Visually attractive and efficient photovoltaics through luminescent downshifting

Aesthetics of solar cells have become more important in recent years and the academic, industry and PV market trends include the implementation of PV modules free of aesthetic constraints. To date, this has been accompanied by negative consequences on cost and performance. We highlight, and further develop, a technical approach toward fabricating brightly coloured, patterned, visually appealing solar cells and panels while not compromising the efficiency, by exploiting the neglected potential of luminescence down shifting (LDS) materials. Only a few literature reports have previously demonstrated LDS in providing aesthetic appeal to different PV technology. We have built upon this to demonstrate a cost-effective, stand-alone film that can be used to develop customizable coloured/printed/graphically designed solar cells while maintaining their efficiency. A key advantage of the current method is that the film can be easily removable or replaceable, when the coloured structures have aged or a different appearance is desired, thus holding great potential for future product-integrated photovoltaics, solar cells with artistic designs, communication, company logos, advertisements and automotive applications. Current PV market trends give high importance to the aesthetic value of PV products. The technology developed and described in this article allows the easy implementation of customizable and visually appealing solar panels in different applications.