Looking for infoand availablity of cPV

[Phillip]

I like the idea of cPV, but I have not found them available for homes. Is
there any place I can find them? I in the Oakland area of California.

Thanks

Phil

 

[Eeyore]

I like the idea of cPV

What's a cPV ? Throwing funny acronyms around won't impress.

Graham

 

[Phillip]

Since this was the PV group I thought it would be a well know term. Sorry. I
am just starting to do research.
cPV is concentrator photovoltaic technology. It uses lens and/or mirrors
to concentrate the light on the silicon. Mirrors and lenses are cheaper than
silicon -see here for a utility plant system
(http://www.ecogeek.org/content/view/1976/83/) Or do a google on cpv or
concentrator photovoltaic.


By concentrating sunlight more than 1,000 times, the system makes
electricity cheaper than traditional PV systems.

I am wondering if there are any systems designed for HOME use. Even though
they use less silicon, do they need the same size yard footprint (read these
articale, it lots like the use a lot less, but how can you get more light
out of the same size spot, or are they THAT much more effecient??!!

Thanks,
Phil (sorry for the assumption, as I am wiping egg of of my face...)

 

[Eeyore]

focussing light, you divide the required PV area, but to do it, you
need a solar tracking.

If you focus light , you'll also focus the heat and that will burn out the PV
cell. Here's what to do with focussing light.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PS10_solar_power_tower

Graham

 

[Eeyore]

Hi Kids

I can only assume that having lens or mirrors reflecting /
concentrating sunlight more than 1,000 times would generate more power
but most likely shorten the life of the panels.

Probably melt them actually. Silicon as used in semiconductors stops being a
semiconductor at about 200C when intrinsic conduction takes over from extrinsic
conduction.

In any case, the PV panels lose efficiency as they get gotter, so the entire idea
is counter productive.

These are the temps you get when you concentrate sunlight/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PS10_solar_power_tower

Graham

 

[Eeyore]

Probably melt them actually. Silicon as used in semiconductors stops being a
semiconductor at about 200C when intrinsic conduction takes over from extrinsic
conduction.

In any case, the PV panels lose efficiency as they get gotter, so the entire idea
is counter productive.

These are the temps you get when you concentrate sunlight/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PS10_solar_power_tower

Strangely I don't see a figure there but 420C comes to mind from somewhere else.
Enough to produce high pressure steam for sure to run the turbines.

Graham