Expanding PVLIB Python for Modeling Static CPV Systems

Abstract

Concentrator Photovoltaics (CPV) has shown very high conversion efficiencies (> 40%) but suffers from a major limitation: it has to employ very precise external two-axis tracking structures to align the modules to the direct irradiance, which highly increase installation costs and prevents their use on rooftop applications. The Swiss company Insolight has developed a CPV system with integrated planar microtracking enabling its installation on a fixed structure without the need an external moving tracker, which is compatible with rooftop applications. The module uses III-V multi-junction solar cells under concentration and a size close to 1 mm, which reduces the form factor to a few centimeters. A 29% module efficiency at Concentrator Standard Test Conditions (IEC 62670-1) has been demonstrated outdoors, which can lead to a large gain in energy yield. Some challenges remain, like the optimization of the optical system to collect very wide angles of incidence.