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. One of the largest ongoing expenses related to solar energy is maintenance required to support mechanical tracking systems. We have developed two thin film technologies that are capable of revolutionizing solar cell technology by capturing additional light without the need for the additional upfront and on-going expenses associated with mechanical tracking systems. In our proposed approach, two sets of thin film layers act in concert to increase the amount of light reaching the solar cells. The first thin film improves light collection at multiple solar positions using Holographic Optical Elements. The second thin film layer is composed of a composite polymer material that shifts the frequency of the incoming solar radiation from the UV and blue regions of the spectrum into the blue-green and green regions of the spectrum where the solar cells generate electricity considerably more efficiently.