Semprius, a provider of high concentration photovoltaic (HCPV) solar modules, supplied its technology in support of Aerojet Rocketdyne’s 17.5 kilowatt DC demonstration system at the Solar Technology Acceleration Center (SolarTAC) in Colorado.
The demonstration is being overseen by the Electric Power Research Institute, Inc., (EPRI), a non-profit organization that conducts research and development relating to the generation, delivery and use of electricity for the benefit of the public.
Semprius manufactures the highest efficiency mass-produced solar modules in the world at its production facility in Henderson, N.C., announcing just last week a new record of 35.5 percent – two to three times more efficient than conventional photovoltaic modules.
Semprius’ unique design couples solar cells as small as the head of a pin with established semiconductor and microelectronic manufacturing processes to deliver highly efficient, reliable, cost-competitive modules, the company said.
The SolarTAC demonstration system includes Semprius HCPV modules, a standard solar inverter and a dual-axis tracker system capable of accurately following the sun throughout the day. Connected to the grid in August 2013, the demonstration system is already operating at peak AC system efficiencies exceeding 30 percent.
Semprius will also support Aerojet Rocketdyne’s next step in HCPV commercialization by supplying modules and technical assistance to Aerojet Rocketdyne under its award from the U.S. Department of Defense for a 200 kilowatt commercial demonstration at Edwards Air Force Base in California, the company said.