A Novel Concept to Achieve High-Packing Density of Solar Cells with High Reliability

60136 The use of photovoltaic (PV) cells for thermophotovoltaic (TPV) or reflective concentration systems will require a configuration that maximizes performance through dense cell packing and provides for high reliability through the use of bypass diodes. The lack of such a method is an impediment to the commercialization of TPV and reflective concentration systems. This project will use multi-layer substrates to imbed protective diodes underneath the PV cells so that precious module aperture area is not used. Additionally, PV cell reconfiguration will maximize the potential for dense packing. Phase I proved the viability of the dense cell packing concept as well as the concept of burying protective diodes into the dense cell array substrate. Computer analysis identified three potential substrate candidates. Phase II will take these three candidates to the prototype level. Performance, manufacturability, reliability, and cost analysis will be performed, and a successful substrate configuration will be chosen. All production processes, tooling, and equipment will be developed and implemented. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: The overall performance of TPV and reflective solar concentrator PV systems are highly dependent on the efficient utilization of the area being illuminated ¿ the PV cell array. A cell array configuration for these applications that is optimized for performance and reliability, and that is combined with the technical advances in TPV emitter designs and recent reflective concentrator developments, should result in a cost-effective, efficient renewable energy source and the emergence of a vital new US industry