Solar modules with enhanced efficiencies via use of spectral concentrators

US8952239B2 · 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
• Jian Jim Wang · Orefield, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Apr 3, 2013
• Grant date: Feb 10, 2015
• Expiry date: Apr 3, 2033

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 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.