Optical wireless power transmission characteristics of surface appearance controlled solar cells using visible colour filters

Abstract

Optical wireless power transmission (OWPT) systems are attractive photonic systems based on light sources and solar cells. To improve the visual design of practical consumer applications, we applied visible colour filters to change the normal black appearance of solar cells. Different colours made by multilayer-type filters on solar cells were investigated for control of visible colour with maintained power transmission efficiency. The surface colours seen by the eyes and standard cameras were controlled by the filter as expected from the filter spectral response. The electrical output characteristics of the solar cell covered with the filter were experimentally measured in order to confirm the OWPT performance. The results showed that the OWPT system can change colour appearance with an acceptable slight deterioration of performance.