Does light pass through a PV module with composite particle layers?

An improved light path model was proposed to explain the transmittance and reflectance of light passing through a PV module with composite particle layers. The rate of reduction of light energy after passing through the layers was analyzed along the light's propagation path. Theoretical formulas for transmittance and reflectance were obtained.

How does spectral transmittance affect the transmission of incident light?

Spectral transmittance through the composite layers was very low, and the dust particle composition and layer thickness had strong inhibiting effects on the transmission of incident light. 1. Introduction In recent years, photovoltaic (PV) power generation has increased markedly [ 1 ], and PV modules have mostly been installed in open fields.

What is the optical model based on a dusty PV module?

An optical model was established based on a three-layer system (dust particles–cover glass–solar cell) to introduce the process of incident light energy absorption, reflection, and transmission on a dusty PV module. Experimental validation was conducted for the improved model.

Can spectral transmittance and reflectance be improved?

Optical experiments were conducted for incident light with a spectral range of 0.30–0.7 μm to verify the improved model. The results show that when the thickness of the particle layer was larger than the sum of the minimum and maximum diameters, the theoretical spectral transmittance and reflectance agree well with the experimental data.

What are the optical losses of a PV module?

The optical losses comprise reflection losses at various interfaces (1: air-glass, 2: glass-encapsulant, 3: encapsulant-cell), absorption losses (4: glass, 5: encapsulant), and transmittance losses (6: cell transmittance, 7: cell- gap transmittance). The reflection and absorption losses are common for all types of PV modules.

Why do bifacial PV modules have a transparent rear side?

Bifacial PV modules with a transparent rear side collect additional sunlight on the rear side of the module as they capture light reflected from the surface beneath the module and from the surroundings (albedo). As a result, bifacial modules generate additional energy under outdoor conditions [9-11] compared to the standard monofacial modules.