C.G. Allen, G. Shih, B.G. Potter, Jr., "Inorganic Photosensitized transparent conductive oxide (TCO) nanocomposite thin films for photovoltaic conversions", Materials Research Society Fall Meeting 2009.

 C.G. Allen, G.H. Shih, R.J. Beal, B.G. Potter, Jr., "Nanophase semiconductors embedded within transparent conductive oxides matrices as optical sensitizers for photovoltaic applications", SPIE Optics and Photonics 2010.

The optical absorption of a transparent conductive oxide (TCO), which is often used as the basis for junction or contact layers in thin film photovoltaics, can be tailored by incorporating a nanophase semiconductor (SC) component. Using a, dual-source, sequential R.F. magnetron sputter deposition technique, we manipulate the optical and electronic properties of SC:TCO composites by varying the local and extended nanophase assembly and composition. The present study explores nanocomposite systems based on Ge:ZnO and Ge:ITO. The impact of host material (ITO vs. ZnO) on the evolution of nanostructure is investigated. Heat treatment of the as-deposited films results in an increased crystallinity of the TCO and SC components, confirmed by X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy studies. The presence of the SC phase is found to influence TCO grain growth and crystallographic orientation, and modification of the SC phase distribution is coincident with the morphological development of the TCO phase in both composite systems. Upon heat treatment, the high-energy optical absorption edge of the nanocomposite is blue-shifted compared to that of the corresponding as-deposited material. This indicates the development of quantum-confinement conditions for photocarriers within the Ge phase which leads to an increased energy gap over that expected for the more bulk-like, as deposited Ge material. Under the deposition and thermal treatment conditions used in the present study, the spectral absorption response is consistent between the ZnO and ITO-based thin films examined. This suggests that carrier confinement conditions are mediated by the development of similar Ge-phase local spatial extent and Ge:TCO interfacial structures in both systems, regardless of TCO identity.

Raymond K. Kostuk, "Holographic Concepts and Applications for Solar Energy Systems", Frontiers in Optics, 2008

In this paper the unique aspects of holographic optical elements are reviewed and put in context for application to photovoltaic and thermal solar energy systems. A holographic planar concentrator and spectral splitting element are evaluated.

Moe Momayez, Srikant Annavarapu, Alexander Cronin, Terril Wilson, "Use of Tailing Ponds as Solar Photovoltaic Farms", 2009 National Meeting of the American Society of Mining and Reclamation.

Fine-grinding of ores for the liberation of metal- or other valuable concentrates most often results in acreage dedicated to tailings impoundments. A determination of the post-mining land use of such acreage is then required. Tailings impoundments can be suitably utilized as sites for installation of solar photovoltaic (PV) panels. The electrical energy produced can be used initially for mining and concentrating operations, and subsequently for the utility grid after mine closure is complete. Since the extraction, processing and transport of minerals is energy-intensive, most mines already have a substantial electrical transmission-line infrastructure. This eliminates one of the major costs associated with PV energy farms. In this paper, we analyze the long-term economic benefit (i.e. payback period) of PV installation and energy production at mine sites. We also discuss integrating PV systems with erosion control and revegetation measures.

Srikant Annavarapu, Terril Wilson, Moe Momayez, Alexander Cronin, "Geotechnical Considerations for Solar Panel Installation on Mine Tailings", 2009 National Meeting of the American Society ofMinding and Reclamation.

Geotechnical stability considerations are important for the installation 6 of solar panels on mine tailings areas. Active tailings deposition areas consist of 7 coarse-grained, free-draining relatively stable particulate mass at the perimeter 8 with fine-grained, low shear strength mass around the supernatant pond in the 9 deposition area. An evaluation of the geotechnical stability of the supports for the 10 solar panels constructed, which will have their foundations placed on mine 11 tailings, is essential so that the orientation of the solar panels can be maintained 12 within suitable limits. An assessment of the forces imposed on the solar panel 13 supports, including the distributed weight of the solar panel arrays and effect of 14 wind loading on the flat array surfaces, also need to be considered in the design of 15 suitable foundations for these supports. This paper enumerates some of the 16 geotechnical issues related to the installation of solar panel arrays on active and 17 inactive mine tailings areas.