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Title: Performance of a prototype stationary catadioptric concentrating photovoltaic module

Journal Article · · Optics Express
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1364/OE.26.00A413· OSTI ID:1430152
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A stationary catadioptric concentrating photovoltaic module with aperture area over 100 cm2, geometric concentration of 180x, and collection within 60 degrees of polar incidence was designed, prototyped, and characterized. The module performance followed modeling closely with a peak power conversion efficiency of 26% for direct irradiance. Tracking of the sun is accomplished via translational micro-tracking completely internal to the module, avoiding the cost and complexity of mechanical two-axis trackers that point towards the sun. This demonstrates the potential for concentrating photovoltaic modules with significantly higher efficiency than industry standard silicon photovoltaic modules that could be installed in stationary configurations on rooftops.

Research Organization:
National Renewable Energy Lab. (NREL), Golden, CO (United States); Glint Photonics, Inc., Burligame, CA (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE Advanced Research Projects Agency - Energy (ARPA-E); California Energy Commission
Grant/Contract Number:
AR0000332; AR0000644; EPC14-040; AC36-08GO28308
OSTI ID:
1430152
Alternate ID(s):
OSTI ID: 1425350; OSTI ID: 1455117
Report Number(s):
NREL/JA-5900-71763; OPEXFF
Journal Information:
Optics Express, Journal Name: Optics Express Vol. 26 Journal Issue: 10; ISSN 1094-4087
Publisher:
Optical Society of AmericaCopyright Statement
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English
Citation Metrics:
Cited by: 6 works
Citation information provided by
Web of Science

References (8)

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conference May 2012
Two-axis solar tracking accomplished through small lateral translations journal January 2012
High-concentration planar microtracking photovoltaic system exceeding 30% efficiency journal July 2017
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Photonic design principles for ultrahigh-efficiency photovoltaics journal February 2012
Wide-angle planar microtracking for quasi-static microcell concentrating photovoltaics journal February 2015
Solar cell efficiency tables (version 50)
  • Green, Martin A.; Hishikawa, Yoshihiro; Warta, Wilhelm
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journal June 2017

Cited By (3)

Feature issue introduction: light, energy and the environment, 2017 journal January 2018
Optical analysis of a PMMA–water core-shell spherical lens for microtracking concentrator photovoltaic systems journal January 2019
Characterization of Core-Shell Spherical Lens for Microtracking Concentrator Photovoltaic System journal September 2019

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stationary concentrating photovoltaics