Amorphous Silicon Photovoltaic Solar Cells—Inexpensive, High-Yield Optical Designs

Abstract

We propose a new method for manufacturing and deploying amorphous silicon solar cells which is based on creating an effectively “bifacial” photovoltaic device by utilizing part of the glazing of a CPC-type nonimaging concentrator as active absorber. This solar collector could enhance the yearly energy delivery of amorphous silicon solar cells by about 100 percent if the cells are manufactured so as to exploit illumination on both cells sides.