BUILDING-INTEGRATED SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAIC PANEL

Abstract

A device to generate electricity from solar rays is provided. A photovoltaic solar cell unit comprises a first cover and a second cover. The second cover is generally parallel to the first cover and the second cover is spaced from the first cover. The first and the second cover have a longitudinal axis. The photovoltaic solar cell unit also includes a solar cell disposed between the first cover and the second cover with the solar cell being disposed at a predetermined angle relative to the longitudinal axis.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present disclosure relates generally to a solar photovoltaic panel, particularly to a building-integrated photovoltaic panel.

2. Background

The efficiency of solar photovoltaic panel is dependent on the angle of the light radiated on the solar cell. For application in building-integrated photovoltaic, to maximize solar access and power output, the orientation and the tilt angle of the arrays are optimized. The orientation and the tilt angle of the arrays can be optimized relative to the geographical location. Demonstrations have shown that a system installed at a tilt angle equivalent to the site latitude produces the greatest amount of electricity on an annual basis. In comparison to a system's performance at latitudes angle, the annual performance losses for vertical façade systems can be as high as 50%, while annual performance losses for façade systems can be as high as 10% for horizontal installation.

Facades offer a large area for solar panels. Besides generating electricity, solar facades can be integrated with window, day lighting, shading schemes to provide multiple benefits. The typical building skin façade is vertical and has a face that faces southwards. However, vertical oriented solar panels mostly have much reduced electricity output compared to panels sloped towards the sun. The reduction in output is greatest in the summer when the sun is high in the sky. Coincidentally, summer is also when electricity is the most valuable. Optimizing solar panel performance in building wall applications will usually require more complex detailing and therefore higher construction costs in order to accommodate optimal orientations to the sun. Currently there are a number of solutions in an attempt to improve efficiency and energy output of solar panel used in building. Some of these solutions attempt to make a sloped wall. The solutions of the prior art generally have drawbacks and reduce the effective floor areas at perimeter of the building. The prior solutions also reduce building area per site area and the solutions increase cost to construct. Other solutions attempt to use a saw tooth configuration or an accordion wall configuration, but these solutions have complex curtain wall constructions, which are hard to manufacture and also potentially has problems, when cleaning. Still other solutions seek to use solar cell blind to track the sun. But this configuration also has performance loss from shading effects. This configuration also has reliability issues.

For installation on a flat roof top, solar panels are tilted at a favorable angle by using mounting structures. The mounting structures cause detrimental issues. These may include a high system cost and a complex installation or a large weight load. Sometimes mounting of the panels may even cause mechanical damage to the roof. Also the shading on a panel from adjacent panels will cause performance loss, as well as reliability issues. To avoid this problem, panels are placed separated from one other by a large distance from each other to avoid shading, which can block the solar cell. As a result, the effective area from the sun to expose the solar panels is reduced. Also for a fixed roof area and a fixed shape, due to the fixed dimension of a solar cell panel, there will be wasted area on the edges. This can result in losses, which can be high due to the large dimension of a solar panel.

For locations with latitude at 0 degrees, most roof tops are constructed to be sloped due to rain and drainage. However, the solar energy efficiency is the highest when the solar cell is horizontal.

It would be desirable to have a solar panel that has less performance dependency on design. More often than not, the strong performance dependency on design makes designers view the solar cell design as a limitation rather than an opportunity to exploit. Many architects and clients feel that solar architecture implies rigid design limitations. These limitations are regarding orientation, placement of windows, sloping roof elements, sun spaces and so on. This is not necessarily true as discovered by the present inventors.

It would be desirable to have a device that generate electricity from solar, which has high efficiency even at a standard vertical building structure, without adding complexity in building design.

It would be desirable to have a solar panel that has high solar efficiency with a standard building construction, which has lower cost, better appearance, standard dimension, and a better design flexibility.

Furthermore, it would also be desirable to have a solar panel that has a high solar efficiency without sacrificing building floor area as compared with a sloped building wall with a conventional solar panel. Building floor area is a precious commodity. In some cases, such as sloped curtain wall, the solar panel configurations reduce the amount of usable perimeter floor area. This is attributed to the fact that the wall effectively ‘cuts back’ on floor area as the building gets taller. Any reduction in usable floor area needs to be considered when evaluating the life-cycle costs of a solar system.

Furthermore, it would be desirable to have a solar panel to form the building structure with accessibility for frequent maintenance and cleaning of the panels from the exterior of the building. It is critical to ensure that panel stays clean or can be cleaned to keep efficiency. Solar panel performance is highly dependent upon its ability to remain clean. Complicated construction designs, such as “saw tooth”, or “accordion”, have issues in that these configurations are difficult to clean. This in turn may affect the provision for cleaning tracks or fasteners in curtain wall systems and may increase operating costs.

