US 20090032084A1

(19) United States

(12) Patent Application Publication (10) Pub. No.: US 2009/0032084 A1
Aiken et al. (43) Pub. Date: Feb. 5, 2009
(54) OPTIMIZATION OF GROUND COVERAGE Publication Classification
OF TERRESTRAL SOLAR ARRAY SYSTEM
(51) Int. Cl.
(75) Inventors: Daniel J. Aiken, Cedar Crest, NM HOIL 3L/052 (2006.01)
(US); Gary Hering, Belle Mead, HOIL 3L/042 (2006.01)
NJ (US); Earl Fuller, Albuquerque, (52) U.S. Cl. ......................................... 136/246; 136/244
NM (US)
Correspondence Address: (57) ABSTRACT
Emcore Corporation
1600 Eubank Blvd., SE A concentrator photovoltaic solar cell array for terrestrial use
Albuquerque, NM 87123 (US) for generating electrical power from Solar radiation including
a central Support which is rotatable about its central longitu
(73) Assignee: Emcore Corporation, Somerset, dinal axis, a Support frame carried by, and rotatable with
NJ (US) respect to, the central Support about an axis orthogonal to said
central longitudinal axis, and a Solar array mounted on the
(21) Appl. No.: 12/024,489 support frame. The solar cell array includes a plurality of
Fresnel concentrator lenses and multijunction III-V com
(22) Filed: Feb. 1, 2008 pound semiconductor Solar cells each producing in excess of
Related U.S. Application Data 10 watts of DC power. An actuator is provided for rotating the
central Support and the Support frame so that the Solar cell
(62) Division of application No. 1 1/830,636, filed on Jul. array is maintained Substantially orthogonal to the rays of the
30, 2007, now Pat. No. 7,381.886. Sun as the Sun traverses the sky.

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Patent Application Publication Feb. 5, 2009 Sheet 6 of 7 US 2009/0032084 A1

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Patent Application Publication Feb. 5, 2009 Sheet 7 of 7 US 2009/0032084 A1
US 2009/0032084 A1 Feb. 5, 2009

