Performance of a Prototype Stationary Catadioptric Concentrating Photovoltaic Module

A stationary catadioptric concentrating photovoltaic module with aperture area over 100 cm², geometric concentration of 180x, and collection within 60° of polar incidence was designed, prototyped, and characterized. The module performance followed modeling closely with a peak power conversion e ciency of 26% for direct irradiance. Tracking of the sun is accomplished via translational micro-tracking completely internal to the module, avoiding the cost and complexity of mechanical two-axis trackers that point towards the sun. This demonstrates the potential for concentrating photovoltaic modules with significantly higher e ciency than industry standard silicon photovoltaic modules that could be installed in stationary configurations on rooftops.