The application of thin film wavelength-shifting coatings of Perspex to solar energy collection

The theory of solar energy collectors which utilise sheets of fluorescent plastic is described. A method of producing fluorescent plastic by applying a thin film coating to clear plastic is evaluated and found to be superior to conventional doping techniques. Two small scale test collectors were constructed and measurements to assess performance were made. The quantum efficiency of each collector was found to be 15+or-5% in direct sunlight and an energy efficiency estimate of 2.5% was made for the collector/solar cell combination.