Solar cell, module, array, network, and power grid

Abstract

The present invention teaches a solar cell, a solar module, a solar array, a network of solar arrays, and also a solar power grid suitable for providing power for industrial, residential and transportation use. A solar cell or solar module including a plurality of solar cells can be made in a structure configured to have the appearance of natural foliage. Accordingly, a solar array including a plurality of solar modules each including at least one solar cell can be made to resemble a palm tree, a deciduous tree, an evergreen tree, or other type of natural foliage. A network of solar arrays can be made to resemble a row or grove of palm trees, and thus meet the functional and aesthetic demands of landscape architecture. The network of solar arrays can extend for many miles alongside roads, highways, railways, pipelines, or canals, and can further include means for storing and transmitting electric power. In particular, a network of solar arrays can be in communication with recharging stations for use by electric and hybrid transportation vehicles. Accordingly, a network of solar arrays can form at least a portion of a solar power grid.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A solar module comprising:
 a substrate having a shape resembling a palm frond, comprising a stem portion and a blade portion; and   at least one solar cell coupled with an upper surface of said blade portion, said at least one solar cell being shaped to have peripheral edges following the shape of the peripheral edges of said blade portion.   
     
     
         2 . The solar module of  claim 1 , wherein said at least one solar cell comprises a plurality of solar cells collectively being shaped to have peripheral edges following said peripheral edges of said blade portion. 
     
     
         3 . The solar module of  claim 2 , wherein each of said plurality of solar cells are separated by spaces resembling leaf veins. 
     
     
         4 . The solar module of  claim 3 , wherein said plurality of solar cells comprises a plurality of central solar cells proximate to a midline of said blade portion and a plurality of edge solar cells proximate to said peripheral edges of said blade portion. 
     
     
         5 . The solar module of  claim 1 , wherein said at least one solar cell is at least partially spaced away from said peripheral edges of said blade portion. 
     
     
         6 . The solar module of  claim 1 , wherein said at least one solar cell is textured with a plurality of peaks and valleys. 
     
     
         7 . The solar module of  claim 1 , wherein said at least one solar cell comprises photovoltaic film. 
     
     
         8 . The solar module of  claim 1 , wherein said at least one solar cell comprises a coating. 
     
     
         9 . The solar module of  claim 1 , wherein said at least one solar cell comprises paint. 
     
     
         10 . The solar module of  claim 1 , wherein said at least one solar cell comprises at least one nano structure. 
     
     
         11 . The solar module of  claim 1 , wherein said blade portion comprises a central section extending along a midline of said blade portion and a plurality of blades extending outward from said central section. 
     
     
         12 . The solar module of  claim 1 , wherein said blade portion is serrated. 
     
     
         13 . The solar module of  claim 1 , further comprising at least one secondary solar cell coupled with a lower surface of said blade portion. 
     
     
         14 . The solar module of  claim 1 , further comprising a capacitor configured to store energy output by said at least one solar cell. 
     
     
         15 . The solar module of  claim 14 , wherein said capacitor is a layer positioned beneath said at least one solar cell. 
     
     
         16 . The solar module of  claim 15 , wherein said capacitor comprises paint and/or a coating. 
     
     
         17 . The solar module of  claim 15 , wherein said capacitor comprises vapor and/or power deposited material. 
     
     
         18 . The solar module of  claim 15 , wherein said capacitor is a layer positioned between said at least one solar cell and at least one secondary solar cell coupled with a lower surface of said blade portion. 
     
     
         19 . A solar module comprising:
 a substrate having a shape resembling a leaf of a deciduous tree, comprising a stem portion and a blade portion; and   at least one solar cell coupled with an upper surface of said blade portion, said at least one solar cell being shaped to have peripheral edges following the shape of the peripheral edges of said blade portion.   
     
     
         20 . A solar module comprising:
 a substrate having a shape resembling a branch of an evergreen tree, comprising a central portion extending substantially along a midline of said branch, a plurality of stem portions extending outward from said central portion, and a plurality of needle portions extending outward from each of said plurality of stem portions; and   at least one solar cell coupled with an upper surface of said substrate, said at least one solar cell being shaped to have peripheral edges following the shape of the peripheral edges of said substrate.