Diffractive optical elements utilized for efficiency enhancement of photovoltaic modules

Common solar cells used in photovoltaic modules feature metallic contacts which partially block the sunlight from reaching the semiconductor layer and reduce the overall efficiency of the modules. Diffractive optical elements were generated in the bulk glass of a photovoltaic module by ultrafast las...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Optics express 2011-06, Vol.19 (12), p.11397-11404
Main Authors: Mingareev, I, Berlich, R, Eichelkraut, T J, Herfurth, H, Heinemann, S, Richardson, M C
Format: Article
Language:English
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Summary:Common solar cells used in photovoltaic modules feature metallic contacts which partially block the sunlight from reaching the semiconductor layer and reduce the overall efficiency of the modules. Diffractive optical elements were generated in the bulk glass of a photovoltaic module by ultrafast laser irradiation to direct light away from the contacts. Calculations of the planar electromagnetic wave diffraction and propagation were performed using the rigorous coupled wave analysis technique providing quantitative estimations for the potential efficiency enhancement of photovoltaic modules.
ISSN:1094-4087
1094-4087
DOI:10.1364/OE.19.011397