Patent ID: 8183458
Filing Date: 2012-05-22
Classification: H01L,Y02E

Abstract:
1. A device for converting light into electric current, the device comprising: an elongated encasing structure, the encasing structure having a first portion transparent and capable of passing light energy into an interior of the encasing structure, the first portion having at least one arcuate component; a photovoltaic device positioned within the interior of the encasing structure, and positioned to receive the light energy, the photovoltaic device operable to transform the light energy into electric current, wherein the photovoltaic device comprises a substrate having a Young's modulus of 20 GPa or greater; and a protective space material, disposed between the encasing structure and the photovoltaic device and operable to transmit the light energy, the protective space material comprising an elastomer gel, wherein the protective space material only partially fills a volume disposed between the encasing structure and the photovoltaic device.