29 April 2013

Amonix raises PV module efficiency record in test at NREL

Amonix Inc of Seal Beach, CA, USA, which makes utility-scale concentrator photovoltaic (CPV) solar power systems using III-V multi-junction solar cells, says that, during outdoor testing from late February to April, a module showcasing its latest-generation CPV technology demonstrated a peak operating solar energy conversion efficiency of 36.2%, measured on 14 March with a direct normal irradiance (DNI) of 876W/m2, an ambient temperature of 16°C and instantaneous wind speed of 1m/s. This exceeds the previous 34.2% peak efficiency set by Amonix in May 2012.

Over the entire testing period, the module earned a National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) outdoor efficiency rating of 34.9%, under international standard operating conditions for CPV of 900W/m2, 20°C ambient temperature and 2m/s wind speed, breaking the previous 33.5% rated efficiency world record that was also set by Amonix in May 2012. The module uses Boeing Spectrolab’s 40%-efficient solar cells and Amonix’s proprietary CPV technology.

Amonix was previously first to convert over a third of the sun’s energy, also in May 2012, and the first to break 30% module efficiency in 2011.

Picture: An Amonix CPV solar power system.

“Amonix’s proprietary technology platform allows us to continue driving rapid performance improvements in our CPV system,” says founder & chief technology officer Vahan Garboushian. “The advances we have demonstrated over the last 2 years have all been with the same generation 40% cells, demonstrating an unprecedented cell-to-module conversion efficiency of greater than 90%,” he adds. “With improvements that are underway in cell efficiency and additional advances in our module technology, we will continue to drive efficiency higher over the coming years,” he reckons.

See related items:

Amonix raises module efficiency record from 30.3% to 33.5%

Tags: Amonix CPV

Visit: www.amonix.com