Experimental demonstration of a dispersive spectral splitting concentrator for high efficiency photovoltaics

MRS Advances ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 1 (14) ◽  
pp. 949-955 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carlo Maragliano ◽  
Matteo Chiesa ◽  
Marco Stefancich
Keyword(s):  
Solar Cells ◽  
Mass Production ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
High Efficiency ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Electrical Power ◽  
Optical Element ◽  
Optical Transmittance ◽  
Experimental Demonstration ◽  
Full Spectrum

ABSTRACTWe report the experimental demonstration of a low-cost paradigm for photovoltaic power generation that utilizes a prismatic Fresnel-like lens to simultaneously concentrate and separate sunlight into laterally spaced spectral bands. The optical element is designed using geometric optics and optical dispersion and its performance is simulated with a ray-tracing software. The device, fabricated by injection molding, suitable for large-scale mass production, is experimentally characterized. We report an average optical transmittance above 85% over the VIS-IR range and spectral separation in excellent agreement with our simulations. Finally, the system is tested with a pair of copper indium gallium selenide based solar cells. We demonstrate an increase in peak electrical power output of 160% under outdoor sunlight illumination, corresponding to an increase in power conversion efficiency of 15% relative to single-junction full-spectrum one-sun illumination. Given the ease of manufacturability and the potential of the proposed solution, we project that our design can provide a cost-effective alternative to multi-junction solar cells ready for mass production.

Nanophotonics silicon solar cells: status and future challenges

2015 ◽  
Vol 4 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Baohua Jia
Keyword(s):  
Solar Cells ◽  
High Performance ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
High Efficiency ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Silicon Solar Cells ◽  
Solar Energy Harvesting ◽  
Material Usage ◽  
Future Challenges ◽  
Light Management

AbstractLight management plays an important role in high-performance solar cells. Nanostructures that could effectively trap light offer great potential in improving the conversion efficiency of solar cells with much reduced material usage. Developing low-cost and large-scale nanostructures integratable with solar cells, thus, promises new solutions for high efficiency and low-cost solar energy harvesting. In this paper, we review the exciting progress in this field, in particular, in the market, dominating silicon solar cells and pointing out challenges and future trends.

scholarly journals Recent progress in perovskite solar cells: the perovskite layer

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
pp. 51-60 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xianfeng Dai ◽  
Ke Xu ◽  
Fanan Wei
Keyword(s):  
Solar Cells ◽  
High Speed ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Recent Progress ◽  
High Efficiency ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Perovskite Solar Cells ◽  
Perovskite Layer ◽  
Low Dimensional

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) are set to be game changing components in next-generation photovoltaic technology due to their high efficiency and low cost. In this article, recent progress in the development of perovskite layers, which are the basis of PSCs, is reviewed. Achievements in the fabrication of high-quality perovskite films by various methods and techniques are introduced. The reported works demonstrate that the power conversion efficiency of the perovskite layers depends largely on their morphology and the crystalline quality. Furthermore, recent achievements concerning the scalability of perovskite films are presented. These developments aim at manufacturing large-scale perovskite solar modules at high speed. Moreover, it is shown that the development of low-dimensional perovskites plays an important role in improving the long-term ambient stability of PSCs. Finally, these latest advancements can enhance the competitiveness of PSCs in photovoltaics, paving the way for their commercialization. In the closing section of this review, some future critical challenges are outlined, and the prospect of commercialization of PSCs is presented.

scholarly journals Full Spectrum Solar System: Hybrid Concentrated Photovoltaic/Concentrated Solar Power (CPV-CSP)

MRS Advances ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 1 (43) ◽  
pp. 2941-2946 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Cygan ◽  
Hamid Abbasi ◽  
Aleksandr Kozlov ◽  
Joseph Pondo ◽  
Roland Winston ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Molten Salt ◽  
High Efficiency ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Optical Element ◽  
Temperature Limit ◽  
Full Spectrum ◽  
Industrial Facilities ◽  
Double Junction ◽  
Technology Institute ◽  
Solar Receiver

ABSTRACTGas Technology Institute (GTI), together with its partners University of California at Merced (UC Merced) and MicroLink Devices Inc. (MicroLink) are developing a full spectrum solar energy collection system to deliver variable electricity and on-demand heat. The technology uses secondary optics in a solar receiver to achieve high efficiency at high temperature, collects heat in particles for low fire danger, stores heat in particles instead of molten salt for low cost, and uses double junction (2J) photovoltaic (PV) cells with backside infrared (IR) reflectors on the secondary optical element to raise exergy efficiency. The overall goal is to deliver enhancement to established trough technology while exceeding the heliostat power tower molten salt temperature limit. The use of inert particles for heat transfer may make parabolic troughs safer near population centers and may be valuable for industrial facilities.

