Non-Mechanically Moving Solar Directing System for Photovoltaic Modules

A key focus of the United States government?s energy policy is to develop technologies that will allow the country to reduce Green House Gases by 80% by 2050. In support of this effort, the US Secretary of the Navy has developed a set of energy goals which include producing at least 50% of shore-based energy requirements using alternative sources primarily solar power. We have developed two thin film technologies that are capable of revolutionizing solar collection technology by capturing additional light without the need for the additional expenses associated with mechanical tracking systems. The research uses two sets of thin film layers acting in concert to increase the amount of light reaching the solar cells. The first thin film improves light collection using Holographic Optical Elements. The second thin film layer is shifts the frequency of the incoming solar radiation from the UV of the spectrum into visible regions where the solar cells generate are more efficient. Our Phase I program demonstrated that the technologies were scalable to 600mmx300mm sizes and capable of generating approximately 60W/m2. In the Phase II program, we will increase the size of the collection system to 1m2 and the efficiency in transparent applications to 75W/m2.