Research ans Development of an Innovative Inflated High Concentrating PV Module

Cool Earth Solar (CES) is developing a Concentrated Photovoltaic (CPV) system that can achieve the Department of Energy SunShot Initiatives goals of solar systems that install for $1/Watt and have a levelized cost of energy of less than 6 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh). CES expects to achieve these targets well before the SunShot deadline of 2020, thus providing inexpensive clean energy to the public at significant scale. Phase I will focus on the development, integration, and performance testing of a sub-scale CPV module using multi-junction cells. The goal will be to demonstrate the feasibility of 30% or greater module efficiency using CES unique 2D concentrating inflated film optic. Phase II will bring the technology to the brink of commercialization by establishing commercial-level manufacturing for the optics and creating an integrated system with system efficiencies between 31 to 33%, which can operate outdoors, producing electricity unattended for [months] at a time. Commercial Applications and other Benefits The high-concentrating CPV system proposed by CES would benefit the utility sector, the independent power commercial sector, and ultimately the public, by reducing the cost of solar and making solar energy an economically viable alternative to fossil-fuel energy production and other PV technologies. Cool Earth Solars technology enables an LCOE of $0.06/kWh with very little capital expenses, unlike many other CPV companies. This technology produces grid-parity pricing and will scale more quickly than traditional panel manufacturing, due to the use of inexpensive and plentiful materials. End result: a clean, renewable energy solution that meets increasing U.S. energy demands.