Modeling and optimization of solar thermoelectric generators for terrestrial applications

► Efficiencies of STEGs with large thermal concentration can reach 5% at AM1.5G. ► Under certain constraints the optimal design of STEGs is determined by one geometric parameter, CthL. ► The amount of TE material can be minimized without affecting STEG performance to below 0.05 $/Wp. ► Cogeneration is a promising application for STEGs.