Solar modules with enhanced efficiencies via use of spectral concentrators

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.

1 . A solar module comprising:
 a set of photovoltaic cells; and   a spectral concentrator optically coupled to the set of photovoltaic cells, wherein the spectral concentrator is configured to:
 collect incident solar radiation; 
 convert the incident solar radiation into substantially monochromatic, emitted radiation; and 
 convey the substantially monochromatic, emitted radiation to the set of photovoltaic cells. 
   
     
     
         2 . The solar module of  claim 1 , wherein the spectral concentrator includes a luminescent stack including:
 a luminescent layer having a first surface and a second surface;   a first reflector adjacent to the first surface; and   a second reflector adjacent to the second surface.   
     
     
         3 . The solar module of  claim 2 , wherein the luminescent layer includes a luminescent material that exhibits photoluminescence having: (a) an internal quantum efficiency of at least 50 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. 
     
     
         4 . The solar module of  claim 2 , wherein the luminescent layer includes a luminescent material having the formula:
   [A a B b X x ],   wherein   A is selected from elements of Group IA;   B is selected from elements of Group VA;   X is selected from elements of Group VIIB;   a is in the range of 1 to 9;   b is in the range of 1 to 5; and   x is in the range of 1 to 9.   
     
     
         5 . The solar module of  claim 2 , wherein the luminescent layer includes a luminescent material selected from InP, Zn 3 P 2 , Cu 2 O, CuO, CuInGaS, and CuInGaSe. 
     
     
         6 . The solar module of  claim 2 , wherein at least one of the first reflector and the second reflector includes a dielectric stack. 
     
     
         7 . The solar module of  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the set of photovoltaic cells has a vertical junction orientation with respect to the spectral concentrator. 
     
     
         8 . The solar module of  claim 1 , wherein at least two of the set of photovoltaic cells are connected in series. 
     
     
         9 . The solar module of  claim 1 , wherein the spectral concentrator defines multiple grooves, and multiple ones of the set of photovoltaic cells are positioned in respective ones of the grooves. 
     
     
         10 . The solar module of  claim 1 , wherein the spectral concentrator includes a resonant cavity structure.