Angular restriction of photon emission for ultra-efficient photovoltaics

Avi Braun; Eugene A. Katz; Daniel Feuermann; Brendan M. Kayes; Jeffrey M. Gordon

doi:10.1117/12.2022578

18 September 2013 Angular restriction of photon emission for ultra-efficient photovoltaics

Avi Braun, Eugene A. Katz, Daniel Feuermann, Brendan M. Kayes, Jeffrey M. Gordon

Proceedings Volume 8834, Nonimaging Optics: Efficient Design for Illumination and Solar Concentration X; 883407 (2013) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2022578
Event: SPIE Optical Engineering + Applications, 2013, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

We present experimental evidence for improving the open-circuit voltage – and thereby efficiency - of photovoltaics via the external recycling of photon emission. This strategy is equivalent to limiting the angular extent of photon emission - effective only in photovoltaics with high external luminescent efficiency. This is why the effect has not been observed in current solar cell technologies. It is attainable with the latest generation of ultra-efficient single-junction non-concentrator thin-film GaAs cells. The findings are explained in terms of basic photovoltaic thermodynamics.

Citation Download Citation

Avi Braun, Eugene A. Katz, Daniel Feuermann, Brendan M. Kayes, and Jeffrey M. Gordon "Angular restriction of photon emission for ultra-efficient photovoltaics", Proc. SPIE 8834, Nonimaging Optics: Efficient Design for Illumination and Solar Concentration X, 883407 (18 September 2013); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2022578

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