because of the relatively low cost of optical components as compared to PV cells. A transparent polymeric material is used to optically couple the PV cell to optical components...

This report describes PowerLight Corporation's significant progress toward the reduction of installed costs for commercial-scale, rooftop PV systems.

During this research effort, Dow Corning Corporation has addressed the PV manufacturing goals of: (i) improving PV manufacturing processes and equipment; (ii) accelerating manufacturing cost reductions of PV modules; (iii) increasing commercial product performance and reliability; and (iv) ...

During Phase I of this PV Manufacturing R&D subcontract, PowerLight Corporation has made significant progress toward the reduction of installed costs for commercial-scale, rooftop PV systems. PowerLight has worked to reduce operating costs by improving lo...

Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) is a leader in utility grid-connected applications of PVs with the world`s largest distributed PV power system. SMUD is continuing its ambitious sustained, orderly development (SOD) commercialization effort of the grid-connected, utility PV market. This program us aimed at developing the experience needed to ...

SMUD is a leader in utility grid-connected applications of PVs with the world`s largest distributed PV power system. SMUD is continuing its ambitious sustained, orderly development (SOD) commercialization effort of the grid-connected, utility PV market. This program is aimed at developing the experience needed to successfully integrate ...

Insuring solar photovoltaic (PV) systems poses certain challenges. Insurance premiums, which can represent a significant part of overall costs for PV developers, can affect market competition. The market for certain types of insurance products is limited. Historical loss data is lacking, and test data for the long-term viability of ...

The Photovoltaic Manufacturing Technology (PVMaT) project is a historic government/industry R D partnership composed of joint activities between the federal government (through the U.S. Department of Energy) and members of the U.S. photovoltaic (PV) industry. Started in early 1990, it is designed to assist the U.S. PV industry in improving manufacturing ...

Despite significant growth in photovoltaics (PV) over the last few years, only approximately 1.07 billion kWhr of electricity is estimated to have been generated from PV in the US during 2008, or 0.27% of total electrical generation. PV market penetration is set for a paradigm shift, as fluctuating hydrocarbon prices and an ...

To examine how the financial crisis has impacted expectations of photovoltaic production, demand and pricing over the next several years, we surveyed the market forecasts of industry analysts that had issued projections in 2008 and 2009. We find that the financial crisis has had a significant impact on the PV industry, primarily through increasing the cost ...

This project supports the Solar America Initiative by carrying out work on target topics identified for Photovoltaic Systems: (1) Improving cell and module efficiency of thin film Cu(In,Ga)Se2 materials; (2) Implementing the Science and Technology Facility (S&TF) and the Process Development and Integration Laboratory (PDIL) to facilitate laboratory/industry interaction in developing ...

The Photovoltaic Manufacturing Technology (PVMaT) project is a historic government/industry photovoltaic (PV) manufacturing R&D partnership composed of joint efforts between the federal government (through the US Department of Energy) and members of the US PV industry. The project`s ultimate goal is to ensure that the US industry retains and extends ...

The Photovoltaic Manufacturing Technology (PVMaT) project is a historic government/industry photovoltaic (PV) manufacturing R&D partnership composed of joint efforts between the federal government (through the US Department of Energy) and members of the US PV industry. The project's ultimate goal is to ensure that the US industry retains and extends ...

Presentation on step-stress accelerated degradation testing (SSADT) for photovoltaics (PV). Developed are a step-stress degradation test (SSADT) for PV reliability tests and a lifetime prediction model for PV products.

a PV system cost? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 How can you finance the cost of your PV system? . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 Selecting a PV provider Who...

Installations of PV systems have been expanding at a rapid pace in recent years. In the United States, the market for PV is driven by national, state, and local government incentives, including upfront cash rebates, production-based incentives, requirements that electricity suppliers purchase a certain amount of solar energy, and Federal and state tax ...

The use of multi-source power systems, ``hybrids,`` is one of the fastest growing, potentially significant markets for photovoltaic (PV) system technology today. Cost-effective applications today include remote facility power, remote area power supplies, remote home and village power, and power for dedicated electrical loads such as communications systems. ...

High photovoltaic (PV) system costs hinder market growth. An approach to studying these costs has been developed using a database containing system, component and maintenance information. This data, which is both technical and non-technical in nature, is to be used to identify trends related to costs. A pilot ...

Much in demand are next-generation photovoltaic (PV) technologies that can be used economically to make a large-scale impact on world electricity production. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) initiated the High-Performance Photovoltaic (HiPerf PV) Project to substantially increase the viability of PV for ...

The Photovoltaic Manufacturing Technology (PVMaT) Project is a government/industry research and development (R&D) partnership between the U.S. federal government (through the U.S. Department of Energy [DOE]) and members of the U.S. PV industry. The goals of PVMaT are to assist the U.S. PV industry improve module manufacturing processes and equipment; ...

Photovoltaics (PV), the direct conversion of sunlight to electricity, is experiencing significant improvements in technology performance and lowered costs. Fostering these improvements, the SERI Photovoltaic Advanced Research and Development (PV AR D) Project supports research and provides services to the US PV ...

