Simple Low Concentrating Module Design Increases Solar Cell Output 25%

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1 Simple Low Concentrating Module Design Increases Solar Cell Output 25% 3D Solar: The Next Dimension In Solar Power May 16, 2012 to WREF 2012 Denver, CO by Daniel Simon

2 Overview of WREF 2012 Paper 3D Solar Module Geometry: 1.4x Concentration Prototype 1.0 3D Solar Module Self-Tracking Simplified Cost Model Results of Testing Prototype 2.0 Iterated Design Yields 2x Concentration

3 3D Solar Module Geometry V module uses one reflector per row of PV solar cells Each reflector is placed perpendicular to the cells Arrangement creates a triangle; producing a 1.4x concentration ratio The reflector puts more light on each cell, enabling each cell to produce more power With each cell producing more power, fewer cells are needed per module Fewer cells lowers the module cost/watt Sunlight Enters cell mirror Mirror Cells Cells Cells Standard 2D Panel 3D Geometry Mirror Mirror

4 Prototype 1.0 3D Solar module is deeper, but otherwise similar to a standard solar module Cells & reflectors are enclosed and protected by a glass cover Flat reflectors and simple geometry ensure low cost 3D module designed to be used like a standard module 3D Solar module able to self-track (shown next slide) 3D modules can be assembled in the end user country 3D Solar module is Patent Pending

5 3D Solar Module Self Tracking Winter Sun Angle Summer Sun Angle Cells Mirror Cells Cells Cells Mirror Mirror Mirror N E W S Daniel Simon ( ) Orientation for North America

6 Simplified Cost Model Table compares the 3D module cost to the standard module cost per square foot Ideal/design savings of 21% based on geometry and the cost ratio of mirrors to cells only Losses from real mirrors, other materials and labor all subtract We project net savings of 7-8% given real world factors Using more efficient cells increases savings 1 square meter = ~10 square feet = 1000 W of incoming sunlight Cell cost per W $ 0.50 Reflector cost/sq.ft. $ 1.00 Design Perfect mirrors Per square foot of roof # Watts Total cost cost/w Savings Standard: 15% efficient cells 15 $ 7.50 $ D panel: 15% efficient cells 15 $ 5.95 $ % ^cost/w includes cell and mirror cost only Key Assumption: 1) Solar panels cost $1/W; solar cells are 50% the cost of a panel 2) Perfect mirror=100% reflective; save 5% less if 90% reflective

7 Results of Testing at TUV-PTL Perform baseline testing (STC) at TUV-PTL in Tempe AZ Tested 3D module side-by-side with 2D laminate from the same supplier Objective: compare on a cell to cell basis the power increase from the 3D module design A full day test uncovered a thermal issue with the prototype (tested on a hot summer day in the Arizona desert) Baseline STC test showed 3D module produced 25% more power per cell vs. 2D The initial series of 4 tests at different airmass levels also produced an average 25% more power per cell vs. 2D Due to extreme heat during full day testing: 2D laminate temperature reached 65C; 3D module exceeded 95C and performance suffered

8 Prototype 2.0 AZ test condition was extreme, but 2.0 is designed to mitigate the heat issue Prototype constructed with extruded aluminum frame to enhance air flow (open back) and act as heat sink 2.0 is larger, contains modern 6 sq. cells, and higher quality reflectors

9 Iterated V Design Yields 2X Concentration Start with the geometry of the original V design Break each row of cells into a series of cell & reflector pairings Based on 1.4x test results, 2x concentrator should produce over 50% more power per cell 2x concentrator requires tracking, or installation where sunlight is blocked part of the day (i.e. west side of a building) 3D Solar is seeking a licensing partner Sunlight Enters cell mirror Standard 2D Panel