Contact: Joshua A. Chamot
jchamot@nsf.gov
703-292-7730
National Science Foundation

Dyed-Glass Breakthrough Channels Energy into Solar Cells

Caption: An artist's representation shows how a cost-effective solar concentrator could help make existing solar panels more efficient. The dye-based luminescent solar concentrator functions without the use of tracking or cooling systems, greatly reducing the overall cost compared to other concentrator technology. Dye molecules coated on glass absorb sunlight, and re-emit it at a different wavelengths. The light is trapped and transported within the glass until it is captured by solar cells at the edge. Some light passes through the concentrator, and is absorbed by lower voltage solar cells underneath. [Note: Graphic is not to scale.]

Credit: Nicolle Rager Fuller, NSF

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