A High Efficiency Flat Plate PV with Integrated Micro-CPV Atop a 1-Sun Panel
Technology Description:
University of Arizona will develop a micro-CPV system that combines a CPV cell with dual-sided FPV panels to capture direct, diffuse, and reflected sunlight. The team's system will feature lenses that focus sunlight onto a horizontal waveguide, which further concentrates the light onto high-performance micro-CPV solar cells. Dual-sided solar panels, attached beneath the CPV cells, enable diffuse light collection on one side and reflected light collection on the other side. The system will be mounted on a two-axis tracker that will allow for optimal collection of sunlight throughout the day.
Potential Impact:
If successful, innovations from University of Arizona's project may lower the cost of solar systems by allowing economical, high-volume manufacturing of micro-CPV arrays. Improved systems could encourage greater adoption of solar power in all three primary markets - residential, commercial, and utility.
Security:
Expanded use of clean, renewable solar power could reduce dependence on foreign sources of energy.
Environment:
Solar power offers clean power generation with zero emissions. Technologies developed under MOSAIC may also enable solar installations with smaller physical footprints, reducing the environmental impacts of large solar arrays.
Economy:
Technologies developed under MOSAIC could offer a cost-effective option for clean, locally produced power across all market sectors.
Contact
ARPA-E Program Director:
Dr. James Zahler
Project Contact:
Dr. Bob Norwood
Press and General Inquiries Email:
ARPA-E-Comms@hq.doe.gov
Project Contact Email:
rnorwood@optics.arizona.edu
Related Projects
Release Date:
12/08/2014