Concentrating Light On Solar Panels

Concentrator photovoltaics cpv also known as concentration photovoltaics is a photovoltaic technology that generates electricity from sunlight.

Concentrating light on solar panels.

Concentrated solar power also known as concentrating solar power or concentrating solar thermal power works in a similar way conceptually. It also means that in most instances tracking is required. Despite having been researched since the 1970s it has only now entered the solar electricity sector as a viable alternative. Concentrating solar power csp technologies use mirrors to concentrate focus the sun s light energy and convert it into heat to create steam to drive a turbine that generates electrical power.

Csp vs pv technologies. Here in we review basic solar energy facts of competing solar technologies csp vs pv. Types of systems unlike solar photovoltaic cells which use light to produce electricity concentrat ing solar power systems generate electric ity with heat. The pv systems that use concentrated light are called concentrating photovoltaics cpv.

Electricity is generated when the concentrated light is converted to heat solar thermal energy which drives a heat engine usually a steam turbine connected to an electrical power. Concentrated solar power csp also known as concentrating solar power concentrated solar thermal systems generate solar power by using mirrors or lenses to concentrate a large area of sunlight onto a receiver. Concentrating light however requires direct sunlight rather than diffuse light limiting this technology to clear sunny locations. Csp systems concentrate radiation of the sun to heat a liquid substance which is then used to drive a heat engine and drive an electric generator.

Unlike conventional photovoltaic systems it uses lenses or curved mirrors to focus sunlight onto small highly efficient multi junction mj solar cells in addition cpv systems often use solar trackers and sometimes a cooling system to further. Based on the principal that a solar cell receiving more light energy will produce more electricity concentrating photovoltaic solar panels simply involve a method usually using a lens or mirrors to concentrate more sunlight onto a photovoltaic cell. This is illustrated in figure 5 1. Light concentration while photo voltaic panels are the most appropriate method for capturing light energy in domestic solar power installations for larger scale systems light is usually concentrated to produce heat which in turn is used to generate electricity.

Csp technology utilizes focused sunlight. This can be done by using optical light collectors such as lenses or mirrors. Concentrated solar thermal systems csp are not the same as photovoltaic panels. Concentrating solar power plants also cre ate two and a half times as many skilled jobs as traditional plants.

Csp technology produces electricity by concentrating and harnessing solar thermal energy using mirrors. Concentrating solar collectors use mirrors and lenses to con. At a csp installation mirrors reflect the sun to a focal point.