A comprehensive report on the performance of the longest operating 350 kW concentrator photovoltaic power system

Abstract

Abstract This paper presents a comprehensive report on the performance of a 350 kW concentrator solar photovoltaic power system (PVPS). When installed in September 1981, it was the largest in the world at the time and is the only large concentrator photovoltaic (PV) power system in operation. The system has performed remarkably well and has met or exceeded most of its design goals. The paper briefly summarizes the system design, fabrication and installation phases, and deals in great detail with the performance, including the problems and failures experienced over a period of the past 7 years. The long term performance of this system clearly shows that large PV systems are indeed reliable sources of power with minimum operation and maintenance requirements. The PVPS operation is continuing. The system has operated in several different modes which include stand-alone and co-generation with diesel generators. It is now connected to the utility grid and operates in the peak power tracking mode. In the very near future, the system will have the additional capability of being directly coupled to a 350 kW electrolyzer to produce hydrogen.