Chapter II-4-A – CPV Systems

Concentrator photovoltaic (CPV) systems provide higher efficiencies than conventional photovoltaic technologies. These systems increase the concentration ratio by using cheap optical assemblies in order to reduce the size of high efficiency solar cells. This chapter outlines designs in low-, medium-, and high-concentrator photovoltaic systems, with a focus on high-concentrator photovoltaic systems. Topics such as multijunction solar cells, concentrator optics, thermal management, module performance, influences of irradiance, temperature, spectrum, and other variables are covered in the text. Several methods for directly or indirectly estimating the output energy of a CPV system are discussed. Electrical mismatches causing energy losses are detailed through illustrations and equations that calculate the energy yield of a concentrator photovoltaic system.