This paper describes an innovative design for a nominal 20 kW, integrated, high-concentration (260X) photovoltaic (IHCPV) system which has been developed for costeffective, utility-scale bulk power generation. This technology recently set a new world record for efficiency : 20.3% under STC (18.5%, >20 kW at PVUSA operating conditions). High-concentration PV systems offer several advantages for low cost power generation: (1) cost reduction through the optimum utilization of silicon, (2) higher conversion cell (hence system) efficiency at concentration vs. one-sun, and (3) inherently higher capacity factor in high direct normal insolation areas because of its built-in tracking. Previously little progress has been made in deploying HCPV for large-scale electricity generation because of: (1) the lack of a stable, high performance, high-concentration solar cell, and (2) the high cost associated with the PV modules, structure, tracking system, and ancillary equipment. With the arrival of a stable high performance cell developed by AMONIX, high-concentration PV systems can now be realized. A novel integrated system concept greatly reduces the costs associated with system hardware and labor by; (1) integrating the load bearing structure and the Fresnel lenslreceiver plate elements eliminating the need for separate modules, and (2) use of a manufacturing-worthy receiver plate which makes use of "circuit-board" construction techniques. A full-scale 20 kilowatt IHCPV system has been deployed, and test results which validate the system design are reported. The IHCPV system development is complete and only volume production, not technical breakthroughs, is needed to meet the cost goals of <$2.00/watt at multi-megawatt levels.
Integrated High-Concentration (IHCPV) systems offer one of the lowest-cost, near-term options for PV. High performance, combined with built-in solar tracking, provide enhanced power generation compared to fixed systems with similar peak watt ratings/price. Despite IHCPVs low cost potential and the successful deployment of several 20 kW demonstration systems, end users have been cautious in their acceptance of this emerging technology (due to concerns regarding its perceived mechanical complexity and associated longterm reliability. This paper presents the results of 1' ' and 2"d generation field installations over the last four years. Lessons learned have been resolved and improvements incorporateti into srd generation systems. BACKGROUND
Concentrator PV (CPV) systems have attracted significant interest because these systems incorporate the world's highest efficiency solar cells and they are targeting the lowest cost production of solar electricity for the world's utility markets. Because these systems are just entering solar markets, manufacturers and customers need to assure their reliability for many years of operation. There are three general approaches for assuring CPV reliability: 1) field testing and development over many years leading to improved product designs, 2) testing to internationally accepted qualification standards (especially for new products) and 3) extended reliability tests to identify critical weaknesses in a new component or design. Amonix has been a pioneer in all three of these approaches. Amonix has an internal library of field failure data spanning over 15 years that serves as the basis for its seven generations of CPV systems. An Amonix product served as the test CPV module for the development of the world's first qualification standard completed in March 2001. Amonix staff has served on international standards development committees, such as the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), in support of developing CPV standards needed in today's rapidly expanding solar markets. Recently Amonix employed extended reliability test procedures to assure reliability of multijunction solar cell operation in its seventh generation high concentration PV system. This paper will discuss how these three approaches have all contributed to assuring reliability of the Amonix systems.
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