Performance of Low-Complexity Spectrally Selective One-Dimensional Mirrors for Photovoltaic Thermal Management

Operation at elevated temperatures is detrimental to the performance of crystalline Si solar modules. One method of reducing module operating temperature is selective reflection of sub-bandgap photons, which can otherwise only be absorbed parasitically. We numerically optimize the design of a series of multilayer photonic mirrors based on real materials using a previously developed optimization routine. Combined ray tracing and finite element simulations reveal the ability of each mirror to increase energy yield and decrease operating temperature. The best design outperforms a conventional glass antireflection coating, contains only nine layers, and maintains performance regardless of geographic location.