Progress in photovoltaic concentrator research

Conference · Thu Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1987

OSTI ID:6953467

Arvizu, D E

This paper reviews the recent progress in photovoltaic concentrator research. In the past 18 months, several exciting new developments have been reported. 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 groups also report record 22% one-sun efficiencies for these cells. 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 in commercial designs have taken the form of reduced cost and better component reliability. In addition, current research emphasis is on the development of new prototype modules that use the recent 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: 6953467
• Report Number(s): SAND-86-2181C; CONF-870307-10; ON: DE87003511
• 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
EQUIPMENT
FRESNEL LENS
GALLIUM ARSENIDE SOLAR CELLS
LENSES
PHOTOELECTRIC CELLS
PHOTOVOLTAIC CELLS
RESEARCH PROGRAMS
SILICON SOLAR CELLS
SOLAR CELL ARRAYS
SOLAR CELLS
SOLAR EQUIPMENT