Jan 24 2011
Soitec, a provider of innovative solutions for energy and electronics industries, informs that its concentrated photovoltaic (CPV) system erected in Jordan and linked to the power grid of the nation produced satisfactory results.
The solar power system it installed in partnership with Azur Space Solar Power, proved its reliability and performance by working under the grueling hot summer and cool fall months of the region.
The Soitec’s Concentrix CPV systems are designed exclusively for deployment in bigger sized solar power plants that are installed in the blistering dry weather conditions. The modular types of systems are flexible, incorporate high efficiency solar technology, consume low level of water and allow easy installation. After nearly six months of continuous operation enduring extreme, heat, dust and sunshine conditions, the CPV systems installed in Jordan reported to have attained an average 21% efficiency and have reached 25% or more efficiency on a number of occasions even under 45° C temperatures. The systems ran continuously with 100% up time proving their sturdiness to endure tough weather conditions. The data collected from their solar power generation indicates that the systems are capable of generating 2500 kWh/kW of AC power every year.
It is found that the solar irradiation combination provided with the system helped in increasing the power generation performance. Unlike silicon-based photovoltaic systems the CPV systems due to the very-low-temperature coefficient factor of the incorporated multifunction concentrator solar cells, do not suffer much from power loss and perform better. The systems are also currently deployed in other Middle East and North African (MENA) regions such as Oman, Egypt and for a demonstration project in Abu Dhabi.