Reflective optics CPV panels enabling large scale, reliable generation of solar energy cost competitive with fossil fuels

The goal of SolFocus' 18-month subcontract was to improve reflective optics concentrator photovoltaic (CPV) panels: (1) to enable the large-scale, reliable production of solar electricity to meet Solar America Initiative-established levelized cost fo energy targets, and (2) to ultimately provide a path to solar power at parity with or better than the cost of energy generated using fossil fuels. To this end, SolFocus completed this subcontract with great success, as evidenced by the end results of a CPV panel with conversion efficiencies greater than the targeted 22% and manufacturing capabilities with a run-rate capacity far exceeding the milestone benchmark of more than 3 megawatts.