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| New concentrator photovoltaic technology  The Palo Alto Research Center announced a partnership with SolFocus, which will employ PARC technology to cut the cost of solar power by as much as half. The venture builds on the original SolFocus design for concentrator photovoltaic technology. CPV technology creates electricity by using precision optical components such as lenses and mirrors to direct and 'concentrate' sunlight onto high-efficiency solar cells. SolFocus' prototype solar panels are smaller, cheaper, and easier to manufacture than the flat-plate photovoltaic panels. PARC is contributing core patents and long-term technology development support for current and next-generation product lines in exchange for royalties and equity in SolFocus.The second-generation design dramatically improves cost, durability and scalability. The innovative module design is based on a solid-state, or 'one-piece', concept featuring small reflective concentrator elements housed in a flat molded glass tile with mirrors on each side. Among the advantages of the new module: it does not use scarce silicon, it has no moving parts that could lead to mechanical failure, it has minimal components, and assembly technology is automated. The first-generation SolFocus CPV prototypes were installed at PARC in January 2006. write your comments about the article :: © 2006 Construction News :: home page |