Furthermore, it would be desirable to have a solar panel that can be installed on roof top with the panel having optimized energy efficiency without any special mounting system to tilt the panel against the roof top. The present disclosure provides that the solar cell can be tilted to optimum angle while panel is simply mounted on the roof top.

Still further, it would be desirable to have solar panels in a building structure, which would not lose significant energy efficiency from the partial shading from adjacent panel. Even partial shading on the panel will decrease the energy output. Profiled mounting constructions, in particular such as awnings, can produce shade. This shade falls along the edge of the adjacent panel. The shade will result in a loss of efficiency. This also may cause reliability problems. In general, panels need a large distance between the panels. This large distance avoids this shading effect. However, the configuration has some major drawbacks, including that the total area of solar panels is reduced, the configuration has a lower sun angle in spring and fall, there is too much sun exposed through the large distance.

Still further, it would be desirable to have solar panels that are adjustable to optimize heat load. It is desirable to have solar cells with a high angled direct sunlight parameter to reduce heat load.

Still further, it would be desirable to have solar panels that are adjustable to optimize the daylight. The present disclosure may provide that the solar cells preferably shade high angle direct sunlight and allow diffuse light in through the space between solar cells. Diffuse light provides more comfortable lighting.

Still further, it would also be desirable to have a solar panel that has more solar cell area, so the cell can generate more electricity. Standard panel has a solar cell area at panel area minus empty space on panel surface. With angled solar cells inside panels, solar cell area can be larger than the panel area.

Still further, it would also be desirable to have a solar panel using reflector. The reflector may collect sunlight on empty spaces between adjacent solar cells to improve panel efficiency. With angled and spaced solar cells, angled reflectors that are inserted in between adjacent solar cells can guide the sunlight to the surface of solar cells.

Still further, it would be desirable to have a device that can form a curved solar panel to provide the flexibility in architectural design. Still further, it would be desirable to have a curved solar panel with internal solar cells having similar angles of incidence to avoid mismatch. Patterns can be designed to align solar cells. This design may point to the sun at the same angle even when the panel is curved.

Still further, it is desirable to have solar panels that optimize solar cell orientation as well. A vertical saw tooth design is used to obtain good solar performances in certain orientations. However, this design created multiple “corner” windows, which is not favorable. With the present disclosure, a vertical straight curtain wall can be built, and the internal solar cells will form the preferred orientation.

Still further, it is desirable to have reliable solar panel. There was solution to have solar sunscreen within a window to track sun. However, due to the moving parts of the design, this configuration includes reliability issues. The present disclosure includes solar cells, which are fully encapsulated in a panel, and thus there is no reliability concern.

Still further, it is desirable to have solar panel without self shading from an adjacent cell. In a solar sunscreen system, as result of tracking the sun, the shading from the above solar cell strongly limits energy yield. The present disclosure uses fixed designed angles and spaces to eliminate or to minimize the self-shading impact from an above or an upper solar cell. The space between solar cells is used to be transparent, as well as avoiding shading on an adjacent solar cell.

Therefore, there currently exists a need in the industry for a device and associated method that has a number of solar cells that are angled and that are spaced inside the panel.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure advantageously fills the aforementioned deficiencies by providing a method to make solar photovoltaic panels with internal angled solar cells. The present disclosure device is unique when compared with other known devices and solutions because the present disclosure provides: a solar cell is strip shaped and rotated along the strip to form an angle with the surface of the solar panel. The solar cell points to sunlight at a favorable angle with a simple construction and solar cells are spaced to minimize shading from an adjacent cell and connectors are patterned to assemble with the angled solar cells. The solar cell may also include a patterned holder, or a front cover, or a back cover, which can be used to support the solar cell. The solar cell may further include an insert unit. The insert unit can be added in the space between solar cells for functions of insulation, lights, or light collection.

According to a first aspect of the present disclosure there is provided a photovoltaic solar cell unit comprising a first cover and a second cover. The second cover is generally parallel to the first cover. The second cover is spaced from the first cover and the first and the second cover have a longitudinal axis. The photovoltaic solar cell unit also includes a solar cell. The solar cell disposed between the first cover and the second cover with the solar cell being disposed at a predetermined angle relative to the longitudinal axis.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure there is provided a photovoltaic solar cell unit comprising a first cover having a longitudinal axis and a solar cell disposed at a predetermined angle relative to the longitudinal axis.

