The Rebirth of Concentrating Photovoltaics

[jpak]

http://www.renewableenergyaccess.com/rea/news/story?id=46295

San Jose, California The Concentrating Photovoltaics (CPV) industry will soon take up a larger share of the solar market as technology improves, investment pours in and cost comes down, according to leading CPV manufacturers at the Solar Power 2006 conference and expo.

CPV uses lenses to concentrate sunlight onto photovoltaic cells, allowing for a decrease in cell size. Because a CPV module needs less cell material than a traditional PV module, it is cost effective to use higher quality cells to increase efficiency. However, the technology makes up a very small portion of the solar industry.

The CPV industry, which has not experienced much growth in the last decade, is now poised for a breakthrough in the near future. Exhibitors showing their products at the San Jose Convention Center are excited about the potential for CPV in the solar market.

"Concentrators have been pretty negligible in the market place. But as the technology becomes economical, new investment comes in and the solar industry fragments, CPV is starting to see some major progress," said Brad Hines, CEO of Practical Instruments.

<more>