Light trapping in the polymer front sheet of Solarge light-weight photovoltaic modules

Abstract

This thesis aims to enhance the performance of solar cells, specifically those used by Solarge, through comprehensive research on optical characterization and texture fabrication.
In the first part, the focus is on understanding and optimizing the optical properties of Solarge's polymer front sheet and encapsulant. Through meticulous measurements, both computationally and experimentally, the thickness and optical constants of each layer are determined. This information is used to develop an accurate optical model, validated against real-world measurements, to simulate the performance of Solarge's solar cell stack. Additionally, electrical performance is thoroughly evaluated using a combination of computational and experimental techniques.
The second part of the research delves into the fabrication of textures on Solarge's front sheet to minimize optical losses. Two fabrication methods, release papers and Teflon sheets, are examined, and a diverse range of texture morphologies undergo rigorous experimental testing. These textures are carefully evaluated based on their optical and electrical characteristics. By analyzing the findings from the initial texture analysis, a set of requirements is established to guide further investigations and determine the most effective texture for Solarge's solar cell stack. A computational study is conducted to accurately simulate and analyze different texture geometries, including scaled-up bio-inspired textures, random pyramids, and corner cubes, using the advanced capabilities of GenPro4 software. Based on the results obtained, two texture geometries are recommended to Solarge for further optimization. The implementation of the first recommended texture demonstrates a significant increase of 2.65% in power output compared to the current Solarge cell stack.
A holistic perspective is provided through a simple financial analysis, evaluating the potential profitability and economic feasibility of implementing the recommended improvements outlined in this thesis. The research findings offer practical insights for Solarge, enabling them to enhance module performance, reduce optical losses, and potentially generate substantial revenue.
In conclusion, this thesis presents a comprehensive investigation into the optical characterization and texture fabrication for Solarge's solar modules. The research outcomes contribute to an improved understanding of the optical properties of the cell stack components and the impact of surface texturing on performance. By combining scientific analysis, experimental testing, and computational simulations, this research offers valuable recommendations to enhance the overall efficiency and profitability of Solarge's solar cell stack.