The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Oct. 01, 1985
Filed:
Jul. 31, 1984
Vincent D Cannella, Detroit, MI (US);
Sovonics Solar Systems, Solon, OH (US);
Abstract
A photovoltaic panel for converting light into electrical energy has enhanced energy conversion efficiency stability. The panel includes a photovoltaic device having an active region formed from a semiconductor material which exhibits an energy conversion efficiency stability directly related to the operating temperature of the device. The panel also includes means for maintaining the operating temperature of the device upon exposure to light at an elevated temperature above the ambient temperature external to the device. The active region semiconductor material is preferably an amorphous semiconductor alloy such as, for example, an amorphous silicon alloy. The operating temperature elevating means can include a thermal insulating material such as glass wool, styrofoam, or cork applied to the back side of the device to minimize heat conduction from the device. The panel can also include an enclosure for enclosing the device having a transparent cover overlying the device to seal the enclosure and provide a still air space adjacent the device. The panel is thereby arranged to maintain the operating temperature of the device at a temperature which is from about twenty degrees Centigrade to about one hundred and fifty degrees Centigrade above the ambient temperature external to the device.