Evaluation of electrical and thermal performance of a rooftop-friendly hybrid linear CPV-T micro-concentrator system

Abstract

A low concentration, linear, hybrid micro-concentrator system has been developed for urban rooftop installation. The system produces both electrical and thermal power, integrating the roles generally taken by separate flat plate photovoltaic and solar hot water systems. Initial test results without any system optimisation has demonstrated an electrical output of at least 305 W, and a thermal output of 1580 W. The micro-concentrator system is constructed from standard industry components including modified mono-crystalline silicon one-sun solar cells, typically used in flat plate applications. The manufacturing processes have been designed to incorporate low cost methods, and tap directly into existing economies of scale. Show more