OPTIMIZATION OF GROUND COVERAGE array, as well as the number of cells it contains, and the
OF TERRESTRAL SOLAR ARRAY SYSTEM sequence of electrical connections between cells are deter
mined in part by the desired output voltage and current of the
REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS system.
0001. This application is related to co-pending U.S. patent 0011. Another aspect of terrestrial solar power system is
application Ser. No. 1 1/500,053 filed Aug. 7, 2006, and U.S. the use of light beam concentrators (such as lenses and mir
patent application Ser. No. entitled Solar Cell rors) to focus the incoming Sunrays onto the Surface of a Solar
Receiver having an Insulated bypass Diode filed simulta cell or Solar cell array. The geometric design of such systems
neously herewith by the common assignee. also requires an appropriate Solar tracking mechanism, which
allows the plane of the solar cells to continuously face the sun
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
as the Sun traverses the sky during the day, thereby optimizing
the amount of Sunlight impinging upon the cell.
0002 1. Field of the Invention 0012 Prior to the present invention, there has not been an
0003. The present invention relates generally to a terres optimal combination offeatures relating to array design, Solar
trial Solar power system for the conversion of Sunlight into cell receiver modules, and semiconductor device features
electrical energy, and, more particularly to a Solar cell array suitable for terrestrial applications.
using IV-V compound semiconductor Solar cells for unitary
movement to track the Sun. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
0004 2. Description of the Related Art 1. OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
0005 Commercially available silicon solar cells for ter
restrial Solar power application have efficiencies ranging 0013. It is an object of the present invention to provide an
from 8% to 15%. Compound semiconductorsolar cells, based improved Solar cell array utilizing a III-V compound semi
on III-V compounds, have 28% efficiency in normal operat conductor multifunction solar cells for terrestrial power
ing conditions. Moreover, it is well known that concentrating applications.
Solar energy onto a III-V compound semiconductor photo 0014. It is still another object of the invention to provide a
voltaic cell increases the cell's efficiency to over 37% effi plurality of series connected receivers each with a III-V semi
ciency under concentration. conductor Solar cell in a Fresnel lens based Solar concentrator
0006 Terrestrial solar power systems currently use silicon Subarray for terrestrial power applications.
solar cells in view of their low cost and widespread availabil (0015. It is stillanother object of the invention to provide an
ity. Although III-V compound semiconductor solar cells have array of III-V semiconductor solar cell concentrator modules
been widely used in satellite applications, in which their with a Solar tracker for terrestrial power applications.
power-to-weight efficiencies are more important than cost 0016. It is still another object of the invention to provide a
per-watt considerations in selecting Such devices. Such Solar terrestrial solar power system constituted by a plurality of
cells have not yet been designed for optimum coverage of the Solar cell arrays each mounted on a post to track the Sun,
Solar spectrum and configured or optimized for use in Solar wherein each array is sized and spaced apart from each other
tracking terrestrial systems, nor have existing commercial over the ground so as to maximize the number of cells that can
terrestrial Solar power systems been configured and opti be implemented over a given ground area.
mized to utilize compound semiconductor Solar cells. 0017. It is an object of the invention to provide a solar cell
0007. In the design of both silicon and III-V compound array system in which a single solar tracking tower produces
semiconductor Solar cells, one electrical contact is typically 25 kW of peak DC power for terrestrial power applications.
placed on a light absorbing or front side of the Solar cell and
a second contact is placed on the back side of the cell. A 2. FEATURES OF THE INVENTION
photoactive semiconductor is disposed on a light-absorbing
side of the Substrate and includes one or more p-n junctions, 0018. The present invention provides a solar cell array for
which creates electron flow as light is absorbed within the producing energy from the Sun, including a central Support
cell. Grid lines extend over the top surface of the cell to mountable on the ground capable of rotation about its central
capture this electron flow which then connect into the front longitudinal axis; a Support frame carried by, and rotatable
contact or bonding pad. with respect to, the central Support about an axis orthogonal to
0008. One important aspect of a solar cell system is the said central longitudinal axis; a Solar cell array, preferably a
physical structure of the semiconductor material layers con plurality of Solar cell Subarrays mounted on the Support
stituting the solar cell. Solar cells are often fabricated in frame; and an actuator for rotating the central Support and the
vertical, multijunction structures to utilize materials with dif Support frame so that the Solar cell array is maintained Sub
ferent bandgaps and convert as much of the Solar spectrum as stantially orthogonal to the rays from the Sun as the Sun
possible. One type of multijunction structure useful in the traverses the sky.
design according to the present invention is the triple junction 0019 Preferably, the solar cell subarrays include a plural
Solar cell structure consisting of a germanium bottom cell, a ity of modules or Subassemblies, each module including a
gallium arsenide (GaAs) middle cell, and an indium gallium single Fresnel lens disposed over a single Solar cell for con
phosphide (InGa P) top cell. centrating the incoming Sunlight onto the Solar cell.
0009 Still another aspect of a solar cell system is the 0020. In a preferred embodiment, the solar cell array com
specification of the number of cells used to make up an array, prises the plurality of solar Subarrays arranged in a rectangu
and the shape, aspect ratio, and configuration of the array. lar matrix with ten subarrays disposed in the X direction
0010. The individual solar cells are typically disposed in parallel to the ground Surface. Each Subarray is mounted
horizontal arrays, with the individual solar cells connected Vertically on the Support in they direction orthogonal to the X
together in electrical series. The shape and structure of an direction.
US 2009/0032084 A1 Feb. 5, 2009

