Open AccessPerformance of see-through prism CPV module for window integrated photovoltaics
Author(s) -
Noboru Yamada,
Kosuke Kanno,
Kentaro Hayashi,
Toru Tokimitsu
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
optics express
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.394
H-Index - 271
ISSN - 1094-4087
DOI - 10.1364/oe.19.00a649
Subject(s) - concentrator , optics , nonimaging optics , prism , photovoltaics , tilt (camera) , window (computing) , ray tracing (physics) , solar cell , radiation , photovoltaic system , solar mirror , solar energy , acceptance angle , materials science , physics , optoelectronics , computer science , photovoltaic thermal hybrid solar collector , electrical engineering , engineering , mechanical engineering , operating system
We have examined the performance of a see-through photovoltaics module that uses a low-concentration prism concentrator by undertaking ray-tracing analysis and an on-site experiment. The incident angle dependency of the prism concentrator makes it possible to concentrate direct solar radiation onto solar cells and transmit diffuse solar radiation. Fewer solar cells can then be used without sacrificing the conversion efficiency or lighting performance. The module generates approximately 1.15 more electricity than a conventional module while operating with 63% less solar cell area. We also introduce a design method for the concentrator geometry that adjusts the incident angle dependency for different latitude and tilt angles.