According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure there is provided a photovoltaic solar cell unit comprising a first cover and a second cover being generally parallel to the first cover. The second cover is spaced from the first cover and the first and the second cover have a longitudinal axis. The second cover is adapted to be supported on an inclined surface and a solar cell is disposed between the first cover and the second cover. The solar cell is disposed at a predetermined angle relative to the inclined surface. The solar cell is generally horizontal notwithstanding the inclined surface.

In another embodiment there is provided a photovoltaic solar cell unit comprising a first cover and a second cover being generally parallel to the first cover. The second cover is spaced from the first cover and the first and the second cover having a longitudinal axis and a solar cell is disposed between the first cover and the second cover and the solar cell is supported on a curved surface.

In another embodiment there is provided a photovoltaic solar cell unit comprising a first cover and a second cover being generally parallel to the first cover with the second cover being spaced from the first cover and the first and the second cover have a longitudinal axis. The photovoltaic solar cell unit has a solar cell disposed between the first cover and the second cover with the solar cell being disposed at a predetermined angle relative to the longitudinal axis. The photovoltaic solar cell unit also has a holder between the first cover and the second cover for supporting the solar cell.

The present disclosure now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are intended to be read in conjunction with both this summary, the detailed description and any preferred and/or particular embodiments specifically discussed or otherwise disclosed. This disclosure may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided by way of illustration only and so that this disclosure will be thorough, complete and will fully convey the full scope of the disclosure to those skilled in the art.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A shows a simplified three dimensional sketch of prior art solar panel.

FIG. 1B shows a simplified three dimensional sketch of solar panel of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2A shows a simplified three dimensional sketch of building wall with saw tooth or accordion construction using prior art solar panel.

FIG. 2B shows a simplified three dimensional sketch of vertical façade wall using the present solar panel.

FIG. 3A shows a simplified three dimensional sketch of solar array on a flat roof top using prior art solar panel.

FIG. 3B shows a simplified three dimensional sketch of solar array on a flat roof top using the present solar panel.

FIG. 4A shows a simplified three dimensional sketch of solar array on a sloped roof top using prior art solar panel.

FIG. 4B shows a simplified three dimensional sketch of solar array on a sloped roof top using the present solar panel.

FIG. 5A shows a simplified three dimensional sketch of curved solar panel, comprising of curved front cover, solar cell, curved back cover.

FIG. 5B shows simplified three dimensional sketch of curved solar panel with internally angled solar cells pointing to same direction.

FIG. 6 shows a simplified three dimensional sketch of a solar panel using connectors to assemble solar cells.

FIG. 7 shows a simplified three dimensional sketch of a solar panel with a patterned holder to support solar cells to a predetermined placement.

FIG. 8 shows a simplified three dimensional sketch of a solar panel using patterned back cover to support solar cells to a predetermined placement.

FIG. 9 shows a simplified three dimensional sketch of an embodiment of the disclosure, with pattern on the front side of front cover.

FIG. 10 shows a simplified three dimensional sketch of a solar panel with insert unit in a space between solar cells.

FIG. 11 shows a simplified three dimensional sketch of a solar panel with a thin film solar cell on a patterned back cover.

FIG. 12 shows a simplified three dimensional sketch of a solar panel with a reflective layer covering the exposed back cover.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure is directed to a method to make a solar panel, particularly for building integrated photovoltaic panel. The present disclosure is directed to a solar panel with an internal angled and spaced number of solar cells, which is made up of the following components, but not limited to: a) at least one solar cell, b) connector, c) a front cover, d) a back cover and e) encapsulant. The processes to make the solar panel include a) a process to design angles of solar cells, b) a process to design the width of solar cell, c) a process to design the space between solar cells, d) a process to assemble solar cells and e) a process to form a solar panel.

Examples related to the disclosure are disclosed. In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present disclosure. However, to one having ordinary skill in the art, it will be apparent that the specific detail need not be employed to practice the present disclosure. Well-known methods related to the implementation are not described in detail in order to obscuring the present disclosure.

FIG. 1A shows a simplified three dimensional sketch of prior art solar panel 100. The panel 100 has a front cover 101, an encapsulant 102, a solar cell 103, and a back cover 104. The solar cell 103 is generally a wafer cell with dimension 125 mm by 125 mm or 156 mm×156 mm. Various configurations are possible. The front surface 105 of the solar cell 103 is in parallel with the front surface 106 of the solar panel 100. As the thickness of the whole panel is generally below 20 mm, it is impossible to tilt a full wafer cell to an obvious angle.

