Light-concentrating Solar Modules

Concentrator systems provide cost reductions in photovoltaic industry.

After silicon and thin-film modules, a third solar technology is now entering the market: Systems, which initially intensify the sunlight and then use the concentrated power to produce energy. Various concentrator concepts are competing for a place in the sun; the one from American company Solaria is considered to be one of the most promising.

The IT stronghold of Silicon Valley is becoming the innovation driver in the photovoltaic industry (PV): Solaria from the Californian town of Fremont is starting series production of unique flat concentrator modules. The specialists cut finished solar cells into many small strips and cover the holes with V-shaped plastic light conductors, which concentrate the sunlight with twice the strength onto the silicon strips. Thanks to the lower silicon consumption, this saves costs but continues to provide good efficiencies. “With a twelve percent efficiency level, we are on a par with normal standard modules, but can produce 15 to 30 percent cheaper due to the saving in semiconductors,” explains Solaria Germany boss Philipp Kunze. The procedure has convinced industry giant Q-Cells: The Germans have invested 50 million USD in Solaria and hold a third of the shares.

However, the first factory to produce the technology in series is not in California or Germany. Instead, it is based in the Philippines. Here, partner Ionics EMS, manufacturer of electronic components, is using the “cell multiplication technology” industrially for the first time on behalf of Solaria. This year, the company wants to produce a megawatt (MW); then, in 2010, the production capacity of 25 MW will operate at full capacity.