Solar Concentrator Modules for Residential Power Supply

Abstract

Currently, in many areas with a centralized energy supply, there is much concern about energy performance of buildings, and therefore, there is a growing interest in the use of integrated solar concentrator modules (SCMs), which reduce the need for centralized electricity and heat supply. Of greater interest are nontracking SCMs, since their relatively large angular aperture allows operation without solar tracking. The objective of this study is to improve SCM efficiency and reduce the cost of electricity and heat generation. The SCM mathematical model is implemented in the OptiCad software. SCMs have been developed with low cosine losses, long service life, and low cost. The developed SCM design makes it possible to reduce cosine losses in comparison with a solar module without a concentrator by 3–15 times and increase the duration of SCM operation in a stationary mode by 6–9 months per year. The cost of the concentrator and the receiver developed using SCMs is 50% of the module cost, respectively. The cost of the developed SCMs in comparison with flat ones from China will be decreased by 1.64 times. The developed SCMs can be used for residential power supply in a stationary design for roofs and facades and with tracking systems for ground installation.