During Phase I of this PV Manufacturing R&D subcontract, PowerLight Corporation has made significant progress toward the reduction of installed costs for commercial-scale, rooftop PV systems. PowerLight has worked to reduce operating costs by improving long-term reliability and performance through the ...

In this paper a new concept for designing grid-connected PV-systems is presented: PV-wirefree, aiming at minimizing PV BOS costs Balance of System costs - and inherently safe PV-systems. The guiding design principles used are: minimize dc-voltage, minimiz...

The Photovoltaic Manufacturing Technology Project (PVMaT) is a government/industry research and development (R and D) partnership between the US federal government (through the US Department of Energy [DOE]) and members of the US PV industry. The goals of PVMaT are to help the US PV industry improve module manufacturing processes and equipment; ...

Photovoltaic systems provide one of the best options to generate energy in Hawaii, a state that is more than 90 percent dependent on imported oil for its energy supply. Hawaii's excellent year-round insolation rates will contribute to the success of solar energy projects. The Hawaii Natural Energy Institute's program to accelerate utilization of ...

Historically, PV companies requested a single qualification test for a single product. As the market has grown, there have been increasing opportunities for companies to differentiate their products while still maintaining high manufacturing volumes of each product. At the same time, as PV is deployed in an increasingly broad range of conditions, modules ...

The market for grid-connected photovoltaics (PV) in the US has grown dramatically in recent years, driven in large part by PV grant or ''buy-down'' programs in California, New Jersey, and many other states. The recent announcement of a new 11-year, $3.2 billion PV program in California suggests that ...

This CESA - LBNL Case Study examines how much economic value do new and expanded federal tax credits really provide to PV system purchasers, and what implications might they hold for state/utility PV grant programs. The report begins with a discussion of the taxability of PV grants and their interaction with federal credits, as this ...

The market analysis program for photovoltaics is described and motivated. The main objective of the program is to develop tools and procedures to help guide government spending decisions associated with stimulating photovoltaic market penetration. The program has three main components: (1) theoretical analysis aimed at understanding qualitatively what general types of policies are likely to be ...

The growth of the photovoltaics industry is assessed. Market data are presented, including the volume of module shipments, average selling price, and the dollar value of shipments for the years 1977 to 1981. The distribution of the photovoltaic market among different applications in 1979 is tabuluated. Government activities and procurements are mentioned. Economic factors of photovoltaic energy ...

The SAI PV Technology Incubator Program is designed to accelerate technologies/prodesses that have successfully demonstrated a proof-of-concept/process in a laboratory.

The Photovoltaic Manufacturing Technology (PVMaT) project is a government/industry photovoltaic manufacturing research and development (R D) project composed of partnerships between the federal government (through the US Department of Energy) and members of the US photovoltaic (PV) industry. It is designed to assist the US PV industry in improving ...

The Photovoltaic Manufacturing Technology (PVMaT) project is a government/industry photovoltaic manufacturing research and development (R&D) project composed of partnerships between the federal government (through the US Department of Energy) and members of the US photovoltaic (PV) industry. It is designed to assist the US PV industry in improving ...

The Photovoltaic Manufacturing Technology (PVMaT) project is a government/industry photovoltaic manufacturing research and development (R&D) project composed of partnerships between the federal government (through the US Department of Energy) and members of the US photovoltaic (PV) industry. It is designed to assist the US PV industry in improving ...

Southern California Edison Company (Edison) is finalizing a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to develop high value On-Grid applications for electricity from Photovoltaics (PV). Edison`s efforts are the result of Edison`s long-standing commitment to the pursuit of Renewable Energy. Edison has been a world leader in the development and use of ...

Installations of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems have been growing at a rapid pace in recent years. In 2009, approximately 7,500 megawatts (MW) of PV were installed globally, up from approximately 6,000 MW in 2008, consisting primarily of grid-connected applications. With 335 MW of grid-connected PV capacity added in 2009, the United ...

Installations of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems have been growing at a rapid pace in recent years. In 2008, 5,948 MW of PV was installed globally, up from 2,826 MW in 2007, and was dominated by grid-connected applications. The United States was the world's third largest PV market in terms of annual capacity additions in 2008, ...

The purpose of this study is to determine the conditions under which a combined photovoltaic/thermal (PV/T) collector is more cost effective than separate flat-plate photovoltaic and thermal collectors. The annual performance of the separate PV/T system and four different combined PV/T systems are simulated in two ...

This presentation outlines the goals and specific tasks of break-out session 2 of the 2011 International PV Module Quality Assurance Forum, along with a review of accelerated stress tests used for photovoltaics (PV).

The objective of the Encapsulation Task was to develop, demonstrate, and qualify photovoltaic (PV) module encapsulation systems that would provide 20-year (later increased to 30-year) life expectancies in terrestrial environments, and which would be compatible with the cost and performance goals of the FSA Project. The scope of the Encapsulation Task ...

The High-Performance PV Project, Phase 1 objectives are: Accelerate the development of PV in the 21st century to meet economic and environmental needs, and double sunlight-to-electricity conversion efficiency of cost-competitive PV technologies. Cost-competitive ...

