting panel 200, in particular the front surface 210 thereof. In addition or alternatively, the separate front panel 300 may extend substantially parallel with the solar energy harvesting panel 200 and / or its front surface 210.

[0135] Further, in addition or alternatively, the separate front panel 300 may be of a substantially rectangular design. However, other shapes may be possible as well, such as for instance triangular or hexagonal panels.

[0136] It is noted that the separate front panel 300 is arranged for refracting and transmitting sunlight to at least a first part of the one or multiple solar energy harvesting panels 200.

[0137] The example of Figure 2 shows that during use, the at least one solar energy harvesting panel 200 and / or the at least one separate front panel 300, and preferably the entire solar energy harvesting assembly 100, may preferably extend in a substantially upright position, in particular in a substantially vertical position. However, for instance in case of a somewhat inclined wall, the solar energy harvesting panel 200 and / or the separate front panel 300, and preferably even the entire solar energy harvesting assembly 100, may during use be in an inclined position themself, which is then thus not vertically, but may for instance still be considered upright.

[0138] It is noted that the solar energy harvesting assembly 100 may comprise further parts, such for instance one or more frame parts and / or one or more support parts, not shown, which may be used to mount the one or more separate front panel 300 onto the one or more solar energy harvesting panels 200, in particular such as to form an assembly 100. However, there are also other embodiments possible, for instance ones in which the one or more solar energy harvesting panels 200 and the one or more separate front panel 300 are directly mounted onto each other or in which both of them 200, 300 are mounted onto for instance a wall 430 of a building 400, and in which they 200, 300 are only connected to each other via said building 400. It will be appreciated by the person skilled in the art that, at least in embodiments, the building 400, or a part thereof such as an outer wall 430, may also be considered to form part of the solar energy harvesting assembly 100. As can be seen for instance in Figure 4, the separate front panel 300 may preferably be arranged for refracting substantially parallelly entering light rays 510’, 510”, which may be of a certain wavelength or may comprise multiple wavelengths, which enter said separate front panel 300 at its front side 310, into substantially parallelly exiting light rays 512’, 512”, which exit the separate front panel 300 at its rear side 320.

[0139] The separate front panel 300, which is arranged for refracting and transmitting sunlight to at least a first part of the one or multiple solar energy harvesting panels 200, is preferably arranged to refract incoming rays 510, which may hit the separate front panel 300 under a relatively steep angle, to make them exit the separate front panel 300 under a less steep angle , i.e. such an angle that the ray 512 exiting the front panel 300 is more horizontal or flat than the angle of the incoming ray 510, and which angle may either be a positive or a negative angle.

[0140] For instance thereto, the front panel 300 may comprise a first surface 340. First surface 340 may be front surface 310 or rear surface 320 and is generally meant to indicate a surface having refracting means. In an example, at least a part of first surface 340 may be provided with a first surface texture arranged for refracting sunlight. This may for example be made up from indentations and / or projections which together form refracting means.

[0141] Alternatively, as already indicated above, first surface 340 of separate front panel 300 may be formed by rear surface 320 of said separate front panel 300, and said first surface 340 may then thus be substantially facing towards the at least one solar energy harvesting panel 200.

[0142] Although in embodiments, only a first surface 340 may be provided with a surface texture 350 arranged for refracting sunlight, in alternative embodiments, also at least a part of a second surface 360, may be provided with a second surface texture 370 arranged for refracting sunlight. Second surface texture 370 may for example be formed by projections from and / or indentations of second surface 360. Second surface 360 than extends substantially opposite to and / or substantially parallel with the first surface 340, and thus can be either front surface 310 or rear surface 320. In other words, first surface 350 and second surface 360 are a different way of indicating the surfaces being provided with refracting means.

[0143] As for example can be seen in Figure 6, prisms 352 can be arranged for refracting incident substantially parallel light rays 510, being substantially parallel with each other, into intermediate parallel light rays 511, being substantially parallel with each other. Additionally or alternatively, prisms 372 may be arranged for refracting intermediate parallel light rays 511, which intermediate rays 511 may travel (i.e. be transmitted) through the front panel 300 to arrive at prisms 372 substantially parallelly 511’, 511”, into adjusted parallel light rays 512, which then are substantially parallel with each other 512’, 512”.

