New-type solar concentrator concept - approach to reduced-cost CPV module technology

Concentrated photovoltaic (CPV) is an important player in R&D and industrial technologies for cost-effective large-scale power plants. The developers´ efforts are aimed at increasing the solar cell efficiency and improving optical concentrators to reduce the cost/W. We have proposed an innovative optical concentrator concept based on lenses and reflectors. In the present work an optimized version of the concentrator design is described. Theoretical studies have shown a number of advantages of the proposed innovation - concentration ratio 1000x and more, optical efficiency no less than 90 %, focal length of about 3 cm and less, light spot of 2×2mm2, utilization of the total solar cell area, uniform light intensity distribution over the converter, manufacturing of a lens array and reflectors as monolithic structures saving time and cost, etc. These and other advantages allow one to expect a decrease in cost/W. For commercialization of the innovation it is necessary to develop and characterize a prototype of a CPV module using state-of-the-art high technologies compatible with commercial production.