Development of terrestrial concentrator modules incorporating high-efficiency multi-junction cells

This paper presents key results of an on-going program to develop terrestrial concentrator modules incorporating high-efficiency multi-junction (MJ) photovoltaic (PV) cell technology. This program evolved from a successful space concentrator module development. Indeed, space mini-concentrators, comp...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: O'Neill, M.J., McDanal, A.J., Cotal, H.L., Sudharsanan, R., Krut, D.D., Ermer, J.H., Karam, N.H., Lillington, D.R.
Format: Conference Proceeding
Language:English
Subjects:
Apertures
Extraterrestrial measurements
Lenses
Photovoltaic cells
Photovoltaic systems
Silicon
Solar power generation
Space technology
Temperature measurement
Testing
Online Access:Request full text
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Summary:This paper presents key results of an on-going program to develop terrestrial concentrator modules incorporating high-efficiency multi-junction (MJ) photovoltaic (PV) cell technology. This program evolved from a successful space concentrator module development. Indeed, space mini-concentrators, comprising a stretched-membrane line-focus Fresnel lens and a prism-covered triple-junction solar cell, have been found to perform exceptionally well in the terrestrial environment. In outdoor tests at both ENTECH and NREL, space mini-concentrators have achieved overall module (combined lens and cell) operational solar-to-electric conversion efficiency levels from 25 to 29% under a variety of conditions. The long-term goal of the present program is to incorporate MJ cell technology into existing field-proven modules and two-axis sun-tracking arrays. With twice the efficiency of present silicon-based concentrators, these next-generation MJ concentrators should offer unprecedented economics.
ISSN:0160-8371
DOI:10.1109/PVSC.2000.916094