Next Generation of Photovoltaics, 2012 New Concepts Springer Series in Optical Sciences Series, Vol. 165

This book presents new concepts for a next generation of PV. Among these concepts are: Multijunction solar cells, multiple excitation solar cells (or how to take benefit of high energy photons for the creation of more than one electron hole-pair), intermediate band solar cells (or how to take advantage of below band-gap energy photons) and related technologies (for quantum dots, nitrides, thin films), advanced light management approaches (plasmonics). Written by world-class experts in next generation photovoltaics this book is an essential reference guide accessible to both beginners and experts working with solar cell technology. The book deeply analyzes the current state-of-the-art of the new photovoltaic approaches and outlines the implementation paths of these advanced devices. Topics addressed range from the fundamentals to the description of state-of-the-art of the new types of solar cells.

Progress towards a next generation of photovoltaics.- Present state of multijunction research, development and industrialization.- Industrialization of concentrators for MJC and other high efficiency approaches: Isfoc.- Structure and tracking for concentration photovoltaics.- The interest and potential of the ultra high concentration.- Ultra-high efficiency solar cell modules.- Multiple exciton generation solar cells.- Non-coherent up-conversion in multicomponet organic systems.- Progress in intermediate band solar cell research.- Quantum dot technology.- Thin film technology for intermediate band solar cells.- GaInN technology for intermediate band solar cells.- Ion implantation technology for intermediate band solar cells.- Photon management in solar cells.- Surface plasmon polaritons in metallic nanostructures: fundamentals and their application to solar cells.- Modeling of QD for IB cells.