Long-term reliability is critical to the cost effectiveness and commercial success of photovoltaic (PV) products. Today most PV modules are warranted for 25 years, but there is no accepted test protocol to validate a 25-year lifetime. The qualification tests do an excellent job of identifying design, materials, and process flaws that ...

PV will contribute to the new energy mix only if we manage the transition from a subsidy-driven to a cost-effective method of producing solar electricity

Photovoltaics (PV), the direct conversion of sunlight to electricity, is experiencing significant improvements in technology performance and lowered costs. Fostering these improvements, the SERI Photovoltaic Advanced Research and Development (PV AR & D) P...

The conditions under which a combined photovoltaic/thermal (PV/T) collector is more cost effective than separate flat-plate photovoltaic and thermal collectors are determined. The annual performance of the separate PV/T system and four different combined PV/T systems are simulated. Based on the equivalent ...

The Solar Deployment System (SolarDS) model is a bottom-up, market penetration model that simulates the potential adoption of photovoltaics (PV) on residential and commercial rooftops in the continental United States through 2030. NREL developed SolarDS to examine the market competitiveness of PV based on regional solar resources, capital ...

This is the Final Technical Report for a program entitled ''Automated Solar Cell Assembly Teamed Process Research,'' funded by the US Department of Energy. This program was part of Phase 3A of the Photovoltaic Manufacturing Technology (PVMaT) project, which addressed the generic needs of the photovoltaic (PV) industry for improved quality, ...

Concentrating photovoltaic (CPV) systems have great potential to reduce photovoltaic (PV) electricity costs because of the relatively low cost of optical components as compared to PV cells. A transparent polymeric material is used to optically couple the PV cell to optical components and is ...

This paper discusses why it is necessary for new lower cost PV modules to be tested using a reliability test sequence that goes beyond the Qualification test sequence now utilized for modules. Today most PV modules are warranted for 25 years, but the Qualification Test Sequence does not test for 25-year life. There is no accepted test ...

This workshop was the sixth in a series of workshops sponsored by NREL/DOE under the general subject of photovoltaic testing and reliability during the period 1986--1993. PV performance and PV reliability are at least as important as PV cost, if not more....

Conditions), local electric costs, PV array type (fixed or tracking), PV array tilt angle, and PV array azimuth angle. The performance model used by PVWATTS is based on...

by more than this range across the nation because of locally used hydropower, nuclear, natural gas, coal, or oil. Once PV costs fall to competitive levels in an average solar...

Inverters are key building blocks of photovoltaic (PV) systems that produce ac power. The balance of systems (BOS) portion of a PV system can account for up to 50% of the system cost, and its reliable operation is essential for a successful PV system. As ...

The overall objective was to provide NREL with technical results that enhance its capability to improve PV manufacturing technology by developing a PV module with specified characteristics.

The overall objective was to provide NREL with technical results that enhance its capability to improve PV manufacturing technology by developing a PV module with specified characteristics.

performance of all established PV module candidates, and conclude that, based on 2004 knowledge about each PV technology, CIS and CdTe should provide cost-competitive advantages...

At present the failure modes and mechanism of PV modules are not well understood. The current accelerated tests cannot duplicate the various field failures. It is very important to continue to carry out accelerated testing of PV modules in order to reduce the infant mortality of new technology ...

buildings to offset electricity costs when the PV system is not large enough to satisfy all the energy NCSU companies use large PV systems to supplement other systems of electrical generation. The unit costs not require additional space and offset construction costs by replacing conventional ...

Cost targets for the large-scale entry of photovoltaic (PV) systems keep moving, subject to the vagaries of global oil prices and the economic health of the world. Over the last four decades since a practical PV device was announced, costs have come down ...

The papers and information presented at the Utility Photovoltaic Applications Workshop in Austin, Texas on Sept. 17, 1993 are included in the workshop proceedings. The workshop was sponsored by the Utility Photovoltaic Group. Information is presented on cost-effective use of PV by electric utilities, PV basics and the solar resource, ...

As a technology partner with NREL, Global Solar Energy (GSE) has initiated an extensive and systematic plan to accelerate the commercialization of thin-film photovoltaics (PV) based on copper indium gallium diselenide (CIGS). The distinguishing feature of the GSE manufacturing process is the exclusive use of lightweight, flexible substrates. GSE has ...

The sensitivity of projected 1990 photovoltaic (PV) system costs to major system cost drivers was examined. It includes: (1) module costs and module efficiencies; (2) area related balance of system (BOS) costs; (3) inverter costs and efficiencies; and (4)...

This report is an overview of photovoltaic power generation. The purpose of the report is to provide the reader with a general understanding of photovoltaic power generation and how PV technology can be practically applied. There is a brief discussion of early research and a description of how photovoltaic cells convert sunlight to electricity. The report covers concentrating ...

Through the combined efforts of governmental agencies and laboratories, private organizations, universities and electric utilities, substantial progress has been made in bringing photovoltaic (PV) systems closer to commercial feasibility. The future availability of central station power conditioner subsystems (CS-PCS) that are efficient, safe, reliable, and economical will ...

