Photovoltaic concentrators: Performance and reliability data and future design directions
This paper will summarize the status and discuss likely future directions of photovoltaic concentrator technology. A current commercial Si cell module has a peak efficiency of 15.5%, and 17% has been reached for an experimental module. Advanced cells and module design improvements offer still higher efficiencies. Concentrator Fresnel lens array fields installed several years ago have all demonstrated very good electrical performance with little performance degradation. Fresnel lens arrays are commercially available and prices of $7/watt for installed one megawatt systems have been quoted. Cost projections predict that current technology concentrating PV arrays can be installed for less than $2/watt if they are manufactured in large, steady quantities. More advanced designs may cost even less.
- Research Organization:
- Sandia National Laboratories, Albuquerque, New Mexico
- OSTI ID:
- 6070880
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-840561-
- Journal Information:
- Conf. Rec. IEEE Photovoltaic Spec. Conf.; (United States), Journal Name: Conf. Rec. IEEE Photovoltaic Spec. Conf.; (United States); ISSN CRCND
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
140501* -- Solar Energy Conversion-- Photovoltaic Conversion
CAPITALIZED COST
COMMERCIALIZATION
CONCENTRATOR SOLAR CELLS
CONVERSION
COST
DESIGN
DIRECT ENERGY CONVERSION
DIRECT ENERGY CONVERTERS
EFFICIENCY
ENERGY CONVERSION
EQUIPMENT
FORECASTING
FRESNEL LENS
LENSES
PERFORMANCE
PHOTOELECTRIC CELLS
PHOTOVOLTAIC CELLS
PHOTOVOLTAIC CONVERSION
RELIABILITY
SILICON SOLAR CELLS
SOLAR CELL ARRAYS
SOLAR CELLS
SOLAR CONCENTRATORS
SOLAR EQUIPMENT
THERMAL DEGRADATION