This project will focus on the design, development, and demonstration of transparent, tracking integrated photovoltaic concentrator (CPV) modules for integration into buildings and greenhouses. Of particular interest to the region, the technology under study has the potential to substantially alter the cost structure and sustainability of greenhouse agriculture by providing sufficient integrated energy generation to power climate control, irrigation, and automated maintenance systems. Furthermore, such technology is expected to find commercial success in the building sector, enabling the development of high-efficiency, aesthetically interesting building integrated photovoltaic products. The project will draw on the PIs’ experience in solar optics and tracking system design, photovoltaic device design and characterization, energy use in buildings, and solar energy economics to develop workable solutions for building-integrated and agricultural CPV. We anticipate the development of systems that will be ready for scale-up and commercialization by the end of the project.
