Solar Systems Pty Ltd is an Australian-based company which designs

and manufactures ultra-high efficiency concentrating photovoltaic (CPV)

power generation systems which are ideally suited to large utility-scale

deployment globally.

Solar Systems ‘Dense Array’ CPV Technology:

The ultra-high efficiency concentrating photovoltaic (CPV) power generation system technology is based on the use of the company’s proprietary ‘Dense Array’ Convertor Technology which utilises the world’s highest efficiency triple junction (TJ) solar cells, capable of converting sunlight into electricity at around 40% efficiency. Solar Systems CPV technology is a world-leading solar power platform capable of producing low cost (LCOE basis) electrical power with minimal operational and maintenance requirements. Learn more about the Dense Array CPV Technology >

Global Deployment Strategy:

Whilst the development of this technology has taken place principally in Australia, SSPL is now preparing to commercially deploy large scale CPV systems in offshore markets with suitable insolation profiles, specifically areas with high Direct Normal Incidence (DNI) of sunlight. On this basis, some of the most prospective regions for the company’s solar technology are the western United States, the Middle East, north Africa, central Asia and Australia. As part of our global deployment strategy, Solar Systems is currently setting up permanent offices in the USA and other regions which can service the rapidly growing market for utility-scale CPV deployment. Work with Solar Systems >

Overview of the ‘Dense Array’ CPV Technology:

The technology uses an array of low cost mirrors mounted in a parabolic dish frame which collect and concentrate a large area of sunlight onto a densely packed array of TJ cells in the convertor unit, at which point the solar intensity is approximately 500x normal sunlight (refer to figure 1). The dish structure tracks the sun via dual-axis tracking to maximise electricity output throughout the day. Inverters export AC electricity to the electricity connection point (supply network), seamlessly interfacing with the existing generators, or a power grid. Learn more about our Technology >

Key Advantages of the ‘Dense Array’ CPV Technology:

The Solar Systems Dense Array CPV Dish technology provides several operational and economic advantages compared to competitive CPV and flat-panel (thin film and silicon based) technologies, including the following three key features:

a) Upgrades to Higher Efficiency Cells:

The configuration of the Dense Array cell technology is such that it can be readily upgraded as the efficiency of TJ cells improves, without the need for significant additional capex. This is a unique feature of the Solar Systems Dense Array technology.

b) Maximum Power Extraction:

The Dense Array Convertor is designed to be actively cooled via a standard closed-loop cooling unit – a unique feature to this technology. This enables the cells to be operated at a lower temperature compared to all other PV technologies (by around 20 ~ 30 C). The results in higher conversion efficiencies and power extraction compared to competitive technologies – a net power gain (after cooling costs are factored) of around 5% to 10%.

c) Lower Balance of System (BoS) Costs and Weight:

The Dish CPV technology uses low cost BoS materials sourced from our competitive supply chain. Moreover, the dish structure weighs considerably less than the structures of competing CPV technologies, providing an extremely high wind rating of approximately 147km/hr (before the system must be shut down and stowed), compared to around one third of this for competitive technologies. This robustness means our Dish product has far superior sun-tracking accuracy and wind performance relative to other systems resulting in higher energy production than competitors.

Ten Year Track Record of Power Plant Performance:

Solar System Pty Ltd is a world leader in CPV Solar Installations, having installed more than 1.2MW of Solar Generating plants in five small power generation plants in in the harsh environment of outback Australia over the last 10 years, and with another 0.5MW power plant currently under construction. Solar Systems has extensive operating and maintenance experience with both remote and grid connected power plants, and an industry-leading track record in dealing with the full range of issues related to both grid connection and remote site installation, operation and maintenance. For additional information on each location click here >

Figure 2: Existing (blue) Dense Array Solar Power Plants.

Our First Product – the CS500 Dish Power Generation Unit

The CS500 Dense Array CPV dish system is the first commercial product to be marketed by Solar Systems after ~20 years of development and field testing.

Each Dish system unit, shown in Figure (right), will generate up to 40kWp DCsoc nominal output, depending on local conditions.

Approximately 28 dishes are required per 1MWp generating capacity, however this number will progressively fall (with a corresponding decrease in capital costs) as new, higher efficiency cells are brought to market.

Learn more about Solar Systems technology >