The Power of 1000 Suns
Semprius is developing concentrator photovoltaic (CPV) modules for large-scale solar power generation. Semprius' proprietary micro-transfer printing technology enables CPV modules constructed from a large array of very small gallium arsenide-based, multi-junction solar cells. Module cost is minimized by using high concentration ratio. Inexpensive optics concentrate 1,000 suns onto the high-efficiency solar cells, which only cover 0.1% of the module area.
Semprius Advantage
- Unique design and assembly - Low cost
- Many cells - Highly redundant, improved reliability
- Very small cells - Thermal management at no added cost
- Short optical path - Very high efficiency optics, thin and light
- Wide optical acceptance angle - Reduced tracker cost
CPV Advantage
CPV offers the lowest solar Levelized Cost of Energy (cents per kWh) in sunny, dry climates. High energy (kWh) production is achieved through use of two-axis trackers and gallium arsenide-based, multi-junction solar cells, which provide the highest conversion efficiency and lowest temperature degradation. Energy production is well-matched to high demand periods, such as summer afternoons, which have the highest time-of-delivery multipliers. CPV systems high efficiency minimizes the number of trackers and amount of land required for a project. CPV's ground-mounted deployments reduce installation and operations & maintenance costs. Lastly, CPV systems are very modular and can address multiple markets; they can be readily installed close to the load, avoiding congested transmission lines or in central solar farms. Click here for more resources.
