Glass Shaping for PV Panels

About

Blown Float Glass Lens Array and Method Tech ID: UA19-256 Invention: This technology is a method for shaping glass that is used in silicon photovoltaic (PV) panels. The method involves a floating liquid glass that is used to form a flat sheet and is then blown to fit the curve of the shape. Sophisticated shaping control yields surfaces that may be used for a variety of solar panel applications, including concentrated photovoltaic systems in which lenses focus solar power on higher efficiency solar cells for improved performance. Background: With the increase in the demand for renewable energy and push for solar panels, there has been a significant decrease as the demand and popularity of solar panels has increased. Solar panels have allowed individuals to generate energy from sunlight and have allowed individuals to decrease their fossil fuel consumption. Currently, within the solar industry, there are issues with high costs and varying efficiency of solar cells. Solar panels can be expensive to manufacture and they are expensive for consumers. Most commercial solar panels operate at efficiencies of 15%-20% with higher efficiencies up to 40% available for concentrated photovoltaics with focusing optics and multi-junction cells. However, these higher efficiencies come with a higher price tag. A goal among producers of solar power is to find ways to lower cost while expanding the use of higher efficiency products. This technology offers a new method to manufacture solar panels that has the potential of lowering the cost without compromising efficiency.