CPV Modules Based on Lens Panels

Abstract

A work on development of the high concentration photovoltaic (HCPV) modules with Fresnel lens panels and III-V multijunction cells is presented. A composite structure of the small-aperture area 40x40 (or 60x60) mm2 Fresnel lenses, united in a panel, was realized. A silicate glass sheet (front side of a module) serves as a superstrate for transparent microprisms formed in silicone. Small averaged thickness of the prisms ensures low IR absorption of sunlight in comparison with acrylic Fresnel lenses. Temperature dependences of the optical properties in such a type of the solar concentrators and PV properties of the cells in passive heat dissipation conditions are under consideration. The solar cells are the triple-junction InGaP/(In)GaAs/Ge cells with designated illumination area 1.7-2.3 mm in diameter. A HCPV module consists of the 144 (or 64) sub-modules in 12x12 (or 8x8) configuration. Solar cells are protected from environment in different ways: by side walls of a module body, or by a rear glass sheet at integrated sealing the cells in a back-side module panel. Module design includes refractive smooth-surface secondary lenses. The cell strings are glued to the rear glass surface of the module body using lamination process. Proper quality of the solar cells in a multistage module assembling procedure is ensured owing to specially developed contactless test method, based on analyzing the electroluminescent signals at local photoexitation. For arrangement of the HCPV modules in a solar installation, a number of the solar trackers have been developed and realized for 1-3-5 kWp of the installed power.