Predicting the Spectral Effects of Soils on Concentrating Photovoltaic Systems

Journal Article · Mon Dec 15 00:00:00 EST 2014 · Solar Energy

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.solener.2014.11.022· OSTI ID:1183077

Burton, Patrick D. ^[1]; King, Bruce Hardison ^[1]; Riley, Daniel M. ^[1]

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1. Sandia National Lab. (SNL-NM), Albuquerque, NM (United States)

The soiling losses on high concentrating photovoltaic (HCPV) systems may be influenced by the spectral properties of accumulated soil. We predicted the response of an isotype cell to changes in spectral content and reduction in transmission due to soiling using measured UV/vis transmittance through soil films. Artificial soil test blends deposited on glass coupons were used to supply the transmission data, which was then used to calculate the effect on model spectra. Moreover, the wavelength transparency of the test soil was varied by incorporating red and yellow mineral pigments into graded sand. The more spectrally responsive (yellow) soils were predicted to alter the current balance between the top and middle subcells throughout a range of air masses corresponding to daily and seasonal variation.

• Research Organization: Sandia National Lab. (SNL-NM), Albuquerque, NM (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), Renewable Power Office. Solar Energy Technologies Office
• Grant/Contract Number: AC04-94AL85000
• OSTI ID: 1183077
• Alternate ID(s): OSTI ID: 1245222
• Report Number(s): SAND-2014-16657J; 534553
• Journal Information: Solar Energy, Vol. 112; ISSN 0038-092X
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

14 SOLAR ENERGY
spectral response
triple junction limiting current
soiling losses