The CPV Challenge (Part I): Achieving Grid Parity

Your blueprint for overcoming technological challenges and making CPV a commercial success

• Efficiency: Learn which cell and module manufacturers are achieving the highest efficiencies and get a realistic forecast for efficiency increases until 2015. See the impact that expected future efficiencies of nearly 50% will have on costs
• Costs: Get access to our realistic estimates for the current cost of CPV and forecasts for cost reductions in terms of LEC and cost per kW installed until 2015
• Grid Parity: CPV could be closer to grid parity than you think. Find out when CPV could reach grid parity according to calculations based on three realistic scenarios
• Reliability, Durability and Testing: Testing and certification are essential for persuading reluctant investors and customers of the merits of CPV. Follow the latest progress in testing for reliability and durability
• CPV vs PV and Thin Film: See how CPV compares to other photovoltaic technologies in this performance and cost comparison with PV and Thin Film

This report is the result of close collaboration between the University of Jaen and CPV Today.

Gabino Almonacid

Head and founder of the IDEA research group University of Jaen ( Spain )

Gabino Almonacid has more than 30 years of experience with PV systems, including CPV. He is the founder of the IDEA research group on photovoltaic technology. Gabino is a member of various scientific committees, including ISFOC, the leading test and research center on CPV. Gabino is a co-author of the CPV Challenge (Part I).

Gustavo Nofuentes

Professor of Electronic Engineering applied to PV- IDEA Group – University of Jaén, Spain

Gustavo obtained his PhD at the prestigious Instituto de Energía Solar at the Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (IES-UPM). Since then he has specialised in researching different aspects of grid connected PV systems including cost-performance analysis, modeling of outdoors PV systems behaviour and performance  comparisons between Concentrating Photovoltaics, flat plate PV and Thin Film.

1. INTRODUCTION

• 1.1. Contents, topics and relevance of the report
  • 1.1.1. Focus of the report: HCPV
  • 1.1.2. Topics explored
  • 1.1.3. Relevance of the report

• 1.2. Introduction to PV concentration
  • 1.2.1. Theoretical basis of sunlight concentration
  • 1.2.2. PV concentration (CPV) versus Solar-Thermal concentration (CSP)
  • 1.2.3. History of CPV
  • 1.2.4. Elements in a PV concentration system
  • 1.2.5. Types of CPV systems
  • 1.2.6. Brief Overview of CPV market

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2. COSTS : THE GRID-PARITY ISSUE AND LEVELISED ELECTRICITY COSTS

• 2.1. Levelised Electricity Cost (LEC)
  • 2.1.1. Definition
  • 2.1.2. Influence factors
  • 2.1.3. Current values of LEC
  • 2.1.4. Locations with 2000 and 2500 kWh/(m2" year) Irradiance Levels

• 2.2. Forecast for Levelised Electricity Costs
  • 2.2.1. Assumptions
  • 2.2.2. Forecast for 2015

• 2.3. Grid Parity
  • 2.3.1. Definition
  • 2.3.2. Obstacles to reach Grid Parity
  • 2.3.3. Solutions to reach Grid Parity

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3. EFFICIENCY IN CPV CELLS AND MODULES

• 3.1. General considerations
  • 3.1.1. Efficiency in the context of CPV

• 3.2. Factors which affect the efficiency of CPV cells
  • 3.2.1. Materials employed in CPV cells
  • 3.2.2. Historical efficiencies of CPV cells
  • 3.2.3. Current efficiencies of CPV cells

• 3.3. Forecast of efficiency improvements through to 2015

4. DURABILITY AND RELIABILITY

• 4.1. Importance of reliability and durability for CPV
  • 4.1.1. Importance of reliability and durability for the industry
  • 4.1.2. Current experience with reliability and durability

• 4.2. Current norms for testing and standardization: IEC 62108
  • 4.2.1. The need for certification tests
  • 4.2.2. Explanation and tests included in IEC 62108

• 4.3. Possible improvements for standardization norms
  • 4.3.1. How standardization could boost the industry
  • 4.3.2. Points to be addressed
  • 4.3.3. Minimum requirements: performance reliability and safety

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5. PERFORMANCE AND COST COMPARISON: CPV, PV W/TRACKING AND THIN-FILM

• 5.1. Methodology and Definitions
  • 5.1.1. Module and System Efficiency
  • 5.1.2. Initial Electricity Yield per kWp
  • 5.1.3. Levelised Electricity Cost (LEC)
  • 5.1.4. Initial Investment
  • 5.1.5. Land Needed

• 5.2. Advantages and disadvantages of CPV compared to PV w/Tracking and Thin-Film

6. CONCLUSIONS

7. BIBLIOGRAPHY

APPENDIX A: CONCEPTS OF FINANCIAL ANALYSIS APPLIED TO CPV

APPENDIX B: TECHNICAL EXPLANATION OF NORMAL DIRECT IRRADIATION (NDI)