Visually attractive and efficient photovoltaics through luminescent downshifting

Aesthetics of solar cells have become more important in recent years and the academic, industry and PV market trends include the implementation of PV modules free of aesthetic constraints. To date, this has been accompanied by negative consequences on cost and performance. We highlight, and further develop, a technical approach toward fabricating brightly coloured, patterned, visually appealing solar cells and panels while not compromising the efficiency, by exploiting the neglected potential of luminescence down shifting (LDS) materials. Only a few literature reports have previously demonstrated LDS in providing aesthetic appeal to different PV technology. We have built upon this to demonstrate a cost-effective, stand-alone film that can be used to develop customizable coloured/printed/graphically designed solar cells while maintaining their efficiency. A key advantage of the current method is that the film can be easily removable or replaceable, when the coloured structures have aged or a different appearance is desired, thus holding great potential for future product-integrated photovoltaics, solar cells with artistic designs, communication, company logos, advertisements and automotive applications.

Automated summary

The aesthetics of solar cells have become increasingly important in recent years, with a trend towards implementing PV modules without aesthetic constraints. However, this has had negative consequences on cost and performance. In this study, we have developed a technical approach using luminescence down shifting (LDS) materials to fabricate brightly coloured, visually appealing solar cells and panels without compromising efficiency. This cost-effective method allows for the development of customizable solar cells with artistic designs, making them easily replaceable and suitable for various applications such as product-integrated photovoltaics, communication, and automotive use.