3D-printed external light traps for solar cells

Lourens Van Dijk, Ulrich W. Paetzold, Gerhard A. Blab, E. A.Pepijn Marcus, A. Jolt Oostra, Jorik Van De Groep, Albert Polman, Ruud E.I. Schropp, Marcel Di Vece

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

We demonstrate a universally applicable 3D-printed external light trap for solar cells. We placed a macroscopic external light trap made of smoothened, silver coated plastic at the sun-facing surface of different types of solar cells. The trap consists of a reflective parabolic concentrator on top of a reflective cage. The trap directs the light that is reflected upwards by the solar cell back towards the solar cell. Due to this retro-reflection the light traverses the solar cell several times resulting in a broadband absorption enhancement. We present a 15-27% efficiency enhancement for crystalline silicon, thin film nanocrystalline silicon and organic solar cells.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication2015 IEEE 42nd Photovoltaic Specialist Conference, PVSC 2015
PublisherIEEE
ISBN (Electronic)9781479979448
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 14 Dec 2015
Event42nd IEEE Photovoltaic Specialist Conference, PVSC 2015 - New Orleans, United States
Duration: 14 Jun 201519 Jun 2015

Publication series

Name2015 IEEE 42nd Photovoltaic Specialist Conference, PVSC 2015

Conference

Conference42nd IEEE Photovoltaic Specialist Conference, PVSC 2015
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityNew Orleans
Period14/06/1519/06/15

Keywords

  • Digital Printing
  • Light Trapping
  • Photovoltaic cells
  • Silicon
  • Solar energy

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