[0144] First surface texture 350 may be formed by multiple first optical elements 351, formed as prism elements 352, but may alternatively be formed differently, such as by means of projections and / or indentations. In particular, each prism 352 may have a respective first flat interface surface 353, wherein said first interface surfaces 353 may then preferably be substantially parallel to each other.

[0145] Additionally, or alternatively, the second surface texture 370, if any, may be formed by multiple second optical elements 371, in particular prism elements 372, although differently shaped second optical elements 371 may be possible as well in alternative embodiments, such as projections and / or indentations. It is noted that each prism 372 may then have a second flat interface surface 373, wherein said second interface surfaces 373 may then preferably be substantially parallel to each other.

[0146] In advantageous embodiments, the first flat interface surfaces 350 may extend under a first angle a with respect to a first imaginary plane, wherein said first angle lies in the range of 2° to 40°. Said first flat interface surfaces 350 may thus extend relatively steep, i.e. more upright than horizontally. Preferably, said first angle a may be in the range of 7° to 35°, more preferably 10° to 30°, and yet more preferably in the range of 15° to 25°, such as for example about 20°.

[0147] Additionally or alternatively, in advantageous embodiments, the second flat interface surfaces 373, if any, may extend under a second angle P with respect to the first imaginary plane, wherein said second angle lies in the range of 25° to 70°. Preferably, said second P angle may be in the range of 30° to 65°, more preferably 35° to 60°, yet more preferably 40° to 55°, and said second P angle may for instance be about 48°.

[0148] Furthermore, prism element 352 may comprise a first boundary surface 354, in particular one formed as a substantially flat surface. Said first boundary surface 354 may then extend substantially under a first connection angle cp with respect to an adjacent one 353’ of the first flat interface surfaces 353. In particular, the adjacent first flat interface surfaces 353’ may be located above the first boundary surface 354 of the respective first optical element 351.

[0149] Advantageously, said first connection angle cp may for example be in the range of 60° to 120°, preferably in the range of 70° to 110°, more preferably in the range of 80° to 100°, yet more preferably in the range of 85° to 95°, and for instance said first boundary surface 354 may extend substantially transverse to said adjacent one 353’ of the first flat interface surfaces

[0150] 353. Due to arranging said first connection angle cp such that it is not too small, said angle cp may for instance facilitate that relatively many rays 511 refracted by the first flat interface surface 353 can travel through the front panel 300 without hitting the first boundary surface

[0151] 354, as for instance may be understood from Figure 6. Additionally or alternatively, due to arranging said first connection angle cp such that it is not too large, said angle cp may for instance facilitate that the part H354 of the total height H351 of the prism 352covered by the first boundary surface 354 is relatively small with respect to the height H353 of the first flat interface surfaces 353.

[0152] Advantageously, the height H353 of the first flat interface surfaces 35 is at least 2.5 times the height H354 of the first boundary surface 354, and preferably it may be at least 3 times as big, more preferably at least 3.5 times as big, yet more preferably at least 4 times as big, wherein said heights H353, H354 are then measured in the upward direction in which the direction HD in which the separate front plate extends and / or in the vertical direction, as may be observed in Figure 6.

[0153] Alternatively or additional, in embodiments, during use, an overhang angle 0 between the first boundary surface 354 and the horizontal plane HP may for instance substantially correspond, to at least some extent, with the local four-seasonal average elevation angle of the sun on the location at which the solar energy harvesting assembly 100 is used or where it is to be used. For example, said overhang angle 0 may be chosen such as to be substantially similar with the local four-seasonal average elevation angle of the sun, and may for instance be in a range ranging from 15° below the local four-seasonal average elevation angle of the sun to 15° above the local four-seasonal average elevation angle of the sun, preferably in a range ranging from 10° below the local four-seasonal average elevation angle of the sun to 10° above the local four-seasonal average elevation angle of the sun.

[0154] In embodiments, prism element 372 may comprise a second boundary surface 374, in particular a substantially flat surface, which may preferably be located above the second flat interface surface 373, as for instance can be seen in the exemplary embodiment shown in Figure 6 and for instance also in the exemplary embodiment shown in Figure 7.

[0155] Said second boundary surface 374 may extend substantially under a second connection angle X with respect to a second imaginary plane 390 being substantially parallel with the second surface 320 of the separate front panel 300. Said second connection angle X may preferably be in the range of 40° to 120°, more preferably in the range of 50° to 110°, yet more preferably in the range of 60° to 100°. This may for example counteract that a light ray 512 exiting the separate front panel 300 at its rear side 320, in particular a light ray exiting via a relatively low portion of a second flat interface surface 373, may be obstructed by a second boundary surface 374 located below said flat interface surface 373 from which the exiting light ray exits the separate front panel 300.

