Optimization of wide-angle planar micro-optic solar concentrator systems for deployment in tropics

A theoretical study is presented on planar micro-optic solar concentrators. These can be inexpensively fabricated using nanoimprinting techniques and can provide indoor illumination. Multiple combinations of lenslet array designs and coupling features are optimized, and full system efficiencies are evaluated by ray-tracing simulations. Concentrator designs are optimized with considerations of suitability to tropical regions. A design capable of near-unity efficiency at up to 18-deg field angles and up to 92.14% collection efficiency within ±30-deg incident angle is reported. A cost analysis is then performed using meteorological data.