Long-Term Reliability of Semi-Transparent Photovoltaic Panels Based on Luminescent Solar Concentrators

Giulio Mangherini, Leonardo Sollazzo (), Valentina Diolaiti, Malgorzata Gawronska, Carla Sanna, Alfonso Damiano and Donato Vincenzi
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Giulio Mangherini: Department of Physics and Earth Sciences, University of Ferrara, Saragat 1, 44122 Ferrara, FE, Italy
Leonardo Sollazzo: Department of Physics and Earth Sciences, University of Ferrara, Saragat 1, 44122 Ferrara, FE, Italy
Valentina Diolaiti: Department of Physics and Earth Sciences, University of Ferrara, Saragat 1, 44122 Ferrara, FE, Italy
Malgorzata Gawronska: Laboratorio Energetica Elettrica, Sardegna Ricerche, VI Strada Ovest-Z.I. Macchiareddu, 09010 Cagliari, CA, Italy
Carla Sanna: Laboratorio Energetica Elettrica, Sardegna Ricerche, VI Strada Ovest-Z.I. Macchiareddu, 09010 Cagliari, CA, Italy
Alfonso Damiano: Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, University of Cagliari, Marengo 2, 09123 Cagliari, CA, Italy
Donato Vincenzi: Department of Physics and Earth Sciences, University of Ferrara, Saragat 1, 44122 Ferrara, FE, Italy

Energies, 2025, vol. 18, issue 3, 1-16

Abstract: Long-term reliability is crucial for the commercialization of semi-transparent photovoltaic panels based on Luminescent Solar Concentrators (LSCs). This study addresses key challenges such as photodegradation and hail resistance using glazed LSC prototypes functionalized with organic Lumogen F dyes. A pilot-scale batch of LSC prototypes (10 × 10 cm 2 ) underwent extensive outdoor exposure tests following the IEC 62108 “10.15 Outdoor Exposure Test” to evaluate long-term stability under natural solar radiation. Continuous monitoring revealed that prototypes with Lumogen F Red 305 experienced a 29% efficiency drop initially, which stabilized over time, indicating potential long-term stability. In contrast, those with Lumogen F Violet 570 showed minimal degradation, with only a 9% efficiency reduction. Additionally, the hail resistance of LSC panels was tested using the IEC 62108 “10.9 Hail Impact Test”. Panels with varying glass thickness, tempering methods, and surface areas were subjected to impact from 25 mm hailstones launched at 22.4 ± 5% m/s. All samples remained undamaged, highlighting their excellent hail resistance, a critical feature for preserving performance despite potential surface damage. This study demonstrates that combining glazed lightguides with polyvinyl butyral improves photostability and provides a cost-effective alternative to expensive fluorophores, while ensuring compliance with hail resistance standards.

Keywords: luminescent solar concentrators (LSCs); semi-transparent photovoltaic panels; outdoors characterization; photodegradation; hail tests; colorimetry (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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