Development of silicone-encapsulated CPV module based on LED package technology

Novel concentrator photovoltaic (CPV) module concepts based on LED package technology are introduced. Mass-production techniques currently applicable to LED packages can reduce module cost and achieve stylish module configurations like those of flat PV panels. To realize this concept, a possible design is examined. A solar cell, receiver, and secondary optical element are encapsulated by a highly transparent silicone lens. Scaling effect of solar cell size with optical efficiency is analyzed along with other optical characteristics. In addition, the “CPV+ concept,” in which diffuse solar radiation is harvested using a low-cost solar cell combined inside the encapsulated CPV module, is also introduced and examined.