Patent ID: 7638708
Filing Date: 2009-12-29
Classification: H01L,Y02E

Abstract:
1. A concentrating photovoltaic device comprising: a solid, light-transparent optical element having a first side including a convex surface, a second side including a substantially flat aperture surface and a depression in a central portion of the flat aperture surface, wherein the depression is smaller than the convex surface; a primary mirror disposed on the convex surface such that the primary mirror substantially takes a shape of the convex surface, and a secondary mirror disposed on the depression such that the secondary mirror substantially takes a shape of the depression, the primary and secondary mirrors defining a focal point at which light received by the optical element is concentrated, the primary mirror being formed such that the primary mirror takes a shape of the convex surface; a photovoltaic cell disposed at the focal point; and a backsheet fixedly mounted over the convex surface of the optical element, the backsheet including a flexible printed circuit structure and a first adhesive layer disposed between the flexible printed circuit structure and the convex surface, wherein the flexible printed circuit structure includes one or more non-conductive layers and first and second conductors disposed on the non-conductive layers, wherein portions of the flexible printed circuit structure conform to follow a contour of the primary mirror, and wherein the photovoltaic cell includes first and second terminals respectively electrically connected to the first and second conductors of the flexible printed circuit structure.