FIG. 1B shows a simplified three dimensional sketch of present disclosure. The solar panel 100′ has a front cover 101, an encapsulant 102, a solar cell 103′, and a back cover 104. The solar cell 103′ is a strip. The strip has a width pf 1 to 20 mm, which can be obtained by cutting a solar wafer cell. The solar cell strip 103′ rotates along the strip to form an angle with the front surface 106 of solar panel 100′. The surface 105′ of the solar cell 103′ forms an angle, which is between 0 degree and 90 degree, with the surface 106 of the solar panel 100′. The encapsulant 102 may be many different elements include polymers, air, vacuum, inert gas, or similar materials, depending on the manufacturing process of the solar panel 100′. Front cover 101 and back cover 104 may be made of glass, polycarbonate, acrylic, laminated sheet, any combination thereof or similar materials. Solar panels may be directly laminated with insulation or can be incorporated into a multi-layer air or gas-filled insulating units. Processes to make the panel include, but not limited to: lamination, cast in place resin, and an insulating glass process. As can be seen from FIG. 1A, the present disclosure includes a front cover 101 and a back cover 104 that are generally orthogonal or rectangular shaped members that include a longitudinal axis that is generally parallel to one another. The solar cells 105′ are captured between the front cover 101 and the back cover 104 and may be in an encapsulant 102. Preferably, the solar cells 105′ are each tilted at a predetermined angle with regard to the longitudinal axis of the front cover 101 and the back cover 104 so that an edge of the solar cells 105′ points to the front cover 101 while a second edge points to the back cover 104. The predetermined angle is preferably any angle that can result in an increased energy collection from the solar cells 105′ as previously described and known while keeping the front cover 101 generally flat and the back cover 104 generally flat as well.

FIG. 2A shows a simplified three dimensional sketch of a building wall with saw tooth or an accordion construction 200 using a solar panel 201, which is vertical at the floor 204, and which has a number spaced sloped sections 202 on the wall. Solar panel 201 is installed on the sloped portion 202 to tilt at an angle relative to the horizontal floor 204. Solar cell 203 is as result tilted at an angle to horizontal 204. FIG. 2B shows a simplified three dimensional sketch of vertical wall 200′ using the present solar panels 201′. By using the solar panel 201′, for a straight vertical façade wall 200′, solar cells 203′ are tilted at an angle to horizontal floor 204. As can be seen from FIG. 2B, the present disclosure includes a front cover vertical wall 200′ and a back cover that are generally orthogonal or rectangular shaped members that include a longitudinal axis that is generally parallel to one another and are vertically disposed. The solar cells 203′ are captured within the vertical wall 200′ and may be in an encapsulant 102. Preferably, the solar cells 203′ are each tilted at a predetermined angle with regard to the longitudinal axis of the wall 200′. The predetermined angle is preferably any angle that can result in an increased energy collection from the solar cells 203′ as previously described and known while keeping the wall 200′ generally flat while the cells 203′ can be spaced from one another within the wall 200′ so they do not block one another in a vertical arrangement. Further, the outer wall 200′ is easier to clean.

FIG. 3A shows a solar array 300 on a flat roof top 305 using prior art solar panel 301. To optimize energy generation, the solar panel 301 is mounted on a frame 302 to tilt the panel 301 to a favorable angle. To avoid the shading from adjacent panel, a space 304 is left between panels 301. For the length of the roof top shown here, about three panels are installed. FIG. 3B shows a solar array 300′ on a flat roof top 305 using the solar panel 301′. The solar panel 301′ is mounted flat on the roof top 305 without using frame. The solar cell 303′ is at an angle with a solar panel surface, and the solar cell 303′ therein is tilted at an angle. As the solar panel is flat and there is no shading from adjacent panel, and there is no need of spaces located between panels to avoid the shading. For the length of the roof top shown here, four panels are installed, instead of three panels for the embodiment shown in FIG. 3A. Clearly for the panels with the same power, the array with present disclosure solar panel has 33% higher power than array with prior art solar panel. For the flat roof top solar array, this embodiment has several advantages, such as saving cost of tilt mounting frame, simplifying the installation, avoiding loading and avoiding possible damage to roof, as well as higher coverage area ratio and resulted higher electricity generation. As can be seen from FIG. 3B, the present disclosure includes a structure similar to those discussed above that is generally orthogonal or rectangular shaped that include a longitudinal axis. The solar cells 303′ are captured therein and may be in an encapsulant 102. Preferably, the solar cells 303′ are each tilted at a predetermined angle with regard to the longitudinal axis so that an edge of the solar cells 303′ points to a top side while a second edge points to the bottom side. The predetermined angle is preferably any angle that can result in an increased energy collection from the solar cells 303′ as previously described and known while keeping the structure generally flat to support it on a roof 305 as shown. Solar cells 303′ preferably are also not blocked by an adjacent solar cell and include a better ease of operation and installation.

