Maximization of conversion efficiency based on global normal irradiance using hybrid concentrator photovoltaic architecture

Maximization of module conversion efficiency based on global normal irradiance (GNI) rather than direct normal irradiance (DNI) was experimentally demonstrated using a hybrid concentrator photovoltaic (CPV) architecture in which a low‐cost solar cell (a bifacial crystalline silicon cell) was integrated with a high‐efficiency concentrator solar cell (III–V triple‐junction cell) to harvest diffuse sunlight. The results of outdoor experiments showed that the low‐cost cell enhanced the generated power by factors of 1.39 and 1.63 for high‐DNI and midrange‐DNI conditions, respectively, and that the resultant GNI‐based module efficiencies were 32.7% and 25.6%, respectively. © 2016 The Authors. Progress in Photovoltaics: Research and Applications published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.