Theory of fluorescent planar concentrators and experimental results

The principle of the fluorescent planar concentrator represents a new possibility for solar energy conversion. Collection and concentration of direct and diffuse radiation is possible. The collector offers the advantage of separating light into different spectral regions and converting them with different optimized solar cells. First experimental results show that inadequate dye characteristics and stability are the largest problems to be overcome. Till now total collector conversion to electrical energy efficiencies of 2.8% could be obtained for a stack with 400 cm2 collection area.