Optical surface technologies: boosting efficiency from already present light

Mark A. Raymond; Howard Lange; Seth Weiss; Melissa A. Grossman

doi:10.1117/12.862298

30 August 2010 Optical surface technologies: boosting efficiency from already present light

Mark A. Raymond, Howard Lange, Seth Weiss, Melissa A. Grossman

Proceedings Volume 7772, Next Generation (Nano) Photonic and Cell Technologies for Solar Energy Conversion; 777214 (2010) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.862298
Event: SPIE Solar Energy + Technology, 2010, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

Photovoltaic panel performance is improved by means of an optical surface technology that is applied to the front surface of a panel. The technology is comprised of an array of micro lens structures embossed into highly transmissive polymer film or glass. The film version may be applied to new or previously installed photovoltaic panels; the glass version is appropriate for new panels. The structures are designed using a proprietary ray tracing program to concurrently optimize path length (the length of the path of light through the photovoltaic material), total internal reflection and anti-reflection. The structures may be optimized for diffuse light conditions, incoming ray angles and/or time of day. Additionally, the rays may have their paths modified or be redirected by the structures to improve performance at specific band gaps that are customized for particular photovoltaic materials.

Citation Download Citation

Mark A. Raymond, Howard Lange, Seth Weiss, and Melissa A. Grossman "Optical surface technologies: boosting efficiency from already present light", Proc. SPIE 7772, Next Generation (Nano) Photonic and Cell Technologies for Solar Energy Conversion, 777214 (30 August 2010); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.862298

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