FIG. 4A shows a simplified three dimensional sketch of solar array 400 on a sloped roof top 402 using prior art solar panel 401. To reduce accumulation of rain or snow, lots of roof tops are constructed to be sloped. For prior art solar panel, the solar panel 401 mounted on the sloped roof top has solar cell 403. Solar cell 403 is tilted at the angle of sloped roof top. This may cause loss of electricity generation as explained above. As an example, for location with latitude around 0 degrees, this may cause about 10% electricity losses. FIG. 4B shows a simplified three dimensional sketch of solar array 400′ disposed on a sloped roof top 402 using the present disclosure solar panel 401′. Due to the internal angle of solar cell 403′, when the solar panel 401′ mounted on the sloped roof top, the solar cells is generally disposed horizontal or not aligned with the sloped roof top, which is advantageous. For location with latitude around 0 degrees, solar cell 403′ has about 10% higher electricity than that measured with prior art solar panel shown in FIG. 4A. The present disclosure can be used to tilt solar cell to a favorable angle without the constraint of the solar panel installation, which is very advantageous. As can be seen from FIG. 4B, the present disclosure includes a generally rectangular shaped member 401′ that include a longitudinal axis. The solar cells 403′ are captured therein and may be in an encapsulant 102. Preferably, the solar cells 403′ are each tilted at a predetermined angle with regard to the longitudinal axis so that an edge of the solar cells 403′ points a top side of the structure 401′ while a second edge points to the bottom side of the structure 401′. The predetermined angle is preferably any angle that can result in an increased energy collection from the solar cells 403′ as previously described and known while keeping the structure 401′ generally flat. As can be seen regardless of the inclined surface, the solar cells 403′ can be disposed generally horizontally or at zero degrees while keeping the top side of the structure 401′ generally flat for ease of operation.

Furthermore, the method associated with the present disclosure may also include a process for producing a curved solar panel. FIG. 5A shows a simplified three dimensional sketch of a curved solar panel 500. The curved solar panel 500 includes a curvature along at least one axis of the solar panel 500. The solar panel 500 has a curved front cover 501, a solar cell 502, and a curved back cover 503. The solar cells 502 form a curve surface or plane, which is disposed in parallel to the panel surface 501. The solar cell efficiency strongly depends on solar incident angle. The solar cells 502 pointing to sun at different angles then there is mismatch between them, which results in efficiency loss and hot spots, which may cause reliability problems. FIG. 5B shows a simplified three dimensional sketch of curved solar panel 500′. The curved solar panel 500′ includes a curved front cover 501, a solar cell 502′, and a curved back cover 503. Solar cells 502′ are tilted internally so the solar cells 502′ point to the sun at the same angle. As can be seen from FIG. 5A, the present disclosure includes a curved front cover 502 and a back cover 503 that is also curved by a predetermined amount to form two U shaped members. The solar cells 502 are supported by a curved surface 503 and may be in an encapsulant 102. Preferably, the solar cells 502′ are each tilted at a predetermined angle. The predetermined angle is preferably any angle that can result in an increased energy collection from the solar cells 502′ as previously described. FIG. 5A shows that the solar cells 502′ are generally aligned with one another while FIG. 5b shows that the solar cells 502′ are staggered from one another. Each solar cell 502′ may be angled depending on a location on the curved surface.

FIG. 6 shows a simplified three dimensional sketch of one embodiment of the present disclosure using a number of connectors to assemble solar cells. The solar panel 600 is comprised of a front cover 601, an encapsulant 602, a back cover 603, a front connector 604, a solar cell 605, and a back connector 606. The connectors 604 and 606 are patterned and hold solar cells to the designed placement as shown in FIG. 6. The connectors 604 and 606 are used to assemble solar cells 605 together and to form solar cell assembly. The connectors 604, 606 and the solar cells 605 are combined with front cover 601 and back cover 603 to make a solar panel 600. As can be seen from FIG. 6, the present disclosure includes a front cover 601 and a back cover 603 that are generally orthogonal or rectangular shaped members that include a longitudinal axis that is generally parallel to one another and are vertically disposed. The solar cells 605 are captured between the front cover 601 and the back cover 603 and may be in an encapsulant 602. Preferably, the solar cells 605 are each tilted at a predetermined angle with regard to the longitudinal axis of the front cover 601 and the back cover 603 so that an edge of the solar cells 605 points to the front cover 601 while a second edge points to the back cover 603. The predetermined angle is preferably any angle that can result in an increased energy collection from the solar cells 605 as previously described and known while keeping the front cover 601 generally flat and the back cover 603 generally flat as well. Preferably, the connectors 604 and 606 are resilient members that hold the solar cells 605 in place.

