Progress in luminescent solar concentrator research: solar energy for the built environment

This paper presents a concise review of recent research on the luminescent solar concentrator (LSC). The topics covered will include studies of novel luminophores and attempts to limit the losses in the devices, both surface and internal. These efforts include application of organic and inorganic-based selective mirrors which allow sunlight in but reflect emitted light, luminophores alignment to manipulate the emitted light path, and patterning of the dye layer. Finally, the paper will offer some possible ‘glimpses to the future’, and offer some additional research paths that could result in a device that could make solar energy a ubiquitous part of the built environment as sound barriers, bus stop roofs, awnings or siding tiles. Considering the reported efficiencies of the LSC are comparable to those reported for organic PVs, which are also being considered for use in the built environment, the results of the research on the LSC to date warrants more widespread attention