A novel high-concentration PV technology for cost competitive utility bulk power generation
- AMONIX, Inc., Torrance, CA (United States)
- Scientific Engineering, Inc., Montgomery, AL (United States)
This paper describes an innovative design for a nominal 20 kW, integrated, high-concentration (260X) photovoltaic (IHCPV) system which has been developed for cost-effective, utility-scale bulk power generation. This technology recently set a new world record for efficiency: 20.3% under STC (18.5%, > 20 kW at PVUSA operating conditions). High-concentration PV systems offer several advantages for low cost power generation: (1) cost reduction through the optimum utilization of silicon, (2) higher conversion cell (hence system) efficiency at concentration vs. one-sun, and (3) inherently higher capacity factor in high direct normal insolation areas because of its built-in tracking. Previously little progress has been made in deploying HCPV for large-scale electricity generation because of: (1) the lack of stable, high performance, high-concentration solar cell, and (2) the high cost associated with the PV modules, structure, tracking system, and ancillary equipment. With the arrival of a stable high performance cell developed by AMONIX, high-concentration PV systems can now be realized. A novel integrated system concept greatly reduces the costs associated with system hardware and labor by: (1) integrating the load bearing structure and the Fresnel lens/receiver plate elements eliminating the need for separate modules, and (2) use of a manufacturing-worthy receiver plate which makes use of circuit-board construction techniques. A full-scale 20 kilowatt IHCPV system has been deployed, and test results which validate the system design are reported. The IHCPV system development is complete and only volume production, not technical breakthroughs, is needed to meet the cost goals of < $2.00/watt at multi-megawatt levels.
- OSTI ID:
- 208245
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-941203-; ISBN 0-7803-1459-X; TRN: IM9616%%573
- Resource Relation:
- Conference: 1. world conference on photovoltaic energy conversion, Waikoloa, HI (United States), 5-9 Dec 1994; Other Information: PBD: 1994; Related Information: Is Part Of 1994 IEEE first world conference on photovoltaic energy conversion: Conference record of the twenty fourth IEEE photovoltaic specialists conference -- 1994. Volume 1; PB: 1303 p.
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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