Solar modules with enhanced efficiencies via use of spectral concentrators

US8664513B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• OMNIPV, INC. · US

Inventors

• William Matthew Pfenninger · Fremont, US
• John Midgley · Redwood City, US
• Nemanja Vockic · San Jose, US
• John Kenney · Palo Alto, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Oct 9, 2008
• Grant date: Mar 4, 2014
• Expiry date: Apr 25, 2032

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y02E10/52

Abstract

Described herein are solar modules including spectral concentrators. In one embodiment, a solar module includes an active layer including a set of photovoltaic cells. The solar module also includes a spectral concentrator optically coupled to the active layer and including a luminescent material that exhibits photoluminescence in response to incident solar radiation. The photoluminescence has: (a) a quantum efficiency of at least 30 percent; (b) a spectral width no greater than 100 nm at Full Width at Half Maximum; and (c) a peak emission wavelength in the near infrared range.