Solar Concentrators

Specific PV applications

  • PV Panel Recycling
  • PV Panel Renovation Technology
  • High-Temperature Solar PV Panels
  • Polar Star
  • Hybrid Photovoltaic
  • Solar Concentrators
  • Bifacial Solar Panels
  • Solar Street Lamp
  • TRAXLE Solar Pumping Systems
  • Photovoltaic Systems

Solar Concentrators

Overview

In the photovoltaic industry, a solar concentrator is a reflective device that channels additional sunlight onto solar panels, thereby boosting electricity production without increasing the number of panels. By leveraging mirrors made from advanced, durable materials, solar concentrators enhance system efficiency while keeping costs under control.

The latest innovation in this field is the New Tracking Solar Concentrator, which combines mirror-based solar concentration with solar tracking systems, achieving significantly higher energy yields compared to conventional stationary or V-shaped concentrators.

How Solar Concentrators Work
  • Principle: Mirrors reflect and direct extra sunlight onto PV panels.
  • Effect: Higher photon density on the solar cells leads to greater electricity output.
  • Integration: Works in conjunction with solar trackers that keep panels aligned perpendicular to sunlight throughout the day, ensuring consistent and efficient energy generation.
Key Innovations in the New Tracking Solar Concentrator
  1. Compact Ridge Design

    • Unlike traditional V-shaped concentrators with bulky outside mirrors, the ridge concentrator eliminates the need for side mirrors.

    • Incorporates a moderate concentration ratio (C≈1.6) that balances efficiency, temperature control, and durability.

  2. Improved Light Distribution

    • For one-axis trackers (horizontal or polar), mirrors are extended slightly beyond panel edges, ensuring homogeneous lighting throughout seasonal sun-angle variations.

    • For polar-axis trackers with adjustable pitch, the triangular extension is not required.

  3. Durability and Weather Resistance

    • Mirrors are engineered to withstand at least 10 years of outdoor exposure while maintaining high reflectivity in the critical solar spectrum range (300–1100 nm).

    • Materials include:

      • Stainless steel with special surface finish.

      • Rolled aluminum plate with protective PVF coating.

      • Silver- or aluminum-coated polymer foils.

    • Best trade-off: aluminum plate + PVF protection, combining cost efficiency and reflectance.

  4. Optimized Cooling and Panel Protection

    • Moderate concentration reduces panel overheating, preventing EVA encapsulant browning and performance degradation seen in high-intensity concentrators (C≈2.4).

    • Ridge configuration allows better airflow around panels, enhancing passive cooling.

  5. Reliability in Harsh Environments

    • No additional support structure required for mirrors (unlike V-groove systems).
    • Reduced wind force impact ensures stability and longevity.
    • Tested successfully on mobile tracker systems.
Performance Advantages
  • Energy Yield Increase:

    • Up to 100% higher annual energy production in dry, sunny climates (e.g., Northern Africa, Arabia, Arizona, Western Australia).
    • Around 70% increase in central European climates.
    • Field Test near Prague (50°N): Energy output boosted by 107% on a clear July day.

  • Versatile Applications:

    • Supports one-axis trackers (horizontal and polar), dual-axis trackers, and even 360° rotating trackers for extreme locations (polar regions, space-based applications).
    • Scalable from small 50W panels to large 120W arrays.

  • Higher Efficiency, Lower Costs:

    • Ridge concentrator technology achieves uniform illumination without the drawbacks of overheating or EVA damage.
    • Equivalent performance of a mobile system with concentrator ≈ stationary system with double the panels.
    • Significant cost savings in material, installation, and land use.
Performance Advantages
  • Energy Yield Increase:

     

    • Up to 100% higher annual energy production in dry, sunny climates (e.g., Northern Africa, Arabia, Arizona, Western Australia).
    • Around 70% increase in central European climates.
    • Field Test near Prague (50°N): Energy output boosted by 107% on a clear July day.

       

  • Versatile Applications:

     

    • Supports one-axis trackers (horizontal and polar), dual-axis trackers, and even 360° rotating trackers for extreme locations (polar regions, space-based applications).
    • Scalable from small 50W panels to large 120W arrays.

       

  • Higher Efficiency, Lower Costs:

     

    • Ridge concentrator technology achieves uniform illumination without the drawbacks of overheating or EVA damage.
    • Equivalent performance of a mobile system with concentrator ≈ stationary system with double the panels.
    • Significant cost savings in material, installation, and land use.
Key Benefits at a Glance
  • +70–100% energy yield compared to stationary panels.
  • Compact, simple, and wind-resistant design.
  • Long-lasting mirrors with 10+ year durability.
  • Maintains optimal PV efficiency by reducing overheating.
  • Cost-effective alternative to expanding panel count.
  • Proven performance in real-world trials across climates.

✅ The New Tracking Solar Concentrator represents a breakthrough in solar power generation — combining affordability, reliability, and high performance. By doubling energy yield in sunny climates and significantly enhancing efficiency in temperate regions, it is a practical solution for large-scale solar farms, off-grid systems, and mobile solar applications.