APPARATUS, SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR COLLECTING AND CONVERTING SOLAR ENERGY

摘要

Nanoparticles are used to enhance the light gathering and converting abilities of a photo voltaic (PV) cell. The nanoparticles may be incorporated into a substrate and disposed a desired distance from the PV cell to create a plasmon. The nanoparticles may effect a wavelength shift (e.g., a “red shift”) to better align the wavelength of available light with the sensitivity of the PV cell. The nanoparticles may also be used to trap the light above the PV cell to effect better absorption of the light. The nanoparticles may include composite nanoparticles having, for example, a metallic core and a substantially transparent shell or coating about the core. The nanoparticles may be constructed to provide uniform distribution in a carrier medium.

主权项

1. A solar energy apparatus, comprising:
a photovoltaic (PV) cell; a material layer associated with the PV cell having a plurality of nanoparticles (NPs) which are each spaced from adjacent NPS at intervals approximately 10% to 150% of an average NP diameter, wherein the material layer is positioned relative to the PV cell to provide an optically transparent material gap between the NPs and the PV cell.