Improvement in solar panel efficiency using solar concentration by simple mirrors and by cooling

摘要

Concentrated photovoltaic technology (CPV) uses optics such as mirrors and lens to focus sunlight on solar cells for the sake of generating electricity. CPV has advantage over non-concentrated photovoltaic as less number of solar cells are required for the same power output. Along with duration and intensity of sunlight, temperature also has great effect on the performance of PV module as high temperature significantly reduces output power. This research paper explains a practical approach to enhance the efficiency of solar panel by the use of mirrors and cooling mechanism. These reflectors are cheap, easy to handle, simple enough to use and need no extra equipment or devices to use. But CPV operate efficiently in concentrated light as long as the solar cells are kept cool by means of some heat sinks. Experimental results indicate appreciable enhancement in overall output of solar panel. Experimental readings obtained from a) without reflectors and without cooling b) with reflectors and without cooling c) with reflectors and with cooling are compared. Corresponding results obtained from different conditions showing improvement in efficiency up to 32% in case (b) and 52% in case (c) are tabled and plotted.