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Design and realization of transparent solar modules based on luminescent solar concentrators integrating nanostructured photonic crystals
Author(s) -
JiménezSolano Alberto,
DelgadoSánchez JoséMaria,
Calvo Mauricio E.,
MirandaMuñoz José M.,
Lozano Gabriel,
Sancho Diego,
SánchezCortezón Emilio,
Míguez Hernán
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
progress in photovoltaics: research and applications
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.286
H-Index - 131
eISSN - 1099-159X
pISSN - 1062-7995
DOI - 10.1002/pip.2621
Subject(s) - photovoltaics , materials science , photovoltaic system , fabrication , optoelectronics , photonics , thermophotovoltaic , photonic crystal , nanotechnology , solar cell , concentrator , absorption (acoustics) , optics , common emitter , engineering , electrical engineering , physics , medicine , alternative medicine , pathology , composite material
Abstract Herein, we present a prototype of a photovoltaic module that combines a luminescent solar concentrator integrating one‐dimensional photonic crystals and in‐plane CuInGaSe 2 (CIGS) solar cells. Highly uniform and wide‐area nanostructured multilayers with photonic crystal properties were deposited by a cost‐efficient and scalable liquid processing amenable to large‐scale fabrication. Their role is to both maximize light absorption in the targeted spectral range, determined by the fluorophore employed, and minimize losses caused by emission at angles within the escape cone of the planar concentrator. From a structural perspective, the porous nature of the layers facilitates the integration with the thermoplastic polymers typically used to encapsulate and seal these modules. Judicious design of the module geometry, as well as of the optical properties of the dielectric mirrors employed, allows optimizing light guiding and hence photovoltaic performance while preserving a great deal of transparency. Optimized in‐plane designs like the one herein proposed are of relevance for building integrated photovoltaics, as ease of fabrication, long‐term stability and improved performance are simultaneously achieved. © 2015 The Authors. Progress in Photovoltaics: Research and Applications published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.