An Efficient Design of Solar Cell Antenna for Mobile and Vehicular Applications

This paper describes the application of solar cells antenna structures. The radiating patch element of a planar antenna is replaced by a solar cell. The original feature of a solar cell (DC current generation) remains, but additionally the solar cell is able to receive and transmit electromagnetic waves. solar cells can be used as antennas. At first some basics regarding the RF properties of solar cell patches are discussed. Finally two applications are presented: a solar cell GPS antenna for vehicular and a solar cell slot antenna for mobile communication in GSM applications. The GPS antenna provides circular polarization and a main lobe in zenith direction whereas the GSM antenna is vertically polarized and has a monopole-like radiation pattern. The above antennas are built up with commonly used solar cells.