The use of PV1 as a policy analysis device is demonstrated. This analysis consists of the creation of a base case and the subsequent running of 50 additional cases to demonstrate the effects of changes in spending levels. According to PV1, government policy to accelerate the commercialization of PV takes the form ...

The goals of the NREL PVMaT program are, among others, to reduce module manufacturing costs and improve the quality, and we might add here the reliability, of manufactured PV products. One component critical to the service life of PV modules is the useful life of the EVA resin-based encapsulant which is employed extensively by module ...

This report describes Evergreen Solar, Inc., String Ribbon Si PV technology resulting in an advanced generation of crystalline silicon PV module manufacturing technology applied to a virtually continuous, fully integrated manufacturing line. General objectives for this first year (or Phase I) are listed here, followed by the principal accomplishments for ...

The long term value of grid connected, residential photovoltaic (PV) systems is determined. The value of the PV electricity is defined as the full avoided cost in accordance with the Public Utilities Regulatory Policies Act of 1978. The avoided cost is co...

The photovoltaic (PV) industry in the US has seen an upsurge in recent years, and PV holds great promise as a renewable technology with no greenhouse gas emissions with its use. We aim to assess the value of PV based electricity for users in the residential and commercial sectors focusing on the financial impacts it has, which may not ...

Installations of grid-connected photovoltaic (PV) systems in the United States have increased dramatically in recent years, growing from less than 20 MW in 2000 to nearly 500 MW at the end of 2007, a compound average annual growth rate of 59%. Of particular note is the increasing contribution of 'non-residential' grid-connected PV ...

globalization of effort resulted in major strides in the reduction of PV module costs and increased production. Although, the space community ...

Major advances in photovoltaic (PV) Power Conditioning (PC) with respect to performance and low-cost

Presentation highlighting practical considerations for photovoltaic technologies and strategies for future reductions in cost and increases in efficiency.

inexpensive silicon PV film with the efficiency of today's crystalline silicon cells," said NREL Researcher Howard Branz. "It also will help Ampulse, which focuses on film PV on...

inexpensive silicon PV film with the efficiency of today's crystalline silicon cells," said NREL Researcher Howard Branz. "It also will help Ampulse, which focuses on film PV on...

Test - Kurt Scott (Atlas) PVEL's Reliability Demonstration Test - Jenya Meydbray (PV Evolution) UV-Thermal Combined Stress Acceleration test - Takuya Doi (AIST) Session V....

Leakage currents were experimentally measured in PV modules undergoing natural aging outdoors, and in PV modules undergoing accelerated aging in laboratory environmental chambers. The significant contributors to module leakage current were identified with...

General Electric�s (GE) DOE Solar Energy Technologies TPP program encompassesd development in critical areas of the photovoltaic value chain that affected the LCOE for systems in the U.S. This was a complete view across the value chain, from materials to rooftops, to identify opportunities for cost reductions in order to realize the Department of Energy�s ...

This final report covers progress made on subcontract NAT-7-77015-07 by PrimeStar Solar Inc. for the 18 month period from September 27, 2007 through March 26, 2009. The project objectives were to accelerate the commercialization of the world record 16.5% efficiency cadmium telluride photovoltaic technology. This was done by developing high performance 6"x6" prototype ...

The objective of this overview of the world photovoltaic (PV) industry is to provide a concise picture of the 1995 status and future prospects to 2010 of this emerging industry. The first section, a brief introduction to the PV industry, describes the primary market segments for the industry's products and concludes with an industry competitor ...

Over the past 50 years, the efforts of government and private industry research have brought photovoltaic (PV) technology to a new level. Today, several universities and international companies have joined in the development and manufacture of advanced PV cells that use advanced technologies and materials. As global need for a ...

Residential, commercial, and industrial buildings combined are the largest consumers of electricity in the United States and represent a significant opportunity for photovoltaic (PV) and PV/hybrid systems. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is conducting a phased research and product development program, Building Opportunities in the United States for ...

The first year of cost-competitiveness, the market potential, and the environment in which PV systems would be marketed and employed were examined. Market elements specific to Mexico addressed include: (1) useful applications and estimates of the potential market for PV systems; (2) power requirements and load profiles for applications ...

This is a report on the feasibility study, design, and construction of a PV and solar thermal system for the Georgia Tech Aquatic Center. The topics of the report include a discussion of site selection and system selection, funding, design alternatives, PV module selection, final design, and project costs. Included are appendices ...

The U.S. National Photovoltaic Program began in 1975 by supporting the development of terrestrial PV modules and hardware associated with grid-connected PV systems. Early PV-system demonstration programs were also supported and cost shared by the U.S. Dep...

The purpose of this study is to determine the conditions under which a combined photovoltaic/thermal (PV/T) collector is more cost effective than separate flat-plate photovoltaic and thermal collectors. The annual performance of the separate PV/T system a...

Global Solar Energy initiated an extensive and systematic plan to accelerate the commercialization of thin-film photovoltaics (PV) based on copper indium gallium diselenide (CIGS). The distinguishing feature of the GSE manufacturing process is the exclusive use of lightweight, flexible substrates. GSE developed the technology to fabricate CIGS ...

