Modeling of static concentrator modules incorporating lambertian or v-groove rear reflectors

Ray tracing modeling has been used to calculate the performance of static concentrator modules with a geometric concentration ratio of 2 and incorporating very narrow (1-2 mm), long and bifacial cells. The modules utilize either a v-groove or a lambertian rear reflector. It is shown that the use of very narrow cells allows a performance improvement of 5% or more compared to structures incorporating wider cells, in the case of v-groove reflectors. The averaged yearly performance for both types of reflectors is found to be rather similar, with expected light collection in the range 82-86% of that of a module with 100% cell coverage. Experimental measurements on modules with lambertian reflectors are shown to be in good agreement with the results of modeling. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.