A Hybrid CPV/T System Featuring Transmissive, Spectrum-Splitting Concentrator Photovoltaics

A hybrid solar energy conversion system has been developed for converting sunlight into electricity and thermal energy. The system increases efficiency and reduces cost by utilizing a transmissive, spectrum-splitting concentrator photovoltaic module featuring triple junction III-V solar cells. This enables cell temperatures to be maintained below 100°C while thermal temperatures may rise as high as 600°C. The presentation will discuss module and system design, a series of prototype iterations, and multi-day outdoor field testing. Techno-economic analysis will be presented in a variety of locations and industrial process heat contexts.