Large-Area, High-Intensity PV Arrays for Systems Using Dish Concentrating Optics

In this paper, we report on our efforts to fabricate monolithic interconnected modules (MIMs) using III-V semiconductors with bandgaps appropriate for the terrestrial solar spectrum. The small size of the component cells comprising the MIM allows for operation at extremely high flux densities and relaxes the requirement for a small spot-size to be generated by the optics. This makes possible a PVoption for the large dish concentrator systems that have been developed by the solar thermal community for use with Stirling engines. Additionally, the highly effective back-surface reflector integrated into the MIM design is an effective tool for thermal management of the array. Development of this technology would radically alter the projections for PV manufacturing capacity because of thepotential for extremely high power generation per unit area of semiconductor material.