Power Solutions using EMCORE Concentrator Photovoltaic Arrays (CPV)

Using optical lenses and mirrors we concentrate the sunlight onto a very small, highly efficient Multi-Junction solar cell. For example, under 500-sun concentration, 1 cm² of solar cell area produces the same electricity as 500 cm² would, without concentration. This is particularly significant when considering the inherent efficiency advantage of the Multi-Junction technology over Silicon solar cells The use of concentration, therefore, allows substitution of cost-effective materials such as lenses and mirrors for the more costly semiconductor PV cell material.

EMCORE’s Multi- Junction Solar Cell Technology Adapted to Terrestrial Power Generation

High efficiency Multi-Junction cells have a significant advantage over conventional silicon cells in concentrator systems because fewer solar cells are required to achieve the same power output.

CPV solar arrays utilize accurate 2-axis sun tracking systems to capture even more of the available sun energy.The high energy output from a more efficient system, and the savings in costly semiconductor area make the application of CPV technology economically advantageous. As Concentrator PV arrays advance on their projected learning curve (high volume manufacturing , increased cell efficiency to > 40%) this technology will continue to dramatically reduce the cost of generating electricity from solar energy. EMCORE is favorably positioned in being vertically integrated in CPV solar cell and systems level capability. We have a substantial ongoing business, and the corporate resources and commitment to competitively bring CPV power to market.