The light-cascade technology may be applied to the encapsulation of solar cells, making the encapsulation an active participant in the conversion of solar energy into electrical energy. Solar panels fabricated with this technology have a lifetime of over 10 years and conversion efficiencies 20% to 40% greater than conventional solar panels, depending on the meteorological conditions. The light-cascade panels are particularly efficient under diffuse lighting conditions (i.e., cloudy days), which makes them attractive for use in regions with limited direct sunlight
Power modules using this technology have seen use in many fields, ranging from public lighting and signaling facilities to marine markers. A few examples are shown below.
Figure 1: Several applications of two-dimensional photovoltaic modules incorporating light cascade technology. From left to right is shown (1) public lighting, (2) road signal, (3) marine signal, and (4) marine communications power supply.
Figure 3: Sociéte Nouvelle d’Electronique Nouvelle, with two-dimensional photovoltaic modules in the foreground.
The next generation of light-cascade-enhanced photovoltaic modules use three-dimensional photo-trap geometries. Below are shown several examples.
Figure 4: Examples of possible three-dimensional photovoltaic-module geometries.
For more information, please see the publication by P. Gravisse in either French or English or send us an email at contact@lprl.org.
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