PHOTOVOLTAIC (PV) ENHANCEMENT FILMS FOR ENHANCING OPTICAL PATH LENGTHS AND METHODS OF MANUFACTURING PV ENHANCEMENT FILMS

摘要

A solar energy conversion assembly (100) for efficiently capturing solar energy (104) by providing additional chances to absorb reflected sunlight (106). The assembly (100) includes one or more solar cells (410) that each include a light-receiving surface (414). A fraction of light incident (522) upon the light-receiving surface (414) is reflected. The assembly (400) includes a photovoltaic (PV) enhancement film (420) of transparent material such as plastic positioned to cover at least a portion of the light-receiving surface (414). The PV enhancement film (420) includes a substrate (426) positioned proximate to or abutting the light-receiving surface (414). The film (420) includes a plurality of total internal reflection (TIR) elements (428) on the substrate (426) opposite the light-receiving surface (414). The TIR elements (428) transmit initially received or incident light to the light-receiving surface of the solar cell without significant focusing and then use TIR to trap a substantial portion (532, 554) of the reflected light (524, 528) to provide additional chances for absorption such that typically lost light may be converted to electricity.