Low-cost manufacturing of the point focus concentrating module and its key component, the Fresnel lens
- Solar Kinetics, Inc., Dallas, TX (United States)
Solar Kinetics, Inc. (SKI) has been developing point-focus concentrating PV modules since 1986. SKI is currently in position to manufacture between 200 to 600 kilowatts annually of the current design by a combination of manual and semi-automated methods. This report reviews the current status of module manufacture and specifies the required approach to achieve a high-volume manufacturing capability and low cost. The approach taken will include process development concurrent with module design for automated manufacturing. The current effort reviews the major manufacturing costs and identifies components and processes whose improvements would produce the greatest effect on manufacturability and cost reduction. The Fresnel lens is one such key component. Investigating specific alternative manufacturing methods and sources has substantially reduced the lens costs and has exceeded the DOE cost-reduction goals. 15 refs.
- Research Organization:
- National Renewable Energy Lab., Golden, CO (United States); Solar Kinetics, Inc., Dallas, TX (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE; USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC02-83CH10093
- OSTI ID:
- 6124930
- Report Number(s):
- NREL/TP-214-4477; ON: DE91015028
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
FRESNEL LENS
SOLAR CONCENTRATORS
MANUFACTURING
CONCENTRATOR SOLAR CELLS
COST
FABRICATION
PROGRESS REPORT
DIRECT ENERGY CONVERTERS
DOCUMENT TYPES
EQUIPMENT
LENSES
PHOTOELECTRIC CELLS
PHOTOVOLTAIC CELLS
SOLAR CELLS
SOLAR EQUIPMENT
141000* - Solar Collectors & Concentrators
140501 - Solar Energy Conversion- Photovoltaic Conversion