scholarly journals Enhanced Efficiency of Graphene-silicon Schottky Junction Solar Cell through Pyramid Arrays Texturation

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cheng Li ◽  
Yichen Ma ◽  
Xiyao Zhang ◽  
Xiuhua Chen ◽  
Fengshuo Xi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Solar Cells ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
High Efficiency ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Surface Texturing ◽  
Schottky Junction ◽  
Etching Time ◽  
Uniform Size ◽  
Si Solar Cells ◽  
New Strategy

Abstract Graphene/silicon (Gr/Si) Schottky junction solar cells have attracted extensive research interest due to their simple structure and potential low-cost. Surface texturing is an important part of high-efficiency solar cells. In this paper, the effects of TMAH concentration, IPA concentration and etching time on the structure and anti-reflection ability of silicon pyramid array (SiPa) were systematically studied to obtain uniform and reliable pyramid array. Under the optimized conditions, a large scale SiPa with uniform size distribution was obtained and applied to Gr/Si solar cells. The results show that the TMAH etched SiPa has a better Schottky junction contact between graphene and the SiPa surface, and the SiPa can further improves the ability of collecting photogenerated carriers. Compared with Gr/Si solar cells, the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of Gr/SiPa device is 1.66 times higher than that of Gr/Si solar cells. Finally, Gr/SiPa devices with PCE of 5.67% is successfully obtained by HNO3 doping. This work proposes a new strategy for TMAH etching SiPa to improve the performance of Gr/Si solar cells.

The Investigation of Plating Technologies for Front Fingers of c-Si Solar Cells

2012 ◽  
Vol 512-515 ◽  
pp. 198-201
Author(s):  
Shi Yang Sun ◽  
Jian Ping Long ◽  
Bo Zhang
Keyword(s):  
Solar Cells ◽  
Mass Production ◽  
High Efficiency ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Silicon Wafers ◽  
Manufacturing Cost ◽  
Si Solar Cells ◽  
Novel Approaches ◽  
Expensive Process

Besides silicon wafers, the metallization of solar cells is the most expensive process in the mass production of solar cells nowadays. Therefore, the development of cost-effective metallization technologies is very important for the reduction of manufacturing cost. In this article, we will introduce two novel approaches for the metallization of c-Si solar cells: (i) electroless plated Ni and electroplated Cu; (ii) photoplated Ni and Cu. It is believed that high efficiency and low cost solar cells can be fabricated taking advantages of the improved metallization methods.

scholarly journals Ruthenium Sensitizers and Their Applications in Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells

2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-21 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yuancheng Qin ◽  
Qiang Peng
Keyword(s):  
Solar Cells ◽  
High Efficiency ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Dye Sensitized Solar Cells ◽  
Ruthenium Complexes ◽  
Practical Applications ◽  
Photovoltaic Energy ◽  
Dye Sensitized ◽  
Sensitized Solar Cells ◽  
Excellent Stability

Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) have attracted considerable attention in recent years due to the possibility of low-cost conversion of photovoltaic energy. The DSSCs-based ruthenium complexes as sensitizers show high efficiency and excellent stability, implying potential practical applications. This review focuses on recent advances in design and preparation of efficient ruthenium sensitizers and their applications in DSSCs, including thiocyanate ruthenium sensitizers and thiocyanate-free ruthenium sensitizers.

scholarly journals Photoenergy: Progress in Si-Related Solar Cells for a Low Cost and High Efficiency

2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-1 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Yi ◽  
Eicke R. Weber ◽  
C. W. Lan ◽  
Stephen Bremner ◽  
D. H. Kim
Keyword(s):  
Solar Cells ◽  
High Efficiency ◽  
Low Cost

scholarly journals Recovery of FTO coated glass substrate via environment-friendly facile recycling perovskite solar cells

RSC Advances ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (24) ◽  
pp. 14534-14541
Author(s):  
M. S. Chowdhury ◽  
Kazi Sajedur Rahman ◽  
Vidhya Selvanathan ◽  
A. K. Mahmud Hasan ◽  
M. S. Jamal ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Solar Cells ◽  
Glass Substrate ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Perovskite Solar Cells ◽  
Potential Candidate ◽  
Photovoltaic Devices ◽  
Coated Glass Substrate ◽  
Environment Friendly ◽  
Coated Glass

Organic–inorganic perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have recently emerged as a potential candidate for large-scale and low-cost photovoltaic devices.

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