Empirical and analytical predictive models for a novel medium-concentration CPV system

Skyline Solar has developed a novel Concentrated Photovoltaic (CPV) architecture design called High Gain Solar based on a reflective trough design with optimized Si panels. This design provides a distinct separation between the functionality of key components enabling parallel development and optimization as well as very rapid deployment. A predictive tool has been developed to link component characteristics to overall energy production to accurately predict the performance and degradation of the system in time, as a function of weather patterns and system architecture. This predictive tool is based on empirical and analytical models combining accelerated stress tests, on-sun performance tests, finite element analysis and manufacturing variability analyses.