[0156] In embodiments, the solar energy harvesting assembly 100 may be arranged such that said second boundary surface 374 may extend substantially transverse to said second imaginary plane 390, or it may lie at a slight slope of for instance between 0° and 15°, for instance 0° and 25°.

[0157] The solar energy harvesting assembly 100, which may be provided at a wall 430 of a building 400 and / or which may comprise said wall 400, in particular a substantially vertically extending wall, may comprises multiple solar energy harvesting panels 200. Said solar energy harvesting panels 200 may then be placed substantially flush with each tother. Additionally, or alternatively, at least a first one of the one or multiple front panel 300 can then cover multiple ones of the solar energy harvesting panel 200 at least partly. It will be appreciated that the size of the front panel 300 does thus not need to correspond with the size of the solar energy harvesting panel 200. Besides, the shape of the front panel 300 does not need to correspond with the shape of the solar energy harvesting panel 200.

[0158] Additionally or alternatively, the solar energy harvesting assembly 100 may comprise multiple front panels 300, preferably multiple front panels 300 which are placed substantially flush with each other.

[0159] As for instance is the case in the different exemplary embodiments shown in Figures 1, 2 and 8, the separate front panel 300, in particular its front side, may be provided with a stone-like or brick-like appearance or something similar, such as for instance a concrete-like or wood-like appearance. Said front panel 300, in particular its front side 310 may for example at least partly be provided with a coating 342. Although said coating 342 may for instance be a spectrum coating, which may be arranged for absorbing relatively little light in the spectrum in which the solar energy harvesting panel 200 works, the coating may nevertheless have a somewhat negative impact on the energy yield of the solar energy harvesting assembly 100. For instance therefore, at least in embodiments, the surface area of the front panel 300 covered with said coating may preferably cover at most 25% of the surface area of said front panel 300, preferably at most 20%, such for instance at most 15%, or even less, such as for example at most 10% or at most 8%.

[0160] Alternatively or additionally, in particular in embodiments comprising prisms 352, said coating 342, which may be applied in a manner such as to mimic mortar joints or something similar, may be applied substantially only to the first boundary surfaces 354. As such, the first flat interface surfaces 353 may thus be substantially free of the coating, thereby counteracting that incoming sunlight, most of which may be coming from above, may be obstructed by said coating, whereas the perception of an observer, which may often look from below at a facade, which facade may thus be provided with the solar energy harvesting assembly 100, may still be that of a facade provided with mortar joints or something similar.

[0161] Alternatively or additionally, the front side 310 of the separate front panel 300 may at least to some extent be provided with a visual surface texture 330 to mimic the appearance of masonry wall or something similar such as for instance a facade covered with wooden panels or for instance a facade covered with tiles, which may seem to be spaced apart, for example by means of grooves 331, 332, 334. This may for instance be done such that the solar energy harvesting assembly 100 can be perceived relatively attractive and / or relatively aesthetic. For example, said visual surface texture 330 may be arranged for mimicking mortar joints or something similar, as is the case in the exemplary embodiment shown in Figure 9.

[0162] Preferably, said visual surface texture 330 may include one or more recesses 331, 332, for instance recesses 331, 332 in the form of grooves, which may mimic mortar joints. In the exemplary embodiment shown of Figure 9, the visual surface texture 330 does for instance comprise both substantially horizontally extending groove shaped recesses 331 as well as substantially vertically extending groove shaped recesses 332 which are provided in a rectangular raster. This may for instance give to some extent the impression that a respective wall covered with the respective solar energy harvesting assembly 100 seems to look like a tiled facade.

[0163] In embodiments, the recesses 334 may have a depth D334, measured in a direction transverse to the front face 310 of the separate front panel 300, which depth D334 may be substantially larger than the depth D351 of the optical elements 351 or structures 351 which may be provided at, in or on said front face 310 of said separate front panel 300.