'' . . . with robust investments in research and market development, the picture changes dramatically.'' Thus, the realigned U.S. Photovoltaic Industry Roadmap highlights R&D as critical to the tipping point that will make solar photovoltaics (PV) significant in the U.S. energy portfolio--part of a well-designed plan that would bring ...

the cost of the components and the capacity that you want to think about." The good news is that after crunching the numbers, they found good potential ROI as costs for PV...

system integration; manufacturing and assembly; product manufacturing flexibility; and storage and quality control. Successful offerers will demonstrate significant cost reductions...

The objectives of this two-year program are to improve the reliability and safety and reduce the cost of installed grid-connected PV systems by creating standardized, pre-engineered components and an enhanced, low-cost, 250-Watt micro inverter. These advances will be combined with the new, large area Solarex MSX-240 ...

This dissertation introduces a new planning and operational tool to integrate photovoltaic (PV) systems into the utility's generation mix. It is recognized that much of the existing research concentrated on the central PV system, its operations, and long-term planning with PV system and concluded that technical problems in ...

This paper examines the break-even cost for residential rooftop photovoltaic (PV) technology, defined as the point where the cost of PV-generated electricity equals the cost of electricity purchased from the grid. We examine the break-even cost for the la...

comparison would result in direct correlation and acceleration factors with good statistics. ? Presentation in the SPIE PV Reliability Conference at San Diego, CA next month....

wide range of environmental and accelerated life testing appropriate to the ..... s clearly of value for a PV-STF to be highly adaptable, allowing ...

characteristics ) 5.2 Proposals for Quality Assurance Program 5.3 Coefficients of Acceleration 6. Conclusion THE JAPAN ELECTRICAL MANUFACTURERS' ASSOCIATION International PV...

This paper documents measured and modeled PV-module temperatures and evaluates these in the context of the requirements for accelerated testing.

... Pv..... Pressure x Velocity (GPA m/s or psi ft/s) ... constant acceleration and intermittent contact with the rail. The volume of wear can be ...

The high cost of Pressure Wave Generators (PWGs) is a major barrier to the more widespread use of high-efficiency pulse tube and Stirling cryocoolers. This paper describes the development and testing of a low-cost industrial-style PWG which employs metal diaphragms. The use of diaphragms removes the need for rubbing or clearance seals, and eliminates ...

Renewable energy technologies are capital intensive. Successful public policies for promoting renewable energy must address the significant resources needed to finance them. Public policies to support financing for renewable energy technologies must pay special attention to interactions with federal, state, and local taxes. These interactions are important because they can dramatically increase or ...

Photovoltaics (PV) is a semiconductor-based technology that directly converts sunlight to electricity. The stimulus for terrestrial PV started more than 25 years ago in response to the oil crises of the 1970s, which resulted in major government programs in the United States, Europe, Japan, and elsewhere. Ongoing concerns with the global environment, as ...

Report on objectives to work with U.S.-based PV module manufacturers (c-Si, a-Si, CIS, other thin films) to develop/qualify new low-cost, high-performance PV module encapsulant/packaging materials, and processes using the packaging materials.

The invention is directed to a PV assembly, for use on a support surface, comprising a base, a PV module, a multi-position module support assembly, securing the module to the base at shipping and inclined-use angles, a deflector, a multi-position deflector support securing the deflector to the base at deflector shipping and deflector inclined-use angles, ...

Electricity generated from photovoltaics (PV) promises to satisfy the world's ever-growing thirst for energy without significant pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. At present, however, PV is several times too expensive to compete economically with conventional sources of electricity delivered via the power grid. To ensure long-term success, must ...

The National Photovoltaic (PV) Program is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy, and includes a PV Manufacturing Research and Development (R&D) project conducted with industry. This project includes advancements in PV components to improve reliability, reduce costs, and develop integrated ...

The National Photovoltaic (PV) Program is sponsored by the US Department of Energy and includes a PV Manufacturing Research and Development (R and D) project conducted with industry. This project includes advancements in PV components to improve reliability, reduce costs, and develop integrated ...

Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) financing is one of several new financial models broadening access to clean energy by addressing the barrier of initial capital cost. The majority of the PACE programs in the market today include PV as an eligible measure. PV appeals to homeowners as a way to reduce utility bills, self-generate ...

Rising demands of energy in emerging economies, coupled with the green house gas emissions related problems around the globe have provided a unique opportunity of exploiting the advantages offered by photovoltaic (PV) systems for green energy electricity generation. Similar to cell phones, power generated by PV systems can reach over two billion people ...

The goal of this report is to evaluate the likely avoided generation, fuels, and emissions resulting from photovoltaics (PV) deployment in several U.S. locations and identify new tools, methods, and analysis to improve understanding of PV impacts at the grid level.

Systems which utilize a combination of photovoltaic and thermal collection in the same solar collectors (PV/T Systems) can have advantages over PV or thermal only systems in that the cost effectiveness of the collectors and their support structure may be ...

