Optimizing PV Solar Panel Efficiency with Wavelength Absorption and Reflection

[scott22]

Hi,
I am wondering if all the different wavelengths (ie colors) of light are absorbed by a PV panel, and if so is the absorption equal among all the wavelengths? Is there any wavelength(s) that are more readily reflected off the glass or the PV cell itself?
Thanks a lot!
Scott

 

[DEvens]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Planck_constant
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Photoelectric_effect
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dispersion_(optics )
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transparency_and_translucency

 

[Vagn]

Hi,
I am wondering if all the different wavelengths (ie colors) of light are absorbed by a PV panel, and if so is the absorption equal among all the wavelengths? Is there any wavelength(s) that are more readily reflected off the glass or the PV cell itself?
Thanks a lot!
Scott

Most PV cells have an anti-refelective coating, or are textured to prevent loss due to refelection. All wavelengths with energy greater than the band gap of the absorber material can be absorbed by a PV cell, however the charge carriers quickly thermalise losing a significant fraction of the energy absorbed (except in hot carrier solar cells).