External Quantum Efficiency Measurements and Outdoor Characterisation for PV Luminescent Downshifting Devices

Abstract

In this paper, LDS layers (100 ± 05 μm) of Violet Lumogen dye encapsulated into PMMA polymer with different concentrations, 0.082, 0.044 and 0.170% w/w, were prepared by drop casting onto glass substrates. Layers were deposited on top of crystalline silicon cells to improve their performances. External quantum efficiency (EQE) measurements showed an enhancement for wavelengths where the violet dye is absorbing at 290–420 nm. From the outdoor characterisation, the highest gain in overall efficiency η (%) was recorded for PV/LDS device with a concentration of 0.082% w/w which shows an increase of 15% (relative) compared to the corresponding reference cell. Also a relative increase of 19% in the short-circuit current was outdoor measured for this device.