Design and Construction of Controlled Back Reflectors for Bifacial Photovoltaic Modules

David Bowersox, Govinda Samy Tamizh Mani

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

3 Scopus citations

Abstract

Bifacial photovoltaic (PV) modules enable higher power output in the installed systems by using additional light reflected on the back of the cells. Conventionally, the light reflected from the ground surface is used by the bifacial PV systems. The cells in a 48-cell module are less densely packed than 60-cell modules of the same size, which allows light to pass through the intercell area. Presented in this paper, back reflectors with three different reflective profiles have been designed to increase the energy production of these 48-cell modules by effectively utilizing the intercell light passing through the modules. The additional power generation through the introduction of an inexpensive back-side reflector could make 48-cell modules competitive with more densely packed 60-cell modules by reducing expensive cell material without increasing installation size.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publication2018 IEEE 7th World Conference on Photovoltaic Energy Conversion, WCPEC 2018 - A Joint Conference of 45th IEEE PVSC, 28th PVSEC and 34th EU PVSEC
PublisherInstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc.
Pages1735-1740
Number of pages6
ISBN (Electronic)9781538685297
DOIs
StatePublished - Nov 26 2018
Event7th IEEE World Conference on Photovoltaic Energy Conversion, WCPEC 2018 - Waikoloa Village, United States
Duration: Jun 10 2018Jun 15 2018

Publication series

Name2018 IEEE 7th World Conference on Photovoltaic Energy Conversion, WCPEC 2018 - A Joint Conference of 45th IEEE PVSC, 28th PVSEC and 34th EU PVSEC

Other

Other7th IEEE World Conference on Photovoltaic Energy Conversion, WCPEC 2018
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityWaikoloa Village
Period6/10/186/15/18

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Energy Engineering and Power Technology
  • Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering
  • Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials

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