Nonimaging fresnel lenses of low and medium concentration for cost-effective photovoltaic systems

摘要

The use of concentrating solar collectors is one way to reduce the cost of photovoltaic conversion of energy, as long as the concentrator is less expensive than the substituted solar cell. The present study compares flat plate photovoltaic systems (1X) with those of concentration factors 2X, 20X, and 1000X. Nonimaging Fresnel lenses are used to achieve significant cost reductions; systems of medium concentration are most promising. It is found that risk-averse market players are not likely to soon develop and introduce concentrator systems.