Investigation on Light-Trapping Structures Using Ray Tracing

One way to improve the performance of solar modules under low and oblique light conditions is to use textured front surfaces such as pyramidal structures in glass. The aim of this work is to develop a ray tracing model that simulates the behavior of different textures under direct and diffuse radiation. The developed model can then be used to test and design different structures for the front surface of solar modules on the computer. The presented ray tracing model was evaluated with the help of solar module measurements under a solar flasher and under outdoor conditions. The model showed a very good fit for direct radiation but delivered slightly higher results compared to the measurements for the diffuse radiation.