Two-Layer Anti-Reflection Coatings with Optimized Sub-Bandgap Reflection for Solar Modules
- University of Minnesota
- National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), Golden, CO (United States)
The efficiency of a crystalline silicon solar module decreases as its operating temperature rises. Module cooling is possible via selective reflection of sub-bandgap photons so that they are not parasitically absorbed. Selecting from a library of common dielectrics, we numerically optimize the design of two-layer mirrors at the outer glass surface of a crystalline Si solar cell module. The mirrors are designed to maximize the annual energy yield of a module by both reflecting light below the bandgap and enhancing the transmission of light above the bandgap. Combined ray-tracing and finite element simulations determine the power output and temperature of the module over time. Since any two-layer mirror would replace a conventional single-layer glass anti-reflection coating on the module glass, we study the ability of a two-layer structure to improve on a single-layer coating. The best two-layer designs improve the annual energy yield over a module with a glass anti-reflection coating and reduce the module operating temperature.
- Research Organization:
- National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), Golden, CO (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), Renewable Power Office. Solar Energy Technologies Office
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC36-08GO28308
- OSTI ID:
- 1487093
- Report Number(s):
- NREL/CP-5K00-72082
- Resource Relation:
- Conference: Presented at SPIE Optical Engineering + Applications, 19-23 August 2018, San Diego, California
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Model for Characterization and Optimization of Spectrally Selective Structures to Reduce the Operating Temperature and Improve the Energy Yield of Photovoltaic Modules
Modeling Spectrally-Selective Reflection for Thermal Management in Monofacial and Bifacial Modules