THE LUMINESCENT CONCENTRATOR: A BRIGHT IDEA FOR SPECTRUM CONVERSION?

Luminescent concentrator plates with different dyes were combined with multicrystalline silicon solar cells at one side of the plate. Spectral response and IV measurements were performed. The results show an external quantum efficiency of 25 % for an optical concentration factor of 10, giving an effective concentration factor of 2.5 at the absorption maximum. The electrical current of the silicon cell is increased by a factor 1.5 with respect to the bare cell under normal incidence. The influence of dye concentration, mirrored surfaces and plate dimensions on the performance of the luminescent concentrator is addressed.