Solar modules with enhanced efficiencies via use of spectral concentrators

摘要

Described herein are solar modules including spectral concentrators. In one embodiment, a solar module includes a set of photovoltaic cells and a spectral concentrator optically coupled to the set of photovoltaic cells. The spectral concentrator is configured to: (1) collect incident solar radiation; (2) convert the incident solar radiation into substantially monochromatic, emitted radiation; and (3) convey the substantially monochromatic, emitted radiation to the set of photovoltaic cells.

主权项

1. A solar module comprising:
a photovoltaic cell; and a spectral concentrator optically coupled to the photovoltaic cell, the spectral concentrator including a luminescent stack including:
a top reflector;an opposing, bottom reflector; anda luminescent layer sandwiched between the top reflector and the bottom reflector, wherein the spectral concentrator is configured to:collect incident solar radiation; andconvert the incident solar radiation into substantially monochromatic, emitted radiation, wherein the spectral concentrator defines a groove that partially extends through the spectral concentrator, and the photovoltaic cell is positioned in the groove, such that the spectral concentrator is configured to convey the substantially monochromatic, emitted radiation within the luminescent layer and towards two opposing sides of the photovoltaic cell, wherein the luminescent layer has a top surface and an opposing, bottom surface, the top reflector is disposed on the top surface of the luminescent layer, the photovoltaic cell includes a depletion region having a vertical junction orientation with respect to the spectral concentrator, such that the depletion region fully extends between the two opposing sides of the photovoltaic cell, and each of the two opposing sides of the photovoltaic cell is substantially orthogonal to the top surface of the luminescent layer.