Close-Up of SolFocus's CPV

Comment by Joe L. on August 22, 2008 at 10:18am

Is this a roof top unit or ?
Please share some info on it, such as how efficient, how large, and how much it costs.

Thanks!
Joe

Comment by Wayne Northcutt on August 25, 2008 at 9:26pm

SolFocus CPV systems use 1/1,000th of the active, expensive solar cell material compared to traditional photovoltaic panels. In addition the cells used in SolFocus CPV systems have over twice the conversion efficiency of traditional cells accelerating the trajectory for solar energy to reach cost parity with fossil fuels. SolFocus CPV solar panels are made primarily of readily available and cost-effective materials such as aluminum and glass. These CPV systems have the lowest carbon footprint in manufacturing, and are over 95-percent recyclable.

In short they are just better, more efficient, and cheaper to build.

Comment by W. Dan Chance on August 27, 2008 at 5:27pm

How much would it cost for the average homeowner to take his home "off the grid" -- at least as a user? Are these systems packaged and available for purchase? Do they require experience professionals to install them or can the homeowner do it?

Comment by Solar Man on September 9, 2008 at 9:34pm

SolFocus is in competition with PyronSolar for CPVs. When they get to using Galium Arsinide cells in their CPVs, and use the excess thermal energy to generate electricity, the system's efficiency should approach 40%.

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