Jun 9 2010
San Diego Gas and Electric (SDG&E) recently installed two new solar power stations that accumulate solar energy and generate power in two distinct methods. One technology is known as the PowerDish, which has been built by Infinia of Kennewick, Washington. The second technology, the Concentrator Photovoltaic Technology (CPV), has been built by Solfocus of Mountain View, California.
The PowerDish is a mirrored disc measuring 15 feet in diameter and directs the solar energy onto a Stirling Engine that modifies the energy into electricity. On the other hand, CPV is a rectangular device that utilizes a reflective optical system. The system directs the sunlight onto highly efficient photovoltaic cells and is two times more efficient than traditional silicon PV cells.
The technology was put to use in the El Cajon facility of SDG&E in California. The power that would be generated by the PowerDish and CPV is estimated to be 3,000 and 8,400 W. The projects are funded by the research and development group of SDG&E. These projects will aid SDG&E in realizing its goals of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and developing green technologies.
James P. Avery, senior Vice President of SDG&E, said that the developed solar technology will lead to new ways of generating renewable energy and the demonstrations performed will decide the potential of these technologies on real-world applications.