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Comparison of concentrating collectors to tracking flat panels

Conference ·
OSTI ID:6838943
Two-axis tracking appears to be the economic optimum for photovoltaic flat-panel technology. This requires a new comparison of flat-panel and concentrator arrays using the most competitive flat-panel option. The array field costs for a two-axis tracking flat-panel should be nearly identical to the costs for a concentrator. Therefore, module costs for the two technologies can be compared directly, simplifying the analysis. For example, at southwestern sites, characterized by a high direct-to-diffuse insolation ratio, 12% flat-panels are found to be equivalent to 15% concentrators of the same cost ($/m/sup 2/). For regions with more diffuse radiation the concentrator must be over 18% efficient to be equivalent.
Research Organization:
Sandia National Labs., Albuquerque, NM (USA)
DOE Contract Number:
AC04-76DP00789
OSTI ID:
6838943
Report Number(s):
SAND-84-0968C; CONF-840441-1; ON: DE84010977
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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