Multijunction solar cells for dense-array concentrators

Geoffrey S. Kinsey, Raed A. Sherif, Hector L. Cotai, Peichen Pien, Richard R. King, Randolph J. Brandt, William G. Wise, Eduardo L. Labios, Kam F. Wan, Moran Haddad, Jonathon M. Lacey, Christopher M. Fetzer, Pierre Verlinden, John Lasich, Nasser H. Karam

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

16 Scopus citations

Abstract

A major step forward has been made towards cost reduction of terrestrial PV. World-record multijunction III-V solar cells have been integrated into a commercial Concentrator Photovoltaic (CPV) system.. A dense array of high-efficiency solar cells in the receiver of a high-intensity (∼500x) concentrator system has been identified as a viable, cost-effective system. Concentrator Ultra Triple Junction (CUTJ) cells have been developed for use in the Solar Systems CS500 solar electric power generator. The cell is designed for efficient conversion of the specific solar spectrum delivered to the system receiver while minimizing cell cost. Cells are optimized for maximum active area in a Solar Systems dense-array cell module. Solar Systems modules using CUTJ dense-array cells have demonstrated module efficiencies of over 35%. Field testing of CUTJ dense-array cells in a CS500 CPV dish unit at the Hermannsburg solar power plant in Australia was initiated in December 2005. A full multi-junction receiver in a CS500 dish has delivered over 30kW with an efficiency of almost 30%. Following qualification, these systems are slated for entry into the terrestrial market in 2006.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationConference Record of the 2006 IEEE 4th World Conference on Photovoltaic Energy Conversion, WCPEC-4
PublisherIEEE Computer Society
Pages625-627
Number of pages3
ISBN (Print)1424400163, 9781424400164
DOIs
StatePublished - 2006
Externally publishedYes
Event2006 IEEE 4th World Conference on Photovoltaic Energy Conversion, WCPEC-4 - Waikoloa, HI, United States
Duration: May 7 2006May 12 2006

Publication series

NameConference Record of the 2006 IEEE 4th World Conference on Photovoltaic Energy Conversion, WCPEC-4
Volume1

Other

Other2006 IEEE 4th World Conference on Photovoltaic Energy Conversion, WCPEC-4
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityWaikoloa, HI
Period5/7/065/12/06

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering
  • Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
  • Materials Chemistry

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