Laboratory protocols for measuring and reporting the performance of luminescent solar concentrators

Luminescent solar concentrators (LSCs) show great potential for both broadening the spectral response of photovoltaic devices and facilitating their deployment in urban environments. However, the recent success of LSCs has brought to light severe deficiencies in reporting protocols: direct comparison between lab-scale LSCs is not possible due to inconsistencies in the experimental measurements and reporting of device performance. Here, we make the case for treatment of LSCs as photonic devices rather than photovoltaic cells and identify best practice guidelines for the measurement and reporting of LSC performance.

Automated summary

LSCs have shown great potential for enhancing the spectral response of photovoltaic devices and enabling their deployment in urban settings. However, inconsistencies in experimental measurements and reporting practices have hindered direct comparisons between lab-scale LSCs, prompting the need for best practice guidelines for accurate measurement and reporting of LSC performance.