Reassessment of different flat TCO integrated reflectors for the crystalline silicon solar PV module in view of its longer operational life

Abstract

AbstractIn the present simulation work with experimental validation, the performance of a transparent conductive oxide (TCO) film‐coated spectrally selective reflector in the low‐concentrated photovoltaic application has been analysed. The use of mirrors in solar photovoltaic (PV) applications is a well‐established thing. However, it increases the operating temperature and requires more thermally stable, expensive solar modules. In this regard, for the first time, commercially available TCO‐coated glasses such as fluorine‐doped tin oxide (FTO) and indium tin oxide (ITO) have been integrated with mirrors. The spectrally selective reflector is a promising technology to achieve a high‐power yield from the commercially available crystalline silicon photovoltaic (C‐Si PV) module during its lifetime. They have the property to absorb unwanted photons in the region of the AM1.5 spectrum (1200 to 2000 nm), which partially thermalises the solar module through plasmonic absorption. The present study found that the proposed approach helps to restrict the increase in PV module temperature caused by the reflected rays from a mirror. The electrical performance of a standalone C‐Si PV was compared with that of the same system after the addition of FTO, ITO and a conventional mirror system. Our analysis indicates that, with the mirror integration, the degradation rate can increase to 1.5% per year if the standalone PV module's ageing rate is 0.8% per year. Through FTO incorporation with the same, the ageing rate has been reduced by up to 1.18% per year due to a reduction in temperature. This result is quite interesting, considering that spectrally selective reflectors do not stop high‐energy photons from thermalizing the PV module. The entire work has been done on commercially available materials, which makes it easier and ready to be implemented in large PV plants.Highlights A spectrally selective mirror for PV power boosting. Transparent conductive oxide (TCO) glass integration with mirror reduces the IR concentration approximately 50%. The reduction in thermalisation of PV module from the mirror by 3–5°C. This integration increases the PV module operational life by at least 4 years compared with commercial mirror.