[0164] Advantageously, said relatively deep grooves 331, 332 or other recesses 334 may have a depth D334, when measured from the most forwardly protruding portions 308 of the front panel 300, in particular formed by the most forwardly protruding portions 358 of the optical elements 351 or structures 351, up to the most posteriorly located portions 338 of the recess 334, which depth D334 may be at least two times, preferably at least three times, more preferably at least four times deeper than the depth D350 of the surface texture 350, if any, provided at, on or in the front side 310 of the separate front panel 300, wherein said depth D350 of the surface texture 350 is measured from the most forwardly protruding portions 358 of the optical elements 351 or structures 351 up to the most posteriorly located portions 359 of said optical elements or structures 351.

[0165] In an example of method 1000 for increasing the energy yield from an upright and / or vertically oriented solar energy harvesting panel, the method may comprising the steps of providing 1002 a solar energy harvesting assembly according to the disclosure and operating 1004 the assembly.

[0166] The step of operating may comprise the steps of refracting 1006, using refracting means on a front surface of the front panel, an incident light ray to provide an adjusted light ray, followed by transmitting 1008, through the front panel, the adjusted light ray. It further may comprise the step of operating 1010 the solar energy harvesting panel using the adjusted light ray. The operating is such that the incident light ray has a predetermined angle with respect to a normal of a light receiving surface of the solar energy harvesting panel that is larger than an adjusted incident angle of the adjusted light ray with respect to the normal of the light receiving surface.

[0167] The abovementioned steps thus result in the light ray being adjusted to a more horizontal entry angle with respect to the light receiving surface of the solar panel.

[0168] Preferably, the step of operating 1004 the assembly comprises the optional steps of receiving 1012 a plurality of parallel incident light rays, refracting 1014 the parallel incident light rays to provide a plurality of parallel adjusted light rays, transmitting 1016 the adjusted light rays and operating 1018 the solar energy harvesting panel using the parallel adjusted light rays.

[0169] In an example of method 2000 for manufacturing a solar energy harvesting assembly according to disclosure, method 2000 comprises the step of providing 2002 at least one solar energy harvesting panel, preferably a photovoltaic panel or a photovoltaic thermal hybrid solar collector. It further comprises the step of manufacturing 2004 a panel of base material for a front panel and applying 2008 refracting means to at least a front side of the front panel and preferably to the front and a rear side of the front panel. Optionally, method 2000 comprises the step of performing 1012 the steps of manufacturing 2004 and applying 2008 at the same time to form an integral front panel.

[0170] Alternatively, method 2000 comprises the step of providing 2006 a panel of base material for a front panel and applying 2008 refracting means to at least a front side of the front panel and preferably to the front and a rear side of the front panel. The step of applying 2008 in this example may optionally comprise the step of treating 2014, preferably machining, such as milling, the panel of base material to apply the refracting means.

[0171] Both alternatives comprise the step of operationally connecting 2010 the front panel to a light receiving surface of the at least one solar energy harvesting panel.

[0172] It is noted that for the purpose of clarity and a concise description features are described herein as part of the same or separate embodiments, however, it will be appreciated that the scope of the invention may include embodiments having combinations of all or some of the features described herein.

[0173] Furthermore, it is noted that the invention is not restricted to the embodiments described herein. It will be understood that many variants are possible.

[0174] For example, in embodiments, the solar energy harvesting panel and the separate front panel may be put apart over a certain distance, as is the case in the exemplary embodiments shown in Figures 3-6. However, in other embodiments, the separate front panel may abut the solar energy harvesting panel. Whether or not they are spaced apart or abut, for instance at the most rearwardly protruding portions of a surface texture provided at the rear side of the separate front panel, the space between said solar energy harvesting panel and the separate front panel may be empty. This empty space may for instance simply contain air, and may for instance be in open connection with the outside air. However, in other embodiments, the space may be part of a closed room or closed space, substantially hermetically sealed from the outside air. Such closed room or space may then for instance comprise a gas or gas mixture, such as for instance air. The air, or other gas mixture or gas, may preferably be dehumidified, which may for instance counteract condensation, as condensed water droplets may for instance refract light in an undesirable manner. It is also possible that, in case of such hermetically sealing, in the empty space there may be a so-called partial vacuum, such that gas pressure inside said empty space is a relatively low in comparison to the outside air.

[0175] Such and other variants will be apparent for the person skilled in the art and are considered to lie within the scope of the invention as formulated in the following claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A solar energy harvesting assembly, comprising: at least one solar energy harvesting panel having a light receiving surface; and at least one separate front panel that is associated with the at least one solar energy harvesting panel, the front panel extending substantially parallel to the light receiving surface thereof; wherein the front panel comprises refracting means that are configured to refract incident light rays on the front panel having a predetermined angle with respect to a normal of the light receiving surface to adjusted light rays having an adjusted incident angle with respect to the normal of the light receiving surface, such that the adjusted incident angle is smaller than the predetermined angle.

