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Tracking-integrated systems for concentrating photovoltaics

Nature Energy volume 1, Article number: 16018 (2016) Cite this article

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Abstract

Concentrating photovoltaic (CPV) systems, which use optical elements to focus light onto small-area solar cells, have the potential to minimize the costs, while improving efficiency, of photovoltaic technology. However, CPV is limited by the need to track the apparent motion of the Sun. This is typically accomplished using high-precision mechanical trackers that rotate the entire module to maintain normal light incidence. These machines are large, heavy and expensive to build and maintain, deterring commercial interest and excluding CPV from the residential market. To avoid this issue, some attention has recently been devoted to the development of tracking-integrated systems, in which tracking is performed inside the CPV module itself. This creates a compact system geometry that could be less expensive and more suitable for rooftop installation than existing CPV trackers. We review the basic tracking principles and concepts exploited in these systems, describe and categorize the existing designs, and discuss the potential impact of tracking integration on CPV cost models and commercial potential.

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Figure 1: PV technologies.
Figure 2: Beam steering.
Figure 3: Focus-on-cell tracking-integrated systems.
Figure 4: Micro- and self-tracking based on confinement in a waveguide or cavity.
Figure 5: Summary of tracking-integrated concentrator designs.

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Acknowledgements

The authors thank Maritsa Kissamitaki for the preparation of the figures.

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  1. Laboratory for Energy and Nanoscience, Masdar Institute of Science and Technology, Abu Dhabi, 54224, United Arab Emirates

    Harry Apostoleris & Matteo Chiesa

  2. Institute of Materials for Electronics and Magnetism, National Research Council, Parco Area delle Scienze 37/A, Parma, 43124, Italy

    Marco Stefancich

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Correspondence to Matteo Chiesa.

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Apostoleris, H., Stefancich, M. & Chiesa, M. Tracking-integrated systems for concentrating photovoltaics. Nat Energy 1, 16018 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1038/nenergy.2016.18

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