We report the experimental demonstration of a low-cost paradigm for photovoltaic
power generation that utilizes a prismatic Fresnel-like lens to simultaneously
concentrate and separate sunlight into laterally spaced spectral bands. The
optical element is designed using geometric optics and optical dispersion and
its performance is simulated with a ray-tracing software. The device, fabricated
by injection molding, suitable for large-scale mass production, is
experimentally characterized. We report an average optical transmittance above
85% over the VIS-IR range and spectral separation in excellent agreement with
our simulations. Finally, the system is tested with a pair of copper indium
gallium selenide based solar cells. We demonstrate an increase in peak
electrical power output of 160% under outdoor sunlight illumination,
corresponding to an increase in power conversion efficiency of 15% relative to
single-junction full-spectrum one-sun illumination. Given the ease of
manufacturability and the potential of the proposed solution, we project that
our design can provide a cost-effective alternative to multi-junction solar
cells ready for mass production.