Comments on: Skyline Solar unwraps low-cost concentrator

A California start-up looks to cut the cost of solar power for industrial customers with a concentrator that relies on more sheet metal and less silicon.

[Harlan879]

Good article on an interesting technology, except for the last paragraph. *All* photovoltaic systems have mounting and tracking requirements for maximum efficiency, and I can't think of any reason why this system would require higher costs in those areas. The thing this system has that flat panels doesn't is that air-cooled heat sink. If that doesn't work well enough, they're going to be melting an awful lot of expensive solar cells... I think other concentrating technologies use liquid-cooled heat sinks, right?

[USDecliningDollar]

Interesting concept.

In Colorado, for residential solar - most of the mounting is done such that panels are angled for the optimum energy output for the entire year. Not sure about industrial applications.

I think that this concentrating technique is better suited for solar thermal and not for PV this is clearly demonstrated by the fact that the design is somewhat hamstrung by dealing with heat. (PV modules are less efficient at higher temperatures) With this design you basically have your PV modules underneath a magnifying glass, and I recall incinerating a lot of ants with a magnifying glass as a youngster.

How many other solar companies show their efficiency stats in grams of silicon? Typically this is done per unit of area ... which tells me that something is being hidden. I could see where this technique would be useful in areas with less than ideal sunlight ... higher latitudes??? But overall ... it seems as if this is the right application on the wrong (PV) technology.

[Crius72]

"How many other solar companies show their efficiency stats in grams of silicon? "

Actually, many do. Usual numbers these days for conventional flat panels are between 6.5-7g/W.



My blog: http://AmericanSolarEconomy.blogspot.com

[mahurshi]

This is good news.

I really hope one day, all these companies with innovative ideas work together and come up with a solution that is superior to all the individual techologies when they are used seperately. Maybe the government should make an effort and encourage the companies to let such a thing happen. Just imagine the possibilities if you can have a blend of all the best ideas to solve one problem..... :-)

[TrimTechComputers]

WE NEED THIS ...... the world should spend more time developing this type of technology to make the most of the Natural Resources ... THE SUN is the One Thing that we cant mess up.... unless the Human Race figures that one out too!

I say that ALL Government Buildings should be Retro-Fitted with Solar Energy Technology to offset the cost of Power by 20% - 30% to start, That could be a huge savings ... just think about that for a minute...

Now for those that might say 20% - 30% is nothing... think about that the next time you see a Retail Store AD for a "Blow Out Sale" (save 25% on selected items)

Hmmmmm