PVMaT improvements in the manufacturing of the PVI Powergrid{trademark}: Phase I annual technical report, 26 October 1995--25 October 1996
- Photovoltaics International, LLC (PVI), Sunnyvale, CA (United States); and others
The PVI Powergrid is a linear focus concentrator which uses low-cost components and manufacturing techniques that are intended to reduce the price of a photovoltaic system to a level required for broad level deployment of PV. The Powergrid uses a linear-focus Fresnel lens made by a plastic extrusion process, the lowest cost method of manufacturing. The plastic module sides are also extruded. The Powergrid uses solar cells manufactured using the low-cost methods used for one-sun cells. Twelve modules are mounted on a stationary panel frame to move in unison for single-axis tracking. The components for the Powergrid have been shown to be low cost. Reducing the cost of manufacturing the Powergrid, while increasing the output and reliability, are key to reaching the strategic goals of the company. During a project sponsored in part under contracts with Sandia National Laboratories and the California Energy Commission, PVI developed a pilot production facility. The company was able to demonstrate 830 KW/yr production capability, but several manufacturing areas were discovered that needed additional development. This resulted in the formulation of PVI`s PVMaT program.
- Research Organization:
- National Renewable Energy Lab., Golden, CO (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Washington, DC (United States)
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC36-83CH10093
- OSTI ID:
- 477687
- Report Number(s):
- NREL/SR--520-22851; ON: DE97000242
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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