Nanoparticles for Luminescent Solar Concentrators - A review

The leader of todays solar energy revolution is undoubtedly the silicon photovoltaic (PV) module. However, despite the immense progress in efficiency and the phenomenal drop of manufacturing and installation costs the dark blue flat panels have not found widespread use in the modern urban environment. The scarcity of available rooftop space, the high cost of land and the irregular metropolitan skyline have not allowed conventional solar technologies to supply cities with clean energy. Thus, new concepts are being investigated to integrate solar generators into new and existing buildings in the form of facades or windows. Luminescent Solar Concentrators (LSCs) offer a novel approach for the utilization of solar irradiation in the form of transparent glazing systems that have the potential to become functional elements of the building envelope. This paper highlights and compares the most recent technological advances in the field of LSC technology and the contribution of colloidal chemistry with reabsorption-free emitters offering broadband absorption and enhanced stability. Combined with a critical study of the newly emerged LSC applications in various fields this study will also attempt to give a possible glimpse of the near future of transparent solar harvesting devices.