A status report on photovoltaic concentrators technology is presented. The major topics covered are as follows: (1) current PV concentrator arrays: designs, performances, and costs; (2) current PV concentrator array components; cells and cell assemblies, ...

The Photovoltaics for Utility Scale Application (PVUSA) project was established to demonstrate photovoltaic (PV) systems in grid-connected utility applications. One of PVUSA's key objectives is to evaluate the performance, reliability, and cost of the PV ...

A survey of US system integrators, charge controller manufacturers, and battery manufacturers was conducted in 1996 to determine market and application trends. This survey was sponsored by the USDOE. Results from 21 system integrators show a 1995 PV batte...

Loads Total Annualized: $220/yr Wind 66% Wind 66% PV 15% PV 15% Battery 19% Battery 19% * Simulation - Estimate the cost and determine the feasibility of a system design over the...

The concept of a photovoltaic central receiver system has existed for about ten years, but was not seriously considered because of the high cost and marginal quality of the PV cells. Recent breakthroughs in PV cell efficiency and quality coupled with the ...

The communications industry has a need for economic low power generators for their remote sites, with minimized power consumption. Photovoltaic generators (PV) promising hardware simplicity, low cost and low maintenance have the potential to fill this need. The operational record of PV generators is rather poor in harsh environment of ...

Worldwide interest in the deployment of photovoltaic generation (PV) is rapidly increasing. Operating experience with large PV plants, however, demonstrates that large, rapid changes in the output of PV plants are possible. Early studies of PV grid impacts suggested that short-term variability could be a potential ...

A Photovoltaic (PV) cell design "package" that has the capability to triple power output (compared to traditional flat-mounted, Si-based PV panels) in half the square-footage at as much as 50% less cost (again, compared to traditional flat-mounted, Si-based PV panels) has been designed, built, prototyped, and ...

Located in California, Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG and E) is one of the first major utilities to have photovoltaic (PV) systems interconnected to its electrical network. These systems range from residential-size systems on up to the world's largest central-station PV power plant. As the cost of electricity rises, it ...

This paper presents an analysis on the concept of high concentrating PV power towers. A feasibility study is conducted in order to evaluate the future potential of this technology. Objective of the analysis is to provide an improved basis for establishing research and development priorities for the PV power tower concept. Performance assessments and ...

The primary objectives of this subcontract are for Specialized Technology Resources, Inc., to work with U.S.-based PV module manufacturers representing crystalline silicon, polycrystalline silicon, amorphous silicon, copper indium diselenide (CIS), and other state-of-the-art thin-film technologies to develop formulations, production processes, prototype and qualify new ...

� Thin film Si � CuInSe2 � CdTe � Dye-sensitized and organic solar cells III. 3rd Generation (ntheor>31 Solar Cells } } High efficiency, high cost Lower efficiency, lower cost Efficiency of photovoltaic (PV%, cannot achieve $0.50/PW even if solar cell cost is zero! Photovoltaic (PV) ...

The Utility PhotoVoltaic Group (UPVG), supported by member dues and a grant from the US Department of Energy, has as its mission the acceleration of the use of cost-effective small-scale and emerging large-scale applications of photovoltaics for the benefit of electric utilities and their customers. Formed in October, 1992, with the support of the American ...

We introduce a cutting-edge life-testing technique, accelerated degradation testing (ADT), for PV reliability testing. The ADT technique is a cost-effective and flexible reliability testing method with multiple (MADT) and Step-Stress (SSADT) variants. In an environment with limited resources, including equipment (chambers), test units, ...

To foster continued growth in the U.S. photovoltaic (PV) industry, the U.S. Department of Energy initiated the PV Manufacturing R&D (PVMR&D) Project--a partnership with U.S. PV industry participants to perform cost-shared manufacturing research and development. Throughout FY 2004, PVMR&D ...

The solar industry has long envisioned the integration of solar photovoltaic (PV) panels into building design as an elegant way to deliver electrical energy to buildings. PV panels, unlike the more common solar thermal panels which heat water, directly produce electricity from sunlight and are the only technology which produces electrical energy without ...

This paper explores the potential of utility-scale PV power, and, specifically, the opportunity that may arise for concentrating photovoltaics (CPV). In the 1990s, sales of PV modules were dominated by small-size applications such as PV-powered water pumping, emergency telephones, and calculators. More recently, the dramatic growth in ...

The cost of most photovoltaic (PV) systems is more a function of the balance of system (BOS) components than the collectors. The exception to this rule is the grid-tied system whose cost is related more directly to the collectors, and secondarily to the inverter/controls. In fact, recent procurements throughout the country document ...

Using concentrated natural sunlight at the NREL High Flux Solar Furnace, we have exposed several materials to acceleration factors of up to 400 times the normal outdoor UV exposure dose. This accelerated rate allows the exposure of materials such that a year of outdoor exposure can be simulated in about 5 hours. We have studied the solarization of cerium ...

Status results are presented for the Outdoor Accelerated-Weathering Tracking System (OATS) first study on photovoltaic (PV) modules. Studies began in November 1997 on pairs of commercially available crystalline silicon and amorphous silicon (a-Si) PV modules kept at constant resistive load.

