13 December 2011

Soitec introduces portable CPV mini-tracker

Soitec of Bernin, France, which makes engineered substrates including silicon-on-insulator (SOI) wafers (as well as III-V epiwafers through its Picogiga International division), has introduced Plug&Sun, an addition to its concentrator photovoltaic (CPV) family of products. According to the firm, the new model is easy to install and is the first stand-alone mini-tracker consisting of 3m2 of high efficiency modules.

The Plug&Sun stand-alone mini-tracker aims to supplement or replace existing electrification systems, such as power generators or other forms of renewable energy. It is designed for use in highly sunny regions with no power grid or unreliable grid connections. The mobile power-generating station’s durability and tolerance for high temperatures make it well suited for remote usage, adds the firm.

With efficiency close to 30%, each Plug&Sun uses a two-axis tracker to generate up to 2.3 kWp of clean and reliable electricity. It is compatible with different electrical standards, allowing it to power common electrical devices.

“As a world leader in CPV technology, we wanted to make it possible to use our innovation in geographical regions where access to electricity is difficult to get. For example, it takes just a few hours to set up three Plug&Sun mini-trackers, which can generate 12kW on a daily basis, the equivalent of the amount of electricity needed for a village. It will ease access to electricity for the 20 percent of the worldwide population which lives without electricity today,” said André-Jacques Auberton-Hervé, president and CEO of Soitec.

Soitec is taking prototype orders for the Plug&Sun system. Shipments of production units is expected to begin in the course of 2012.

Tags: Soitec CPV modules

Visit: www.soitec.com