Soltec, Fraunhofer ISE Build New Prototype For Concentrating PV

Illustration of the new micro-CPV system under development for electricity generation in countries with high direct solar irradiance as well as for agrivoltaics

Soltec, a vertically integrated solutions provider in the photovoltaic solar energy sector, specializing in the manufacturing of solar trackers for large-scale projects, has partnered with the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE to develop a new prototype consisting of a two-axis tracker for concentrating photovoltaic applications.

This project, led by Fraunhofer ISE, aims to use the most advanced solar tracker technology of Soltec and adapt it specifically to the requirements of a new generation of micro-CPV modules that operate at nearly one thousand suns concentration. The micro-CPV modules place stringent requirements on tracking accuracy in two directions to point the CPV modules always precisely towards the sun. By this, maximum electricity generation is reached throughout the day from sunrise to sunset.

The Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE, working on research and advancements in photovoltaic technology, has entrusted Soltec to design and build a new solar tracker that meets stringent requirements for precision and structural robustness. This collaboration combined Soltec’s highly qualified expertise in the mechanical design of solar trackers with Fraunhofer’s experience in developing concentrating photovoltaic (CPV) modules. The latest micro-CPV technology of the institute has reached 36.5% conversion efficiency and promises to increase electricity generation by 30% compared to the most efficient solutions today.

The solar tracker is a requirement for power generation in concentrating PV modules and the new development targets a combination of structural robustness, scalability, cost competitiveness, and the ability to coordinate precise movements with a wide range of rotations. The first prototype will be used to test the precision of tracking accuracy throughout the day. In a later stage, the system can be equipped with 15.7 kWp of micro-CPV panels.

“We prepare the path for concentrating photovoltaics to re-enter the market with a competitive product which convinces investors by its high energy yield, robustness, and sustainability,” said Frank Dimroth, head of III-V and concentrating photovoltaics at Fraunhofer ISE. “Resource efficiency becomes an increasingly important topic in photovoltaics and our technology immediately reduces module areas by 30% and semiconductors by 1300 times. We believe that this technology should find its market share for PV power plants in sun-rich countries of the world”.

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The new concentrating photovoltaic system not only breaks paradigms in traditional 2-axis solar tracker design but also aligns with emerging sector trends such as solar hydrogen generation and AgriPV. The latter combines solar energy generation with agriculture. The tracker’s ability to adapt to different orientations and topographic conditions makes it an ideal solution for these applications. Furthermore, CPV modules transmit diffuse radiation of the sun and allow plants to receive sufficient sunlight for their growth while protecting them from excessive high-intensity radiation.

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“This collaboration between Soltec and Fraunhofer ISE confirms the innovative vision of both institutions. These advancements not only represent a step forward in photovoltaic solar energy but also expand its application possibilities across various sectors,” said Eduardo de San Nicolás, Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer at Soltec.