A cost modeling methodology is presented for estimating installation costs associated with intermediate photovoltaic (PV) systems. With only a parametric description of an intermediate power system, the model can be used to develop an installation cost estimate for that system. The model is based on conventional ...

A cost modeling methodology is presented for estimating installation costs associated with intermediate photovoltaic (PV) systems. With only a parametric description of an intermediate power system, the model can be used to develop an installation cost estimate for that system. The model is based on conventional ...

A simple evaluation of the cost effectiveness of photovoltaic systems is presented. The evaluation is based on a calculation of breakeven costs of photovoltaics (PV) arrays with the levelized costs of two alternative energy sources (1) extension of the utility grid and (2) diesel generators. A selected number of ...

A simple evaluation of the cost effectiveness of photovoltaic systems is presented. The evaluation is based on a calculation of breakeven costs of photovoltaics (PV) arrays with the levelized costs of two alternative energy sources (1) extension of the ut...

CBC Recuperator/Gas Cooler Integrated Heat Exchanger . ...... including the current mass, showed no degradation in stiffness, the reflective ...... concept module, initial cost, growth cost, and annual costs. The PV and SD ...

Global Solar Energy has enhanced module reliability, reduced cost and improved performance of its CIGS deposition process, and reduced cost of materials and processes for contacts.

This paper analyzes the potential for solar photovoltaics (PV) to be deployed on a very large scale and provide a large fraction of a system's electricity. It explicitly examines how the hourly availability of PV interacts with the limited flexibility of traditional electricity generation plants. The authors found that, under high penetration ...

This paper discusses efforts led by two companies (PowerMark Corporation and Sunset Technologies Inc.) to support both U.S. domestic and international photovoltaic (PV) system and component certification and test facility accreditation programs and the operation of the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) Technical Committee 82 (TC-82) Photovoltaic Energy Systems. ...

Battery testing for photovoltaic (PV) applications is funded at Sandia under the Department of Energy`s (DOE) Photovoltaic Balance of Systems (BOS) Program. The goal of the PV BOS program is to improve PV system component design, operation, reliability, and to reduce overall life-cycle costs. The Sandia battery ...

This report provide appropriate guidance for addressing the major technical issues associated with the design and installation of a photovoltaic-thermal (PV-T) system. Nomographs are presented for developing preliminary sizing and costing, and issues associated with specific components and the overall design of the electrical and mechanical system are ...

: http://www.stanford.edu/group/scrl/ under "News" TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE. California's Solar Initiative solar PV pricing may be available for a limited time. By bringing down the initial cost to eachSUMMARY Stanford-Affiliated Homeowner Volume Discount Solar PV Program In response to successful

This brochure presents a broad look at photovoltaic-powered buildings. It includes residential and commercial systems, both stand-alone and connected to utility power, that are located in urban, near-urban, and rural settings around the world. As photovoltaic (PV) technology continues to improve and costs drop, opportunities for PV ...

The Advanced Technology Environmental and Energy Center (ATEEC) provides this document which includes objectives and a task analysis for solar photovoltaic system installers. Primary objectives which are described include working safely with PV systems, conducting site assessments, and adapting both mechanical and electrical design. Users must download this resource for ...

This Why Files article covers solar electricity as a renewable energy resource. Solar cells, or photovoltaics (PV's) have been around for quite some time, but their use in harnessing energy has not been widely used until recently. This article discusses PV's, their usefulness, how they were invented, how PV's have recently been used by ...

A comprehensive overview is provided of important issues which bear on photovoltaic systems and JPL's involvement in their development. Two previous publications in this series are summarized as well as additional unpublished studies of PV system costs, the societal implications of PV system development and the strategy of ...

A status report on photovoltaic concentrators technology is presented. The major topics covered are as follows: (1) current PV concentrator arrays: designs, performances, and costs; (2) current PV concentrator array components; cells and cell assemblies, optical concentrators, support structures, tracking, and drive; (3) design of ...

Photovoltaics (PV) is a modern energy technology that makes use of semiconductor materials to convert sunlight directly to electricity. The idea of thin film technology is to produce truly low-cost PV devices by using pennies worth of active semiconductor materials.

Inverters are key building blocks of photovoltaic (PV) systems that produce ac power. The balance of systems (BOS) portion of a PV system can account for up to 50% of the system cost, and its reliable operation is essential for a successful PV system. As part of its BOS program, Sandia National Laboratories (SNL) ...

The conditions under which a combined photovoltaic/thermal (PV/T) collector is more cost effective than separate flat-plate photovoltaic and thermal collectors are determined. The annual performance of the separate PV/T system and four different combined ...

The use of remote home photovoltaic systems will continue to be a popular choice for the rural home owner. With the cost of utility power increasing and the high cost of bringing power service into remote areas many people are electing to use PV systems. What people are realizing in Central Arizona is that they can now buy the cheaper ...

Market-place acceptance of utility-connected photovoltaic (PV) power generation systems and their accelerated installation into residential and commercial applications are heavily dependent upon the ability of their power conditioning subsystems (PCS) to meet high reliability, low cost, and high performance goals. Many PCS development ...