FIG. 7 shows a simplified three dimensional sketch of another embodiment with a patterned holder. The patterned holder 707 preferably is used to support solar cells to a predetermined placement. The solar panel 700 includes a front cover 701, an encapsulant 702, a back cover 703, a front connector 704, a solar cell 705, a back connector 706 and a patterned holder 707. The connectors 704 and 706 are patterned to match the pattern of the patterned holder 707. The connectors 704 and 706 and solar cells 605 are assembled and then combined with front cover 701, back cover 703, and holder 707 to form a solar panel 700. The patterned holder 707 can be manufactured with varying materials, such as metal, plastic, glass, and PCB and any combination thereof. The solar cells can be connected together by independent connectors, or by connectors embedded in the holder, such as PCB board, or similar materials.

Another embodiment of the present disclosure includes a solar panel with pattern 807 on a front cover or a back cover to support solar cells. As an example, the patterned glass can be used as a front cover or a back cover. The pattern supports solar cells. FIG. 8 shows a simplified three dimensional sketch of another embodiment of the present disclosure using a patterned back cover to support the solar cells in the desired designed placement. The solar panel 800 includes a front cover 801, an encapsulant 802, a back cover 803, a front connector 804, a solar cell 805, and a back connector 806. The back cover 803 is patterned on the internal side with the pattern 807 to support the solar cells. The connectors 804 and 806 are patterned to match the pattern 807 of the back cover 803. Patterned of the back cover can be made with varying materials, such as a patterned glass, patterned plastic sheet. The example here is a patterned back cover. Another option is a similarly patterned front cover on the internal side. Preferably, the patterned front cover on the internal side is to hold solar cells in the designed placement.

Furthermore, the subject matter of the present disclosure is a process for producing a solar panel. The process makes available a body comprising a number of solar cell units with the solar cell units being parallel to each other, while cell surface is tilted to the panel surface at an angle. The solar cell is preferred to be strips and the solar cell can be rotated along the strip. There are different options within the scope of the present disclosure. One example is that crystalline Si solar cell is sliced into a number of strips. Another example is that the present disclosure may include a number of flat thin film solar cell is sliced into strips. Another example is that the present disclosure may include a thin film solar cell being directly formed on strips.

In additional to changing tilted angle, the present disclosure may include a differently configured solar cell orientation as well. The current vertical saw tooth design is preferably used to obtain an improved solar performance in certain orientations. However, this design created multiple “corner” windows, which is not favorable. With the present disclosure, the vertical straight curtain wall can be built, while internal solar cells form a preferred orientation.

Another embodiment of the present disclosure includes a pattern on the front side of the front cover. Pattern preferably is intended to reduce the reflective light loss at the panel surface. Due to the refractive index mismatch between air and glass, a portion of the sunlight is reflective back to air at the interface of the air and the glass. The ratio of reflection increases with a decrease of the angle between the light and the interface. For a standard solar glass, the reflection percentage is 4.0% at 90°, 5.77% at 50°, and 8.9% at 60°. With the pattern on the panel surface, the glass interface is tilted toward the sun. This reduces the incidence angle by the tilted angle of the pattern. FIG. 9 shows a simplified three dimensional sketch of an embodiment of the present disclosure with a pattern 907 on a front side of the front cover 901. The panel includes a patterned front cover 901, an encapsulant 902, a patterned back cover 903, a front connector 904, a solar cell 905 and a back connector 906. The front cover 901 and back cover 903 can be a patterned glass sheet.

Solar cells are separated from each other by a space having a predetermined distance. The space preferably avoids the shading from an adjacent cell. When the panel is translucent, such as glass-on-glass, the space provides for daylight control and heat load control. The amount of sunlight may be controlled and the solar panel may receive more diffused light, and less direct light, or more light in the summer, or more light in morning and afternoon, and less night at noon. Heat load may also be controlled. For example, more heat load in winter, or less heat load in summer, or more heat load in morning and afternoon, and less heat load at noon.

