Performance of a PV module with poly methyl methacrylate filter

Abstract

Present PV modules (solar cells) costs higher than coal-fired electricity which is the baseline cost of today’s commercial power. To be utilized by Industry sector, the solar module’s price should be significantly reduced and solar energy efficiency is to be increased. This paper discusses a new innovation wherein the PV module’s efficiency can be increased by using selective irradiation of the sun light using Poly Methyl Methacrylate (PMMA) as IR filter. Experimental investigations are conducted on the silicon panel with different arrangement of with and without IR filter PMMA. It is reported that placing the PMMA glass on the panel reduced the operating temperature of the module and thus the power efficiency is found to be increased appreciably.