Market-place acceptance of utility-connected photovoltaic (PV) power generation systems and their accelerated installation into residential and commercial applications are heavily dependent upon the ability of their power conditioning subsystems (PCS) to meet high reliability, low cost, and high performance goals. Many PCS development ...

1366 Direct Wafer technology is an ultra-low-cost, kerfless method of producing crystalline silicon wafers compatible with the existing dominant silicon PV supply chain. By doubling utilization of silicon and simplifying the wafering process and equipment, Direct Wafers will support drastic reductions in wafer cost and enable module ...

To achieve the lowest life-cycle cost (LCC), photovoltaic (PV) systems must have the optimum mix of low first cost, low operation and maintenance (O&M) cost, and high availability. Additionally, the long-term health of the photovoltaic (PV) industry requi...

In this paper, we analyze the bill savings from PV for residential customers of the California's two largest electric utilities, under existing net metering tariffs as well as under several alternative compensation mechanisms. We find that economic value of PV to the customer is dependent on the structure of the underlying retail electricity rate ...

As installations of grid-connected solar photovoltaic (PV) systems have grown, so too has the desire to track the installed cost of these systems over time, by system characteristics, by system location, and by component. This report helps to fill this need by summarizing trends in the installed cost of grid-connected ...

resource - local sunlight - so if it can be cheap anywhere, can be cheap everywhere. Conclusion: the goal of cost-effective PV is a superbly valuable goal for the Nation, since the...

information on inverter components (capacitors, electrical connectors, power semiconductors, etc.) and options would assist manufacturers in identifying the best products. *...

This is a brochure developed specifically for residential home builders. It provides information on basic financial factors and additional resources to consider when incorporating solar technologies into building plans.

- DC Rating, DC to AC derate factor, array type and Tracking system (array tilt or array azimuth) Energy Data - Cost of electricity (from 2008) PVWatts Calculator...

new solar applications, such as modules that double as roof shingles, and semi-transparent modules that can be integrated into building walls or roofs. It has the potential...

using several economic performance metrics, including payback time(s), net present value, profitability index, benefit to cost ratio, internal rate of return, monthly bill savings,...

This report provides a comprehensive analysis of grid-connected solar photovoltaic (PV) cost trends in California, which is by far the largest PV market in the United States. The findings of this work may help stakeholders to understand important trends in the California PV market, and policymakers to design more ...

Most prevent RPV engines in the 5 to 60 hp ..... The legal climate in which hPV systems operate will strongly influence the availability and cost of ...

Sep 16, 2010 ... Lighter, more flexible and more cost effective high efficiency PV cells for space applications (satellites, space stations, ...

... gains, Iraqis quite often have to tolerate intermittent service or no ... PV has several detractors as well. ... types of generators in order to transform the low ...

by outside consultants of the cost (capital and manufacturing) for the DOE project. Materials Engineering Laboratory Advances in Continuous In-Line Processing of CdTe PV...

... Descriptors : *AGING(MATERIALS), *SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES, *ACCELERATED TESTING, LIFE EXPECTANCY(SERVICE LIFE), COST ...

The PV-MaT 4A subcontract addresses the cost effective manufacture of PV related end-products. Advanced Energy Systems Inc. (AES Inc.) has undertaken NREL contract No. ZAF-4-14271-10, {open_quotes}Next Generation Three Phase Inverter{close_quotes}, to combine leading industry skill with state-of-the-art technologies to realize ...

An outline of possibilities for effective use of PV/T collectors with a Solar Assisted Heat Pump is given. A quantitative analysis of the performance and cost of the various configurations as a function of regional climates, using up-to-date results from solar heat pump and PV/T collector studies, will be required for more definitive ...

If advanced PV technologies are to be integrated into practical, cost-effective applications, the development objectives for the technologies must include other objectives beyond cell efficiency. Cells must be capable of being integrated into efficient, cost-effective modules. Certain characteristics, such as high cell voltage, are ...

The President's Solar America Initiative (SAI) was launched in January 2006 as part of the administration's Advanced Energy Initiative. The SAI is being led by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Solar Energy Technologies Program (SETP), with NREL providing analytical and technical support. The SAI has a goal of installing 5-10 GW of photovoltaic (PV) systems ...

"Break-even cost" for photovoltaic (PV) technology is defined as the point where the cost of PV-generated electricity equals the cost of electricity purchased from the grid. Break-even cost is expressed in $/W of an installed system. Achieving break-even ...

Semiconductor nanowires are attracting intense interest as a promising material for solar energy conversion for the new-generation photovoltaic (PV) technology. In particular, silicon nanowires (SiNWs) are under active investigation for PV applications because they offer novel approaches for solar-to-electric energy conversion leading to high-efficiency ...

Discussed is a research program to install utility-backed photovoltaic (PV) power systems in three lived-in residences in Hawaii. The goals of the program were to identify and develop solutions to problems related to PV installation, demonstrate system performance in real-world situations, and analyze penetration of PV to the ...