Germany’s Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems (ISE) has achieved a significant breakthrough in solar technology with its new micro concentrator photovoltaics (micro-CPV). This innovative technology boasts an impressive 36% efficiency while simultaneously reducing costs, paving the way for wider adoption of solar energy in diverse applications.
Concentrated Photovoltaics: A New Dawn
Concentrated photovoltaics (CPV) is emerging as a strong contender in the solar energy sector, with the latest advancements promising increased efficiency and reduced material usage. Researchers at the Fraunhofer ISE, in collaboration with partners, have developed a next-generation CPV module that achieves a module efficiency of 36.5%. This breakthrough leverages a five-junction cell manufactured by Azur Space Solar. By focusing sunlight at concentrations of 500 to 1000 suns onto these tiny cells (750 µm by 750 µm), the micro-CPV design eliminates the need for active cooling.
How Micro-CPV Works
The micro-CPV module employs a combination of a Fresnel lens and a small glass ball (approximately 1 mm in diameter) positioned on top of the photovoltaic cell to concentrate sunlight. This miniaturization offers several advantages, including:
- High Efficiency: Achieves efficiencies comparable to or exceeding traditional silicon-based solar panels.
- Reduced Material Usage: Requires significantly less semiconductor material, reducing costs and environmental impact.
- Simplified Thermal Management: The small cell size allows for passive cooling via a printed metal circuit, eliminating the need for bulky and energy-intensive active cooling systems.
Key Advantages of Micro-CPV Technology
The micro-CPV technology developed by Fraunhofer ISE presents several key advantages over conventional solar technologies:
- High Conversion Efficiency: The micro-CPV module achieves a demonstrably high conversion efficiency of 36%, based on IEC62670-3 concentrator standard test conditions, making it one of the most efficient solar technologies available.
- Cost Reduction: By utilizing established micro-components manufacturing processes and reducing the amount of semiconductor materials required by 1,300 times and module areas by 30 percent, the micro-CPV technology significantly lowers production costs.
- Resource Efficiency: The design minimizes the use of valuable resources like glass and silver, addressing concerns about material availability as solar deployments increase.
- Thermal Management: The micro-CPV design does not require active cooling, simplifying the system and reducing energy consumption. A printed metal circuit aids thermal management by drawing heat away from the cell.
- Synergies with Microelectronics Industry: The manufacturing process benefits from synergies with the microLED display industry, potentially further reducing costs.
- Durability and Reliability: CPV technology is known for its robustness and reliability, similar to solar cells used in space satellites, ensuring a long operational lifespan.
- Increased Energy Generation: When combined with solar tracking systems, micro-CPV technology can increase energy generation by 30% compared to conventional photovoltaic solutions.
Applications and Deployment
The micro-CPV technology is particularly well-suited for applications in:
- Agrivoltaics: Integrating solar energy production with agriculture, maximizing land use efficiency.
- Power Plants in Sunny, Arid Climates: Areas with high solar irradiance where the concentrating effect of the technology can be fully utilized.
Field Trials and Commercialization
Field trials are currently underway in Spain, in partnership with solar tracker manufacturer Soltec, to test the performance of the micro-CPV modules in real-world conditions. Furthermore, Fraunhofer ISE is preparing to launch a startup, Clearsun Energy, to commercialize the micro-CPV technology for both Agri-PV and PV power plants in arid regions. A product with 37% module efficiency is planned.
The Role of Fraunhofer ISE and Partners
The development of this groundbreaking micro-CPV technology is the result of a collaborative effort between Fraunhofer ISE, industrial partners, and academic researchers. Key contributors include:
- Fraunhofer ISE: Provided expertise in CPV technology and module design.
- Azur Space Solar Power: Supplied the high-efficiency five-junction III-V micro-solar cells.
- Soltec: Provided expertise in solar tracker technology, essential for maximizing the energy yield of CPV systems.
Addressing Resource Concerns in Solar Energy
As solar energy deployments continue to grow, the demand for materials like glass and silver is also increasing. CPV technology offers a solution to this challenge by requiring significantly less material compared to traditional silicon-based solar panels. This resource efficiency makes CPV a more sustainable and environmentally friendly option for large-scale solar energy deployment.
Dr. Frank Dimroth, head of photovoltaics and concentrator technology at Fraunhofer ISE, emphasizes the importance of resource efficiency, stating that their micro-CPV technology reduces module areas by 30% and semiconductor materials by 1,300 times compared to state-of-the-art technologies.
Future Outlook
The development of micro-CPV technology represents a significant step forward in the pursuit of efficient, cost-effective, and sustainable solar energy. With ongoing research and development efforts, CPV technology is poised to play a major role in the global transition to renewable energy. As production costs continue to decline and efficiency levels continue to rise, micro-CPV is expected to become an increasingly attractive option for a wide range of applications, contributing to a cleaner and more sustainable energy future.
The collaboration between research institutions like Fraunhofer ISE and industry partners like Soltec is crucial for driving innovation and bringing new solar technologies to market. By combining cutting-edge research with practical engineering expertise, these partnerships are accelerating the development and deployment of advanced solar solutions that can meet the world’s growing energy needs while minimizing environmental impact.