Furthermore, the method associated with the present disclosure may also include inserting a unit 1005 into the space between solar cells to provide functionality. The insert unit 1005 can be different types, such as insulator, bypass diode, LED diode, or light reflector or any other unit 1005 that provides functionality. FIG. 10 shows a simplified three dimensional sketch of a panel comprising a front cover 1001, an encapsulant 1002, a solar cell 1003, a back cover 1004, and an insert unit 1005. As an example, the insert unit 1005 can be insulating unit to insulate front connect and back connector 1006. The insert unit 1005 can also be semiconductor device to form both isolation and functional device. As an example, a diode chip can be inserted. The diode chip may act as bypass diode for the solar cell. This eliminates the current limited from a bad cell. The diode is operatively connected to solar cell in a way that there is only low leakage current during normal operation. However, when the cell is malfunctioning and become reverse biased, then the diode activates and leads the current through the diode. As another example, the insert unit 1005 can be a LED chip, which provides an illumination in night. As another example, the insert unit 1007 can be a reflective unit, which reflects light onto the surface of solar cell 1003 to improve energy generation by the solar cell 1003.

Furthermore, the method may also include a process for producing a thin film solar cell on a patterned front cover or a back cover. The benefit is higher energy output and efficiency. This results in a larger solar access of the solar cell and an improved sun incident angle and improved thin film solar cell area. FIG. 11 shows a simplified three dimensional sketch of the thin film solar panel 1100. The thin film solar panel 1100 has a front cover 1101, an encapsulant 1102, a solar cell 1103, and a back cover 1104. Solar cell 1103 is disposed on the pattern back cover 1104. The thin film solar cell can be formed on the pattern back cover by deposition, spray or any other process known in the art. The space between cells can be formed by cutting, shuttering during deposition, laser cutting or other process. The solar cell can be applied to pattern front cover or can be applied to the holder as well.

Furthermore, the method associated with the present disclosure may also include a process to direct light in a space formed in the solar cell so that same electricity generation can be realized by fewer solar cells. FIG. 12 shows a simplified three dimensional sketch of a solar panel 1200 with a reflective layer 1205 covering exposed back cover 1204. In this example, the reflective layer 1205 is on the patterned back cover 1204 and the reflective layer 1205 is exposed between the solar cells 1203. The reflection layer 1205 can be formed on the pattern back cover by a coating, a deposition process, a spray or other process known in the art to provide a reflection. Reflection layer 1205 can cover the space between the solar cells, or disposed on the whole surface of the back cover. The same idea can be applied to pattern front cover or to pattern the holder with the layer. Reflection layer 1205 may be titanium dioxide, a mirror or the like.

While the present disclosure has been described above in terms of specific embodiments, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not limited to these disclosed embodiments. Many modifications and other embodiments of the disclosure will come to mind of those skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains, and which are intended to be and are covered by both this disclosure and the appended claims. It is indeed intended that the scope of the disclosure should be determined by proper interpretation and construction of the appended claims and their legal equivalents, as understood by those of skill in the art relying upon the disclosure in this specification and the attached drawings.

Claims

1. A photovoltaic solar cell unit comprising: a first cover;a second cover being generally parallel to the first cover, the second cover being spaced from the first cover, the first and the second cover having a longitudinal axis; anda solar cell disposed between the first cover and the second cover, the solar cell being disposed at a predetermined angle relative to the longitudinal axis.

2. The photovoltaic solar cell unit of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of solar cells being aligned between the first cover and the second cover with each of the plurality of solar cells being disposed at a predetermined angle relative to the longitudinal axis.

3. The photovoltaic solar cell unit of claim 1, further comprising an encapsulant between the first cover and the second cover.

4. The photovoltaic solar cell unit of claim 1, wherein the solar cell disposed between the first cover and the second cover is tilted and wherein the solar cell has a second longitudinal axis, the second longitudinal axis intersecting the longitudinal axis of the first and the second cover, and wherein the solar cell includes a first end tilted toward the first cover and a second end opposite the first end tilted toward the second cover.

5. The photovoltaic solar cell unit of claim 1, wherein the solar cell, the first cover and the second cover are aligned vertically.

6. The photovoltaic solar cell unit of claim 1, wherein the solar cell, the first cover and the second cover are aligned horizontally.

7. A photovoltaic solar cell unit comprising: a first cover having a longitudinal axis; anda solar cell being disposed at a predetermined angle relative to the longitudinal axis.

