Concentrator Photovoltaic (CPV) Power 
Generation System
With a module that’s twice as efficient as conventional silicon photovoltaic systems, this power generation system by Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd. is designed for high solar radiation (DNI >6.5) and high-temperature areas. Solar panel installation occurs high above the ground in order to offer usable space below the panels. This space-saving feature is just one of the reasons why the CPV system is on tap to become the next-generation photovoltaic generator.
Major Features and Advantages
I. High Conversion Efficiency
The conversion efficiency for one module is twice that of a standard silicon solar module. This is achieved through tracking of the sun and through the use of special lenses that direct that sunlight into a high intensity – hundreds of times higher than traditional systems in fact. The compound semiconductor cells used in this CPV system has a high conversion efficiency of 40 to 50 percent.
II. Thin, Lightweight Design
Sumitomo’s CPV modules are thin and lightweight, decreasing manufacturing and operational costs of the solar tracker that forms the foundation of the modules. Additional costs are lowered as well, from the freight cost to the on-site installation cost. As the result, a total cost is reduced during and after construction of the power generating system.
III. Stable Power on a Daily Basis
Featuring an efficient use of sunlight from sunrise to sunset, the CPV module sits on a two-axis tracker that automatically adjusts the solar zenith angle, i.e., elevation, and the solar azimuth angle, i.e., direction.
IV. Effective in Many Applications
Sumitomo’s CPV is effective in both high heat and high solar radiation. That’s because the conversion efficiency of the semiconductor cells is not highly dependent on the ambient temperature. In turn, efficiency remains stable and does not decline. Compare this to silicon solar cells in which a decline is recorded.
V. Inclusion of Advertisements
Companies that purchase Sumitomo’s CPV for use in their plant, region or community can display project logos, letters and messages on the module without a decrease in power output.
Maintenance training on Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.’s CPV power generation system is available to local engineers.
Technology Data
Technology data
Conceivable applications
This power generation system is suitable for high solar radiation (DNI >6.5) and high temperature areas. The module of this system is approximately twice as efficient as conventional silicon photovoltaic systems. With the solar panels installed high above the ground, the system provides usable space below the panels. The CPV system is expected to become the next-generation photovoltaic generator.
Competitive advantage
- Sumitomo CPV has an advantage over the conventional Si-PV because of its effectiveness in high solar radiation (DNI >6.5) and high temperature areas.
- Sumitomo CPV uses optical lenses to concentrate sunlight hundreds of times onto high efficiency compound semiconductor cells and convert sunlight into electricity twice as efficiently as conventional silicon PV systems.
- With its precise sun-tracking system, Sumitomo CPV can generate energy consistently throughout the day.
Performance
- High Conversion Efficiency
The CPV system uses compound semiconductor cells with a high conversion efficiency of 40–50%. This system generates electricity by tracking the sun and using lenses to concentrate direct sunlight into an intensity hundreds of times higher. The conversion efficiency for one module is approximately twice that of a standard silicon solar module.
- Thin and Lightweight
Sumitomo Electric CPV modules are thin and lightweight, which helps reduce the cost of the solar tracker that supports the modules, as well as the freight cost and on-site installation cost, thus contributing to a total cost reduction when the power generating system is constructed.
- Stable Electric Power Generation throughout The Day
The module is mounted on a two-axis tracker that can adjust the solar zenith angle (elevation) and the solar azimuth angle (direction), enabling efficient use of sunlight from morning until evening.
- Effective in High Heat and High Solar Radiation
As the conversion efficiency of the semiconductor cells has little dependency on temperature, the efficiency does not decline, compared to silicon solar cells. The CPV system is therefore particularly effective for power generation in areas of high temperature and high solar radiation.
- Advertisement Signs
Project logos, letters, and messages can be displayed on the CPV module without a drop in generated power output.
Technical maturity / Past record of introduction
Past installation records of CPV modules are as follows:
- 100kWdc; July 2012 in Japan
- 4.5kWdc; April 2013 in Morocco
- 15kWdc; March 2014 in Japan
- 4.5kWdc; April 2014 in Japan
- 20kWdc; September 2015 in Morocco
- 10kWdc; March 2016 in Mexico
- 1,000kWdc; November 2016 in Morocco
Conceivable risk
Constant maintenance is essential for keeping the CPV system operate safely. We plan to provide maintenance training to the local engineers, but if the recommended maintenance services are not achieved, there will be a risk of significant problems.
Company Data
Company data
| Name | Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd. | ||||||
| Address | 4-5-33, Kitahama, Chuo-ku, Osaka, 541-0041 Japan | ||||||
| Capital | JPY 99,737 million | ||||||
| Contact person | Energy System Division E-mail: cpv-contact@info.sei.co.jp URL for inquiry: http://global-sei.com/contact/ |
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| Number of employees | Consolidated: about 241,000 (including 202,000 for international operations, as of April 2016) | ||||||
| Date of company foundation | April 1897 | ||||||
| The type of business | MANUFACTURE OF NON-FERROUS METALS AND PRODUCTS | ||||||
| Overseas offices |
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Modality of business transaction
Direct Investment
Sumitomo CPV module structure is simple and it is easy to assemble them. Therefore, it would be practical to build a module assembly factory near a project site.
Contact Person(s)
*Please mention that you saw UNIDO's website when making the first contact with the company.
Registered Category
- Energy Technologies : Renewable energy