Bifacial solar photovoltaics (PV) is a promising mature technology that increases the production of electricity per square meter of PV module through the use of light absorption from the albedo. This review describes current state-of-the-art bifacial solar PV technology based on a comprehensive examination of nearly 400 papers published since 1979 (approximately 40% are referenced in this work) focused on illuminating additional research and development opportunities to enhance and assess performance and expand bifacial technology׳s overall contribution within a rapidly expanding global solar market. Research and development efforts on bifacial PV should continue to emphasize improved efficiency in cells, module reliability and deployment configuration of bifacial arrays in a PV plant to co-optimize front-backside energy production during the entire day for fixed and tracking systems. Research on improved conversion efficiencies associated with monofacial PV cells will also continue to benefit bifacial PV performance. Standardization of certification procedures for bifacial PV technology performance efficiency and expansion of niche applications is required to promote wider deployment worldwide.

Bifacial solar photovoltaics – A technology review

The early history of bifacial solar cells

There are a wide variety of solar thermal, photovoltaic, and hybrid photovoltaic–thermal concentrator systems and concepts that use liquids for optical adaptation and heat transfer. Depending on the functional purpose of the fluid: heat transfer, optical adaptation, spectral filtering, or a combination of these applications, different fluid properties are required. This review studies actively cooled solar concentrators and their associated requirements for liquids. The most suitable candidate fluids available in the market are assessed according to their properties and applications, with a special emphasis on fluid toxicity and long-term performance. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

A review of optical and thermal transfer fluids used for optical adaptation or beam‐splitting in concentrating solar systems

A rechargeable battery array comprises a plurality of rechargeable battery cells (10)-(16) connected in series, and in equal plurality of charging sources (18)-(24) connected in series. Corresponding terminals of corresponding battery cells and charging sources are interconnected. The internal resistance of each of the charging sources is matched to the internal resistance of each battery cell. The configuration provides substantially faster charging of the battery cells than is possible using conventional battery cell array charging configurations. The invention is particularly well suited to photo-voltaic charging systems.

J. Sangrador

Papers

Project of the 'Ramon Areces' Concentrated Photovoltaic Power Station

Quasi-static concentrated array with double side illuminated solar cells

High efficiency transcells and vertical multijunction cells for double-sided concentrated illumination