A Concentrator Photovoltaic Panel Prototype: Realization and Characterization

In this paper the prototype of concentrator photovoltaic (CPV) panel with Fresnel lenses primary optical elements has been characterized. The module has been developed by the National Institute for Astrophysics (INAF) of Cagliari. The testing and characterization process has been developed at the Sardegna Ricerche PV Laboratory. The optical and mechanical design of the proposed CPV module is firstly reported. Afterwards the outdoor testing results are presented. Most of panel components have been characterized in order to understand the weight of each element on the energy conversion process and on energy efficiency. In particular, the performances of primary and secondary optical elements, photovoltaic multi-junction cell and solar receiver heat sink have been assessed. A special attention has been paid to the evaluation of the module angle acceptance and to the analysis of the spatial distribution of the concentrated solar radiation on the cell plane in order to understand the influence of tracker accuracy and irradiance non-uniformity on the CPV prototype electrical performances. The characterization activity has been completed with an accurate analysis of the meteorological conditions measurements at the Sardegna Ricerche outdoor Photovoltaic Laboratory test bench, in order to verify the suitability of the site to the IEC 62670 standard draft