SOLARAWARDS2011 SHORTLISTED
Module Manufacturing Innovation Award
Circadian Solar 38
Ultra Power Density Circadian Solar, the concentrated photovoltaics (CPV) provider, has achieved world-class DC module efficiency by adopting its Ultra Power Density approach, in which all aspects of system design are engineered holistically to deliver the lowest possible cost of electricity generated. Focusing on the design at the full system level ensures that the CPV modules work most efficiently as part of the complete system. Circadians Ultra Power Density approach is driven by the goal of producing a system that delivers reliable, clean electricity efficiently at an optimal cost. Circadians approach is key to achieving this goal and the Circadian CPV system has been designed from the outset to maximise output power with respect to other system parameters, particularly unit cost, weight, footprint, lifetime and maintenance requirements.
Problem Solved
Circadian Solars Ultra Power Density approach tackles LCOE in two ways. Firstly, by design at full system level, it ensures that efficiency is optimised, delivering the maximum electrical power from the available solar radiation. The second is by reducing costs. The approach ensures that not only is performance optimised, minimising the use of materials, but that the system is suited for large scale manufacturing.
Noteworthy
Circadian Solars approach is unique - and more than just promoting a high level design approach. Ultra Power Density meant that Circadian started its CPV system design from a blank piece of paper. As a result the Ultra Power Density approach enables the best combination of elements throughout the system.
Challenge
The most important challenge for the solar industry, and particularly the CPV industry, is to achieve the minimum possible levelised cost of electricity (LCOE). Having already achieved LCOEs lower than those for off-grid diesel generators, the next, key milestone is to achieve LCOEs lower than those for electricity grids, i.e. to achieve grid parity. Circadian Solars Ultra Power Density approach is directed specifically at this objective.
Innovation The Ultra Power Density process is novel in the completeness with which it implements holistic design ideas. Many CPV systems have been designed with some element of system level thinking, however, no other company in the CPV sector has deployed the concept so fully. The Ultra Power Density has been deployed by Circadian Solar specifically to find technology enhancements both large and, just as importantly, incremental. Indeed often the smallest incremental improvement can have a significant impact through the whole system and give a better LCOE. LCOE is ultimately the figure that is the most important commercially. While cell efficiencies and other technical capabilities are important in isolation, once these elements are part of a bigger CPV system they are of less individual significance. The Ultra Power Density approach is geared to ensure that lower LCOE is the main overarching objective in every step of the design process.
Customer Benefits
Customers / end-users will benefit from the prospect of clean, carbon-free electricity for the same cost as grid electricity
Conergy Deutschland GmbH
ConergyPowerPlus
The ConergyPowerPlus module is among the best of its class. With a load capacity of 6000 Pascal the module can withstand a weight load of 550 kg per square meter. However, the robust workmanship doesn’t necessarily mean difficult installation. Thanks to the 3.2mm solar glass of the PowerPlus module, the weight has been reduced to a manageable 19.6kg, but without the usual drawbacks of mechanical stability.
Panels can be installed horizontally and vertically which allows higher performance, flexibility and yield with the same amount of space. All modules are produced with premium quality components and materials in a fully automated, certified and quality-assured production process. This way, customers can be assured of outstanding power and performance levels. With up to 240 Wp rated capacity there are positive efficiency tolerances of up to plus 2.5% on top of rated efficiency, a 10 years product warranty, a hollow-chamber-free, torsion- resistant frame, and a purpose-built junction box, which is fire-safe due to its soldered junctions inside of the box make this product a truly safe investment. A winning argument for the UK market: TÜV Rheinland certified the excellent low-light behavior of the PowerPlus module. Results have shown that the modules efficiency increases with decreasing solar irradiation. Operators can produce up to 3% more yield with ConergyPowerPlus.
Challenge In the UK, very good low-light performance of a module is a prerequisite to ensure high yields and investment returns. Robust workmanship and high load capacity is crucial for areas with
www.solar-pv-management.com Issue VII 2011
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