CPV Dish System Overview

Solar Systems is the pioneer of the unique ‘Dense Array’ concentrated photovoltaic convertor system, providing the highest efficiency CPV technology today.

Solar Systems dish concentrators utilize reflective optics to concentrate the light at 500 times the normal intensity of sunlight. The system uses highly reflective mirrors that focus the sunlight onto a patented ultra-high efficiency photovoltaic receiver which directly converts (via photovoltaic materials) the sunlight into electricity, currently at around 40% efficiency.

Dish Systems Overview

Select from the tabs below for information about key dish system components.

Dense Array Module

Solar Systems Dense Array module utilizes high efficiency Triple Junction Solar Cells that are packed into a 36cm2 actively cooled package. Producing 650W of power in a footprint 340x smaller than conventional c-Silicon Solar panels at 500x concentration. The unique design with active cooling increases the reliability and produces the highest output power, increasing cell life and providing more reliable operation. more >

Concentrator Optics

Solar Systems uses reflective optics to concentrate light on to the receiver at a concentration of 500 times. The systems can be either dish or heliostat reflective optic configurations. The system optics are optimized at the commissioning phase of the installation and are not required to be modified throughout the operational life of the product. more >

Tracking Systems

Solar Systems employs a unique proprietary tracking system that maximizes power production from sunrise to sunset. The tracking system is accurate to 0.1o absolute and each dish tracks the sun independently. The tracking systems use proprietary algorithms incorporating active feedback for pointing accuracy and maximum power production. more >

Cooling Systems

The Solar Systems Dense Array configuration requires active cooling of the modules. The cooling of the Solar cells are monitored by the control system. The modules operate typically at 10oC above ambient temperature. The cooling system is a closed loop configuration that requires minimal maintenance. more >

Control Systems

Our control systems are designed for high reliability and ease of use. With five power stations in operation, the software interface has been improved continuously. The Solar Systems controller provide single unit self-management. Each dish unit has it’s own decision process based on it’s monitored physical state and communicates this back to the central control system. Solar Systems network is fiber based for higher reliability. It also allows for plant expansion, remote access and management

CPV Systems

The CS500 dish product provides a unique turn-key solar power generator for either utility grid connected or remote electricity production.

To operate in different regions the system is designed to Australian and International standards (IEC)

Ambient operating temperature range 0oC to +50oC; Minimal Land Requirements; only 6 acres per MW DC installed; Designed for greater than 25 years service life; Designed for snow loading, high wind speed up to 41m/s in any direction and various seismic regions.; Four standard foundation designs for lower cost installation (site dependant); Latitude exclusion zone: ± 13o of the equator