Photovoltaic-concentrator technology in the USA

Conference · Fri Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1982

OSTI ID:5288995

Boes, E C; Edenburn, M W

One of the alternate electrical energy technologies that has progressed most rapidly over the past several years is photovoltaic concentrator technology. In the US, with funding of approximately $40 million over the past 7 years, this solar electric technology has been transferred from the conceptual stage to the point where several promising designs have been fabricated and tested. The experience of concentrator research and development thus far strongly supports the initial hope that it could be a practical alternative to flat plate photovoltaics. PV concentrators are far more efficient than flat plate PV modules. Designing PV concentrators with 20 year lifetimes appears feasible. Totally installed PV concentrator array costs are projected to reach $1 to $2 per peak watt. Fresnel lens concentrators using planar junction Si cells have already achieved measured annual average efficiencies of 13 to 14%, and well understood modifications will increase this to the 15 to 16% range. More advanced module designs have been measured at as high as 20%.

• Research Organization: Sandia National Labs., Albuquerque, NM (USA)
• DOE Contract Number: AC04-76DP00789
• OSTI ID: 5288995
• Report Number(s): SAND-82-1154C; CONF-820555-4; ON: DE82016399
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

14 SOLAR ENERGY
140501* -- Solar Energy Conversion-- Photovoltaic Conversion
CONCENTRATOR SOLAR CELLS
COST
DESIGN
DIRECT ENERGY CONVERTERS
EQUIPMENT
FRESNEL LENS
LENSES
PARABOLIC REFLECTORS
PARABOLIC TROUGH REFLECTORS
PERFORMANCE
PHOTOELECTRIC CELLS
PHOTOVOLTAIC CELLS
SERVICE LIFE
SOLAR CELL ARRAYS
SOLAR CELLS
SOLAR CONCENTRATORS
SOLAR EQUIPMENT
SOLAR REFLECTORS
SOLAR TRACKING
TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT