Design and testing of highly transparent concentrator photovoltaic modules for efficient dual‐land‐use applications

Abstract

Two types of highly transparent concentrator photovoltaic (CPV) modules that separately utilize direct sunlight and diffuse sunlight for efficient dual‐land‐use applications were designed and tested. The type A module, comprising a typical‐scale CPV lens and solar cells, has a completely direct‐diffuse‐separated design for power generation and other solar applications. On the other hand, the type B module, consisting of a microscale CPV lens and solar cells, was designed to increase the amount of direct sunlight transmitted based on an intentional reduction in the ratio of the lens aperture area to the module aperture area. In experiments, both modules exhibit higher electricity yields and module‐transmitted irradiances (MTIs) than those of a conventional partially transparent flat photovoltaic module with 17% efficiency Si solar cells. Furthermore, the modules show direct normal irradiance‐based efficiencies of 26.7% (type A) and 18.5% (type B) while simultaneously showing MTI‐to‐global normal irradiance ratios of 15.3%‐63.7% (type A) and 38.0%‐63.8% (type B) under various irradiance conditions. Thus, an irradiance of at least 160 W/m2 under the modules can be achieved even when they are arrayed without gaps (at a ground coverage ratio = 1).

Stretchable micro-scale concentrator photovoltaic module with 15.4% efficiency for three-dimensional curved surfaces

“…For example, although in this study, we used the less transparent TPU sheet because the electrode pattern can be easily formed by screen-printing, substituting highly transparent and stretchable materials (e.g., polydimethylsiloxane: PDMS) improves the module transmittance to the sunlight; consequently, unutilized sunlight for power generation can be transmitted under the module while generating the power comparable to the Si module. Therefore, also given the stretchability to be fitted to 3D curved surfaces with sharp curvature, this upgraded concept would be a promising technology for efficient dual-land use (i.e., semi-transparent CPV module [51][52][53] ).…”

Multidimensional Role of Agrovoltaics in Era of EU Green Deal: Current Status and Analysis of Water–Energy–Food–Land Dependencies

“…They selectively transmit sunlight in a specific spectral range essential for plant growth, while also concentrating the remaining sunlight for power generation. Sato and Yamada [34] examined different types of CPV cells and found that they exhibit higher electricity yields compared to the partially transparent modules. However, even though these modules are more efficient, they are provided at a significantly higher cost, since manufacturer processes for mass production are yet to be implemented [35].…”

Waveguide Concentrator Photovoltaic with Spectral Splitting for Dual Land Use

“…Still, the decoupling loss and material attenuation become more significant, leading to a reduction in the system's efficiency [13]. That is why we chose the system length as 1 m; moreover, this size is also easy to compare with previously tested CPV systems [6]. After choosing the length of the flat waveguide, all parameters, such as the freeform lens array, the size of the prisms, and the length of the system, were fixed.…”

“…However, the low density also reduces the amount of electricity produced. Sato and Yamada [6] designed and tested two types of highly transparent concentrator photovoltaic (CPV) modules for dual land use applications. The authors' system removed traditional PV cells' shade effect; however, the system is not suitable for locations with insufficient annual diffused sunlight for plant growth.…”