Luminescent, quantum dot-based anti-reflective coatings for crystalline silicon photovoltaics

Abstract

This thesis demonstrates and evaluates the potential application of luminescent quantum dot/polymer solutions on crystalline silicon photovoltaics. After spin coating the QD/polymer onto silicon photodiodes, an increase of 3% in current density was observed. This performance improvement was used to determine the impact application would have on the crystalline silicon photovoltaic supply chain. Supply chain costs were modeled to estimate the segment costs for Sharp's NUU230F3 230W module. The benefits realized by use of cells coated with the QD/polymer solution were then estimated at both the module and the cell segments. Finally, an installation cost model for the residential market was built to determine the impact an increase in efficiency had on total system costs.