The potential for concentrator photovoltaics: A feasibility study in India

Kamath, Harsh G and Ekins-Daukes, Nicholas J and Araki, Kenji and Ramasesha, Sheela K (2019) The potential for concentrator photovoltaics: A feasibility study in India. In: PROGRESS IN PHOTOVOLTAICS, 27 (4). pp. 316-327.

PDF kamath2018.pdf - Published Version Restricted to Registered users only Download (1MB) | Request a copy

Abstract

India has aggressive plans for scaling up photovoltaic installations in the coming decades. Currently fixed tilt, flat plate crystalline silicon (c-Si) technology sets the standard for cost and performance and is both robust and relatively easy to deploy. Concentrator photovoltaics (CPV) systems have a different cost structure; using solar cells with the highest efficiencies, system efficiencies greater than 30% are possible, but the system is also more sensitive to meteorological conditions. India has a complex and varied atmosphere that prevents a straightforward comparison of technologies, and hence, in this paper, we use a computer model to simulate the power output from CPV systems located in locations in India where the Aerosol Robotic Network (AERONET) stations are based and additionally, in Bangalore where we have a CPV test station. We quantify the increased intermittency suffered by CPV systems that arises from the larger dynamic range in direct beam irradiance over global irradiance. Nevertheless, by calculating the target system costs required to attain a competitive levelized cost of electricity (LCOE), we find that CPV systems in some, but not all locations have the opportunity to compete against dual-axis tracked and inclined c-Si based PV in India

Item Type:	Journal Article
Publication:	PROGRESS IN PHOTOVOLTAICS
Publisher:	WILEY
Additional Information:	Copyright of this article belongs to PROGRESS IN PHOTOVOLTAICS
Keywords:	aerosols; concentrator photovoltaics (CPV); feasibility of CPV; levelized cost of electricity (LCOE); performance analysis; yield estimation
Department/Centre:	Division of Mechanical Sciences > Divecha Centre for Climate Change
Date Deposited:	20 May 2019 09:47
Last Modified:	23 May 2019 09:42
URI:	http://eprints.iisc.ac.in/id/eprint/62364

Actions (login required)

View Item