Luminescent EVA encapsulation layers for enhancing the short wavelength spectral response and efficiency

This paper resulted from a collaborative EPSRC grant (EP/F02763X/1) with chemists at Univ. Edinburgh. Both commercially available dyes and a new rare-earth complex, which exhibits strong UV absorption via an organic antenna framework and high quantum yield red emission via a europium ion, were introduced into encapsulation layers for photovoltaic (PV) modules. The demonstrated efficiency increase of ??=0.3% for a 59cm2 mini-module has strengthened opportunities for licensing a patent of which Richards is a name inventor (WO/2008/110567), relevant to PV technologies such as silicon and CIGS.