Technology Description

Soitec’s Concentrix™ CPV technology converts sunlight into electricity with a module efficiency of almost 31% and is a cost-effective solar power technology with low environmental impact that requires no water for power generation. Near-term module efficiency is projected to increase to 40% with the forthcoming introduction of Soitec’s proprietary engineered wafer substrate technology, Smart Cut™ technology applied to the multi-junction cells supplied for its CPV modules. Soitec CPV technology employs state-of-the-art Fresnel lenses to concentrate direct sunlight onto high performance multi-junction solar cells and is well suited for high DNI regions. Fresnel lenses concentrate the sun by a factor of approximately 500 times onto the solar cells, thereby reducing the size and amount of costly cell material required. Soitec’s solar cell technology utilizes highly efficient III-V materials, which experience minimal efficiency loss at high operating temperatures (1/3 the loss of silicon) and have long life expectancies. For increased energy generation, Soitec’s CPV modules are mounted on dual-axis trackers that follow the sun’s trajectory throughout the day. Compared to conventional PV, CPV technology produces electricity output that more closely matches peak load demands in high DNI regions. Soitec’s CPV systems are comprised of CX-M500 CPV modules, CX-T030 dual-axis trackers, CX-TC2 tracker control units, and CX-AD1 air drying unit components. Soitec’s CPV systems have an innovative robust module design, high tracker accuracy, and active air drying. The air drying unit ensures low humidity content of the air within the module, thereby maximizing module efficiency. In addition, it operates to prevent mold growth, hard-water deposits, and corrosion within the modules.