Concentrating Light On Solar Panels

This can be done by using optical light collectors such as lenses or mirrors.

Concentrating light on solar panels. The pv systems that use concentrated light are called concentrating photovoltaics cpv. Concentrator photovoltaics cpv also known as concentration photovoltaics is a photovoltaic technology that generates electricity from sunlight. Csp technology utilizes focused sunlight. Concentrated solar power also known as concentrating solar power or concentrating solar thermal power works in a similar way conceptually.

Csp vs pv technologies. There are three main systems in use. 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. The cpv collect light from a larger area and concentrate it to a smaller area solar cell.

Concentrated solar thermal systems csp are not the same as photovoltaic panels. Csp technology produces electricity by concentrating and harnessing solar thermal energy using mirrors. 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. This is illustrated in figure 5 1.

Csp plants generate electric power by using mirrors to concentrate focus the sun s energy and convert it. 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. 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. Types of systems unlike solar photovoltaic cells which use light to produce electricity concentrat ing solar power systems generate electric ity with heat.

Here in we review basic solar energy facts of competing solar technologies csp vs pv. At a csp installation mirrors reflect the sun to a focal point. Concentrating solar collectors use mirrors and lenses to con. Despite having been researched since the 1970s it has only now entered the solar electricity sector as a viable alternative.

Concentrating solar power plants also cre ate two and a half times as many skilled jobs as traditional plants. It also means that in most instances tracking is required. 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.