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Increasing the solar cell power output by coating with transition metal-oxide nanorods

Author

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  • Kuznetsov, I.A.
  • Greenfield, M.J.
  • Mehta, Y.U.
  • Merchan-Merchan, W.
  • Salkar, G.
  • Saveliev, A.V.

Abstract

Photovoltaic cells produce electric current through interactions among photons from an ambient light source and electrons in the semiconductor layer of the cell. However, much of the light incident on the panel is reflected or absorbed without inducing the photovoltaic effect. Transition metal-oxide nanoparticles, an inexpensive product of a process called flame synthesis, can cause scattering of light. Scattering can redirect photon flux, increasing the fraction of light absorbed in the thin active layer of silicon solar cells. This research aims to demonstrate that the application of transition metal-oxide nanorods to the surface of silicon solar panels can enhance the power output of the panels. Several solar panels were coated with a nanoparticle-methanol suspension, and the power outputs of the panels before and after the treatment were compared. The results demonstrate an increase in power output of up to 5% after the treatment. The presence of metal-oxide nanorods on the surface of the coated solar cells is confirmed by electron microscopy.

Suggested Citation

  • Kuznetsov, I.A. & Greenfield, M.J. & Mehta, Y.U. & Merchan-Merchan, W. & Salkar, G. & Saveliev, A.V., 2011. "Increasing the solar cell power output by coating with transition metal-oxide nanorods," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 88(11), pages 4218-4221.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:appene:v:88:y:2011:i:11:p:4218-4221
    DOI: 10.1016/j.apenergy.2011.04.033
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    Cited by:

    1. Allouhi, A. & Kousksou, T. & Jamil, A. & Bruel, P. & Mourad, Y. & Zeraouli, Y., 2015. "Solar driven cooling systems: An updated review," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 44(C), pages 159-181.
    2. Chen, Ze & Zhang, Xiao-dan & Fang, Jia & Liang, Jun-hui & Liang, Xue-jiao & Sun, Jian & Zhang, De-kun & Wang, Ning & Zhao, Hui-xu & Chen, Xin-liang & Huang, Qian & Wei, Chang-chun & Zhao, Ying, 2014. "Enhancement in electrical performance of thin-film silicon solar cells based on a micro- and nano-textured zinc oxide electrodes," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 135(C), pages 158-164.
    3. Liu, Liqun & Meng, Xiaoli & Liu, Chunxia, 2016. "A review of maximum power point tracking methods of PV power system at uniform and partial shading," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 53(C), pages 1500-1507.
    4. Contento, Gaetano & Lorenzi, Bruno & Rizzo, Antonella & Narducci, Dario, 2017. "Efficiency enhancement of a-Si and CZTS solar cells using different thermoelectric hybridization strategies," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 131(C), pages 230-238.
    5. Ishaque, Kashif & Salam, Zainal & Shamsudin, Amir & Amjad, Muhammad, 2012. "A direct control based maximum power point tracking method for photovoltaic system under partial shading conditions using particle swarm optimization algorithm," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 99(C), pages 414-422.
    6. Ishaque, Kashif & Salam, Zainal & Mekhilef, Saad & Shamsudin, Amir, 2012. "Parameter extraction of solar photovoltaic modules using penalty-based differential evolution," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 99(C), pages 297-308.

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