2. The solar energy harvesting assembly according to claim 1, wherein the refracting means comprise one or more protrusions extending from and / or indentations provided in the front and / or the rear surface of the front panel, wherein each protrusion and / or indentation includes an interface surface that extends under an interface angle with an imaginary plane that is substantially parallel to an extension direction of the front panel.

3. The solar energy harvesting assembly according to claim 2, wherein the one or more protrusions and / or indentations are a plurality of protrusions and / or indentations, wherein a first subset of the plurality of protrusions and / or indentations is positioned on the front or the rear surface and an optional second subset of the plurality of protrusions and / or indentations is positioned on the other of the front and the rear surface, and preferably wherein, when having a first and second subset, the protrusions and / or indentations of the first and second subsets are configured to cooperate to diminish the adjusted incident angle with respect to the predetermined angle.

4. The solar energy harvesting assembly according to claim 1, wherein the refracting means comprise one or more of prisms that are positioned on a front surface and / or rear surface of the front panel, wherein each prism includes an interface surface that extends under an interface angle with an imaginary plane that is substantially parallel to an extension direction of the front panel.

5. The solar energy harvesting assembly according to claim 4, wherein the one or more prisms is a plurality of prisms, wherein a first subset of the plurality of prisms is positioned on the front or the rear surface and an optional second subset of the plurality of prisms is positioned on the other of the front and the rear surface, and preferably wherein, when having a first and a second subset, the prisms of the first and second subsets are configured to cooperate to diminish the adjusted incident angle with respect to the predetermined angle.

6. The solar energy harvesting assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one solar energy harvesting panel extends in a substantially upright position, preferably a substantially vertical position.

7. The solar energy harvesting assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one separate front panel is configured to maintain a relative positioning of incident light rays with respect to each other during transmittal to the at least one solar energy harvesting panel, in particular wherein parallel incident light rays remain parallel during transmittal to the at least one solar energy harvesting panel.

8. The solar energy harvesting assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one separate front panel, preferably its front side, is provided at least partly with a brick-like or stone-like appearance or the like, preferably wherein the separate front panel, more preferably a front side thereof, is at least partly be provided with a coating.

9. Front panel for the solar energy harvesting assembly according to any one of the preceding claims.

10. Set for forming the solar energy harvesting assembly according to any one of claims 1-8, comprising: at least one front panel according to claim 9; and at least one solar energy harvesting panel, preferably a photovoltaic panel or a photovoltaic thermal hybrid solar collector.

11. Building provided with a solar energy harvesting assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

12. Method for increasing the energy yield from an upright and / or vertically oriented solar energy harvesting panel, the method comprising the steps of: providing a solar energy harvesting assembly according to any one of the claims 1 to 8; operating the assembly.

13. Method according to claim 12, wherein the step of operating the assembly comprises the steps of: refracting, using refracting means on a front surface of the front panel, an incident light ray to provide an adjusted light ray; transmitting, through the front panel, the adjusted light ray; and operating the solar energy harvesting panel using the adjusted light ray; wherein the incident light ray has a predetermined angle with respect to a normal of a light receiving surface of the solar energy harvesting panel that is larger than an adjusted incident angle of the adjusted light ray with respect to the normal of the light receiving surface.

14. Method according to claim 13, wherein the step of operating the assembly comprises the steps of: receiving a plurality of parallel incident light rays; refracting the parallel incident light rays to provide a plurality of parallel adjusted light rays; transmitting the adjusted light rays; and operating the solar energy harvesting panel using the parallel adjusted light rays.

15. Method for manufacturing a solar energy harvesting assembly according to any one of the claims 1 to 8, the method comprising the steps of: providing at least one solar energy harvesting panel, preferably a photovoltaic panel or a photovoltaic thermal hybrid solar collector; manufacturing or providing a panel of base material for a front panel; applying refracting means to at least a front side of the front panel and preferably to the front and a rear side of the front panel;operationally connecting the front panel to a light receiving surface of the at least one solar energy harvesting panel; wherein the steps of manufacturing a panel and applying the refractive means preferably are performed in a single operation, or wherein the step of applying after the step of providing the panel of base material comprises a machining operation, such as milling.

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