Investigation on the Possibility of Improving the Performance of a Silicon Cell Using Selected Dye Concentrator

Abstract

There are many opportunities to increase the efficiency of photovoltaic cells. These include solutions such as tracking mechanisms, hybrid systems or dye concentrators. Importantly, their implementation can reduce the number of silicon cells in installations, leading to reduced environmental impact. The principle of a dye concentrator is to focus sunlight onto the surface of PV modules, increasing electricity production. In this study, the potential for increased PV cell efficiency is investigated using a selected dye concentrator—tinted and luminescent acrylic glass (polymethylmethacrylate, PMMA) in yellow and red colors. The experiment included multiple measurement calibrations, such as the temperature of the silicon cell under test and the irradiation, as well as different variants of PV systems consisting of a silicon cell and different types of PMMA. Overall, the results show an increase in PV cell performance and the dependence of the increase on the type of PMMA used. The most favorable of the PV systems tested appeared to be the combination of a PV cell with a red luminescent PV, for which an average efficiency improvement of 1.21% was obtained.