Micro-scale Concentrated Photovoltaic Module

InventionThe technology is a thin photovoltaic module that concentrates direct and diffuse sunlight onto each individual solar cell, which increases the efficiency.  The concentrator lenses  are designed to reduce tracking requirements, making these solar panels ideal for spaces requiring small footprints, such as buildings in dense urban areas. The design also includes a clever means of reducing the PV cell size under each lens so that the cells cool more efficiently.BackgroundAchieving concentration of sunlight onto photovoltaic cells in a small form factor has been a challenge.  Additionally, gathering light at large angles of incidence, to include diffuse radiation, can improve the collection efficiency by as much as 25%.  However, getting both of these features into a thin form factor has not yet been achieved.AdvantagesSmall, lightweight solar panelsCheaper solar panelsGreater efficiency for light collectionApplicationsSolar PanelsOLED illuminationFocused light for greater power in electronic devicesInventorsStanley PauLinan JiangJohn KoshelContactAmy PhillipsUniversity of Arizona, Tech Launch ArizonaAmyP@tla.arizona.eduRefer to case # UA15-129

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