Performance of Hybrid Micro-Concentrator Module with Integrated Planar Tracking and Diffuse Light Collection

Abstract

The Swiss start-up Insolight aims to be the first company to commercialize a high-efficiency III-V based low profile micro-CPV product that uses planar micro-tracking to eliminate the need for a tilting solar tracker, allowing rooftop mounting using typical flat-plate hardware, as well diffuse light capture using low cost Si solar cells which cover the area of the back plane not taken up by III-V solar cells. The IES-UPM has made an initial performance evaluation of a 0.1m2 prototype. We show that the integrated planar tracking can reach 55° AOI, show CSTC efficiency near to 30% for III-V output, and demonstrate the diffuse capture and planar tracking capability in a multi-week test campaign at our test site in Madrid. Index Terms-integrated planar tracking, diffuse light collection, micro-concentrator photovoltaics.

Stretchable micro-scale concentrator photovoltaic module with 15.4% efficiency for three-dimensional curved surfaces

“…For example, although in this study, we used the less transparent TPU sheet because the electrode pattern can be easily formed by screen-printing, substituting highly transparent and stretchable materials (e.g., polydimethylsiloxane: PDMS) improves the module transmittance to the sunlight; consequently, unutilized sunlight for power generation can be transmitted under the module while generating the power comparable to the Si module. Therefore, also given the stretchability to be fitted to 3D curved surfaces with sharp curvature, this upgraded concept would be a promising technology for efficient dual-land use (i.e., semi-transparent CPV module [51][52][53] ).…”

Power rating procedure of hybrid concentrator/flat‐plate photovoltaic bifacial modules

“…In the search of new photovoltaic (PV) technologies capable of contributing to the renewable energy transition, several hybrid concentrator/flat‐plate PV (CPV/flat‐plate PV) architectures have developed over the last decade to reach highest conversion efficiencies under global illumination 1–4 . These 4‐terminal (4T) approaches combine highest efficiency III–V triple‐ or four‐junction (3J or 4J) CPV cells with flat‐plate monofacial or bifacial Si PV cells.…”

“…Another hybrid module (A = 0.1 m 2 ) also using 3J micro‐CPV cells (A = 1 mm 2 ) is the one developed by the Swiss company Insolight. This hybrid module additionally applies PMMA biconvex lenses and monofacial Si cells to convert 24.5% of the available GNI at a concentration of 180× for the CPV part 3 . However, this particular hybrid module is designed for fixed‐tilt operation because it is equipped with embedded planar tracking.…”

Demonstration and error analysis of scaling‐up plastic‐integrated concentrator photovoltaic panels to 1 m2

“…Despite their superior conversion efficiency, the market for CPVs has not yet taken off because its system and levelized cost of electricity are still higher than those of flat panel photovoltaics. The concept of micro‐CPVs aims to address this issue by reducing the volume of the CPVs 1‐7 . State‐of‐the‐art micro‐CPV modules are summarized in Table 1.…”