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Updated: Mar 24, 2026
12:08
Fabrication of High Contrast Gratings for the Spectrum Splitting Dispersive Element in a Concentrated Photovoltaic System
Published on: July 18, 2015
11.2K
Designing spectrum-splitting dichroic filters to optimize current-matched photovoltaics.
Applied Optics
|March 15, 2016
Summary
We designed a dichroic coating to improve multijunction solar cells by diverting unused light. This approach enhances system efficiency in concentrating hybrid solar collectors.
Area of Science:
- Optics and Photonics
- Materials Science
- Renewable Energy Engineering
Background:
- Multijunction photovoltaic cells require precise spectral matching for optimal performance.
- Current matching is crucial for maximizing efficiency in series-connected solar cells.
- Diverting unused light can improve overall system efficiency in solar energy applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To design a dichroic coating for optimizing current-matched multijunction photovoltaic cells.
- To develop an approach for spectral management in solar energy systems.
- To present a design for a dichroic coating suitable for concentrating hybrid solar collectors.
Main Methods:
- Developing a design methodology for dichroic coatings.
- Selecting appropriate materials for spectral control.
- Analyzing the tilt behavior of the coating on a curved substrate.
Main Results:
- An optimized dichroic coating design was produced.
- The approach demonstrated the potential for substantial improvement in system efficiencies.
- The design is suitable for integration into concentrating hybrid solar collectors.
Conclusions:
- The developed dichroic coating design effectively optimizes multijunction photovoltaic cell performance.
- The approach offers a viable strategy for enhancing solar energy system efficiencies.
- Further discussion covers material selection and performance on curved substrates.
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