Solar Cell Output Optimization using Light Convergence Method

Abstract

Abstract Light intensity is one of the many factors that can influence the power output of a solar cell. In this research, light convergence method is performed by using a Fresnel lens to increase the light intensity that are passes through the solar cells. 2 solar cells are used for this research. One of them is paired with a Fresnel lens positioned perpendicularly at a distance of 5cm. The output from both solar cells are then compared. The solar cell paired with the Fresnel lens contains a higher power output by up to 40.29% at 13.10 o’clock in the afternoon compared to a normal solar cell. However therein lies a decrease in power output at 10.00 – 10.30 o’clock and 13.30 – 14.00 o’clock by up to -30.65% because shadows from the Fresnel lens relative to the sun’s position affects the light intensity a solar cell receives. Results from 3 days’ worth of tests shows that at 10.00 – 14.00 o’clock, the solar cell paired with a Fresnel lens retain a higher average power output of around 6.08% compared to a solar cell without one.