Composite Masking Between Solar Cells for Shading Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solar cell arrays face challenges in masking gaps and electrical interconnects between solar cells, leading to potential shading and aesthetic issues, while current solutions do not effectively address the need for both functional protection and visibility concealment.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of composite masking regions, comprising layers with varying light transmitting properties, including transparent and opaque materials, strategically positioned over gaps and interconnects between solar cells, using lamination and printing technologies to create a mask that affixes to the cells and conceals interconnects without significant shading.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If masking regions are placed over gaps and interconnects between solar cells, then aesthetic appearance is improved and interconnects are concealed, but shading is increased which reduces solar energy transmission
Solution Approach 1:
The masking layer is designed with spatially varying optical properties: transparent regions positioned over gaps between cells allow maximum light transmission, while opaque regions positioned over interconnects conceal them from view. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction by providing aesthetic concealment only where needed while preserving energy transmission in critical areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The masking layer is segmented into distinct transparent and opaque regions rather than being uniformly opaque. This segmentation allows the mask to simultaneously fulfill aesthetic functions (concealing interconnects) and functional requirements (allowing sunlight transmission), resolving the contradiction between appearance and energy efficiency.
2Loss of information
If opaque masking material is used to conceal interconnects, then visibility of interconnects is reduced, but light transmission to solar cells is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The masking layer implements local quality by having opaque properties only in specific regions where interconnects are located, while maintaining transparency in regions where light must pass through to reach solar cells. This resolves the contradiction by making the mask selectively opaque rather than uniformly opaque.
Solution Approach 2:
The masking layer acts as an intermediary element that reconciles the conflicting requirements of concealment and light transmission. By positioning transparent and opaque regions at different locations, it mediates between the need to hide interconnects and the need to allow sunlight through to the solar cells.
3Use of energy by moving object
If transparent masking layer is used, then light transmission is maintained, but interconnects remain visible affecting aesthetic appearance
Solution Approach 1:
The masking layer transitions from being uniformly transparent to having spatially varying properties with opaque regions strategically placed over interconnects. This local differentiation maintains light transmission in most areas while providing aesthetic concealment where required, resolving the contradiction between transparency and appearance.
4Shape
If masking regions cover entire solar cell surfaces, then aesthetic appearance is improved, but solar energy absorption is significantly reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The masking layer is segmented to cover only specific portions (gaps and interconnects) rather than entire solar cell surfaces. This segmentation ensures that aesthetic improvement is achieved in non-critical areas while solar energy absorption areas remain uncovered and fully functional.
Solution Approach 2:
The masking layer applies different properties (transparent vs. opaque) to different locations, with opaque material applied only where aesthetic concealment is needed and transparent material where energy absorption is critical, preventing significant reduction in solar energy absorption while still improving appearance.
Data Source
AI summary
Composite making regions are provided. These masking regions can include layers or other areas of different transparency where a first region has a first transparency and a second region has a different transparency. Masking regions can be positioned between adjacent photovoltaic cells of photovoltaic arrays.