8. The photovoltaic solar cell unit of claim 7, further comprising an encapsulant covering the solar cell.

9. The photovoltaic solar cell unit of claim 7, further comprising a plurality of solar cells with each of the plurality of solar cells being disposed at a predetermined angle relative to the longitudinal axis.

10. The photovoltaic solar cell unit of claim 7, wherein the solar cell has a second longitudinal axis, the second longitudinal axis intersecting the longitudinal axis, and wherein the solar cell includes a first end tilted toward the first cover and a second end opposite the first end.

11. The photovoltaic solar cell unit of claim 7, further comprising a second flat member being a second cover disposed spaced from the first cover, the first cover being flat and operable to be mounted on a flat surface.

12. A photovoltaic solar cell unit comprising: a first cover;a second cover being generally parallel to the first cover, the second cover being spaced from the first cover, the first and the second cover having a longitudinal axis, the second cover being adapted to be supported on an inclined surface; anda solar cell disposed between the first cover and the second cover, the solar cell being disposed at a predetermined angle relative to the inclined surface, wherein the solar cell is generally horizontal notwithstanding the inclined surface.

13. The photovoltaic solar cell unit of claim 12, further comprising an encapsulant between the first cover and the second cover.

14. The photovoltaic solar cell unit of claim 12, further comprising a plurality of solar cells being aligned between the first cover and the second cover with each of the plurality of solar cells being disposed at the predetermined angle.

15. The photovoltaic solar cell unit of claim 12, wherein the solar cell disposed between the first cover and the second cover is generally horizontal and wherein the solar cell has a second longitudinal axis, the second longitudinal axis intersecting the longitudinal axis of the first and the second cover.

16. A photovoltaic solar cell unit comprising: a first cover;a second cover being generally parallel to the first cover, the second cover being spaced from the first cover, the first and the second cover having a longitudinal axis; anda solar cell disposed between the first cover and the second cover, the solar cell being supported on a curved surface.

17. The photovoltaic solar cell unit of claim 16, further comprising a plurality of solar cells being between the first cover and the second cover with each of the plurality of solar cells being supported by the curved surface.

18. The photovoltaic solar cell unit of claim 16, further comprising an encapsulant between the first cover and the second cover.

19. The photovoltaic solar cell unit of claim 16, wherein the solar cell disposed between the first cover and the second cover, and wherein at least one of the first or the second cover is curved to support the solar cell.

20. The photovoltaic solar cell unit of claim 17, wherein the solar cells are aligned, or wherein the solar cells are staggered relative to one another.

21. A photovoltaic solar cell unit comprising: a first cover;a second cover being generally parallel to the first cover, the second cover being spaced from the first cover, the first and the second cover having a longitudinal axis; anda solar cell disposed between the first cover and the second cover, the solar cell being disposed at a predetermined angle relative to the longitudinal axis; anda holder between the first cover and the second cover for supporting the solar cell.

22. The photovoltaic solar cell unit of claim 21, further comprising a plurality of solar cells being aligned between the first cover and the second cover with each of the plurality of solar cells being disposed at a predetermined angle relative to the longitudinal axis, wherein the holder supports the plurality of solar cells.

23. The photovoltaic solar cell unit of claim 21, further comprising an encapsulant between the first cover and the second cover.

24. The photovoltaic solar cell unit of claim 1, further comprising a reflective layer to direct light to the solar cell.

25. The photovoltaic solar cell unit of claim 1, wherein the first cover or the second cover comprising a thin film solar cell.

26. The photovoltaic solar cell unit of claim 1, wherein the first cover or the second cover comprises a pattern to reduce losses from light transmitting through the first cover or the second cover.

27. The photovoltaic solar cell unit of claim 1, further comprising a device operatively connected to the solar cell and disposed between the first cover and the second cover to provide additional functionality to the solar cell.

28. The photovoltaic solar cell unit of claim 1, wherein the predetermined angle increases an amount of energy generated by the solar cell.

29. The photovoltaic solar cell unit of claim 1, wherein the first cover or the second cover is flat.

30. The photovoltaic solar cell unit of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of solar cells, wherein the plurality of solar cells are spaced from one another by a predetermined distance and captured in the first cover and the second cover.

31. A photovoltaic solar cell unit comprising: a first cover;a second cover being generally parallel to the first cover, the second cover being spaced from the first cover, the first and the second cover having a longitudinal axis; anda plurality of solar cells disposed between the first cover and the second cover, wherein the solar cells are arranged in an edge to edge orientation wherein the solar cells are tilted with a first solar cell being tilted in a first configuration and a second solar cell being tilted in a second opposite configuration with the solar cells forming a undulating pattern between the first cover and the second cover.