Low concentration photovoltaic module design using bifacial solar cells

A 20* passive one-axis tracking concentrator using both direct and diffuse components of solar radiation and albedo is described. The design combines a linear Fresnel lens with a composite second stage consisting of a dielectric cusp and a luminescent flat plate concentrator. Total photon flux captured is refractively guided to the light-sensitive areas on both sides of the cell. A 22.6% efficient bifacial cell made from dendritic web silicon is used. Calculations indicate an effective module efficiency of 23% under 800 W/m/sup 2/ direct component, 200 W/m/sup 2/ diffuse component, and 25% albedo.<>