The use of convex lens as primary concentrator for multi-junction solar cells

Abstract

A concentrator lens system was designed for a multi-junction solar cell, CDO-100-C3MJ, with an added feature − a convex lens was added above the Fresnel lens in order to improve the output power of the setup and reduce the need for the use of solar trackers. The convex lens setup was tested with the Fresnel lens setup over a 3-day photoperiod by measuring the voltage, current, irradiance, and temperature at every hour. The results showed that the convex lens setup produced 1.94% more power, but only at around midday. The increase in power is due to the convex lens that focuses a greater amount of irradiance on the solar cell over the course of the day.

Keywords

• multi-junction solar cell
• two-lens system
• concentrator
• convex lens
• overall performance