Application potentials for flat plate and concentrator photovoltaic collectors

Conference · Tue Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1980 · Proc. Annu. Meet. - Am. Sect. Int. Sol. Energy Soc.; (United States)

OSTI ID:6517299

Ferber, R R; Costogue, E N; Thornhill, J W

Photovoltaic (PV) systems are expected to become low-cost sources of electrical energy, capable of competing in future markets. These PV systems utilize solar cell arrays for converting solar energy directly into electrical energy. The two major PV system concepts under intensive development today are: (a) flat plate solar collectors, which have a power capacity of 80 to 120 watts/m/sup 2/, and (b) concentrator enhanced solar collectors, with possible capacities of 150 watts/m/sup 2/, depending on the specific concentration ratio, the efficiency of the optical system, and the conversion efficiency of the solar cells. The emerging performance characteristics of these systems, when used for remote stand alone, residential (below 10 kW), intermediate (10 kW to 10 MW), and central power station applications, suggest that either technology will provide satisfactory performance in many cases. Economic studies, taking into account the many trade-offs, indicate that both will compare favorably with other energy sources after 1986. The performance characteristics of these two photovoltaic technologies are examined, the merits and limitations of each are discussed, and definition of areas where they will be competitive for ultimate commercial use are attempted.

• Research Organization: Jet Propulsion Lab., Pasadena, CA
• OSTI ID: 6517299
• Report Number(s): CONF-800604-P3
• Conference Information: Journal Name: Proc. Annu. Meet. - Am. Sect. Int. Sol. Energy Soc.; (United States) Journal Volume: 3.2
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

14 SOLAR ENERGY
140600* -- Solar Energy-- Photovoltaic Power Systems
COMBINED COLLECTORS
CONCENTRATOR SOLAR CELLS
DIRECT ENERGY CONVERTERS
ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT
EQUIPMENT
PERFORMANCE
PHOTOELECTRIC CELLS
PHOTOVOLTAIC CELLS
PHOTOVOLTAIC POWER PLANTS
PHOTOVOLTAIC POWER SUPPLIES
POWER PLANTS
POWER SUPPLIES
PRICES
SOLAR CELL ARRAYS
SOLAR CELLS
SOLAR COLLECTORS
SOLAR EQUIPMENT
SOLAR POWER PLANTS
USES