Progress in photovoltiac concentrator research

Conference · Wed Oct 01 04:00:00 EDT 1986

OSTI ID:5043747

Arvizu, D E

This paper reviews the recent progress in photovoltaic concentrator research. New record efficiency concentrator silicon cells have been reported at Stanford University, with 28% efficient high resistivity cells, and at the University of New South Wales, with near 25% efficient low resistivity cells. Both also report record 22% one-sun efficiencies. Compound semiconductor cells have also made advances. Research on multijunction devices has led to a mechanically stacked concentrator cell with near 27% efficiency. Module improvements have taken the form of reduced cost and better component reliability. In addition, a research emphasis is the development of new prototype modules that use the new laboratory cell advances. Array efforts have centered around improving the tracking and control subsystems in accuracy, durability, and cost. Today, concentrator systems in high insolation areas are being offered at prices near $4/W/sub p/ ac for large MW sizes and at prices below those of flat plate systems ($8/W/sub p/) in hundred kW sizes. This paper will review these achievements and discuss the potential for concentrator technology to become a viable cost-effective bulk electrical power option.

• Research Organization: Sandia National Labs., Albuquerque, NM (USA)
• DOE Contract Number: AC04-76DP00789
• OSTI ID: 5043747
• Report Number(s): SAND-86-2484C; CONF-861021-1; ON: DE87001737
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

14 SOLAR ENERGY
140501* -- Solar Energy Conversion-- Photovoltaic Conversion
CASCADE SOLAR CELLS
CONCENTRATOR SOLAR CELLS
DIRECT ENERGY CONVERTERS
EFFICIENCY
EQUIPMENT
LENSES
PERFORMANCE
PHOTOELECTRIC CELLS
PHOTOVOLTAIC CELLS
SILICON SOLAR CELLS
SOLAR CELL ARRAYS
SOLAR CELLS
SOLAR EQUIPMENT
SOLAR TRACKING
TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT