Fabrication and performance evaluation of large–scale luminescent and plasmonic luminescent solar concentrator modules

This study presents the detailed fabrication and performance evaluation of large–scale luminescent solar concentrator (LSC) and plasmonic luminescent solar concentrator (PLSC) modules. Individual LSC, PLSC, and reference devices have been fabricated with dimensions of 10 x 10 x 0.5 cm. Five devices of each type were connected in series, ensuring correct photovoltaic cell polarity, to form cohesive modular groups with minimal mismatch. These solar concentrators were subsequently integrated into an outdoor panel designed to accommodate the modules for outdoor performance evaluations. Outputs of 240 mW, 213 mW, and 46 mW were observed for the individual PLSC, LSC and reference devices respectively from an indoor solar simulator test outputting 900 W/m 2 . Outdoor performance analysis has highlighted that the inclusion of metal nanoparticles within the PLSCs enhanced the outputs by 65% on average with a maximum enhancement of 88.6% observed over the course of a single day. The series connection within the LSC modules demonstrated enhanced scalability and potential for practical application in solar energy systems. This innovative module configuration provides valuable insights into the advancement of luminescent solar concentrators through plasmonic enhancement, contributing to the broader goal of optimising solar energy harvesting. • Innovative large-scale LSC & PLSC modules improve solar energy harvesting efficiency. • Plasmonic enhancement in PLSC modules boosts power output by up to 88.6%. • New modular approach enables practical approach to installation of LSCs. • Gold nanorods in PLSC modules significantly enhance solar concentration. • Fabrication technique developed to be durable and reproducible.