0021 Advantageously, the central support is constituted ratio of the Solar cell array mounted for unitary movement on
by a first member provided with means for mounting the a cross-arm of a vertical Support that tracks the Sun, and to the
central Support on the ground, and a second member rotatably design of the Subarrays, modules or panels that constitute the
Supported by, and extending upwardly from, the first member. array.
0022 Preferably, the support frame is mounted on a cross 0035. In one aspect, the invention relates to the design of a
member which is rotatably mounted with respect to the sec Solar tracking system and array of Solar cell modules as
ond member of the central Support about an axis orthogonal to depicted in FIG.1. This system has a central Support consti
said central longitudinal axis. tuted by a first member 11a and a second member 11b. The
0023. In a preferred embodiment, the support frame is member 11a is a generally hollow cylindrical member which
constituted by a generally rectangular frame member which is is connectable to a Support mounted on the ground by means
provided with a plurality of parallel support struts which are of the bolts (not shown). The member 11b is rotatably
parallel to the shorter sides of the rectangular frame member. mounted within the member 11a, and Supports a cross mem
In this case, the panel may further comprise Support arms, ber 14 which is connected to a support frame 15. The support
each of which extends between a respect one of said Support frame 15 is constituted by a rectangular frame 15a, three
Struts and said inner member. parallel support struts 15b which are parallel to the shorter
ends of the frame 11a, and two diagonal bracing struts 15c.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The support frame 15 is also supported on the inner member
0024 FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a terrestrial solar cell 11b by a pair of inclined arms 14a which extend respectively
system constructed in accordance with the present invention; from two of the support struts 15b to the base of the inner
0025 FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the solar cell system member. A further support arm 14b extends from the top of
of FIG. 1 viewed from the opposite side thereof; the inner member 11b to the central support strut 15b. The
0026 FIG.3 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of mounting of the Support frame 15 in this manner ensures that
solar cell Subarray utilized in the system of FIG. 1; it is fixed to the top of the second member 11b of the central
0027 FIG. 4 is a top plan view of a single solar cell Support in Such a manner that it is rotatable about its central
Subarray. longitudinal axis through members 11a and 11b.
0028 FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the Sun's path on the 0036. The support frame 15 supports a solar cell array
earth as a function of elevation and azimuth; constituted by a horizontal sequence often Solar cell Subar
0029 FIG. 6 is a graph that shows the amount of land use rays or panels 16. Each of the solar cell subarrays is consti
for an array of different aspect ratios; and tuted by a vertical stack of thirteen solar modules 17 Fresnel
0030 FIGS. 7 and 8 are diagrams illustrating optimum lens 18 facing away from the support frame 15 and disposed
post spacing or lattice positions for positioning the arrays over a single receiver 604. The receiver, a printed circuit or
Subassembly, includes a single III-V compound semiconduc
over a ground area; and tor solar cell 19 facing towards the support frame, together
0031 FIG. 9 is a top plan view of a solar cell according to with additional circuitry Such as a bypass diode (not shown).
the present invention depicting the grid pattern. 0037 FIG. 3 is a cutaway view of a solar cell subarray 16
0032. Additional objects, advantages, and novel features according to the present invention, more particularly depict
of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled ing a module 17. Each module 17 is constituted by a 2x7
in the art from this disclosure, including the following matrix of Solar cells. Each module includes a tapered Support
detailed description as well as by practice of the invention. 22, a nine-inch by nine-inch square Fresnel lens 20 at one end
While the invention is described below with reference to a
preferred embodiment, it should be understood that the inven of the support 22, and a receiver 19 at the other end of the
support 22. The supports 22 are mounted on a base 18 on
tion is not limited thereto. Those of ordinary skill in the art which the receivers 19 are also mounted, and which serves to
having access to the teachings herein will recognize addi dissipate heat from the receivers, and more particularly from
tional applications, modifications and embodiments in other the individual solar cells.
fields, which are within the scope of the invention as disclosed 0038. In the preferred embodiment, as illustrated in the
and claimed herein and with respect to which the invention plan view of FIG.4, the subarray is about 282 inches high and
could be of utility. 71 inches wide and is constituted by a 7x26 matrix of Fresnel
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED lenses and receivers 19. Each receiver 19 produces over 10
EMBODIMENT watts of DC power on full AM 1.5 solar irradiation. The
receivers are connected by electrical cables in parallel or in
0033. Details of the present invention will now be series, so that the aggregate 182 modules in an entire Subarray
described including exemplary aspects and embodiments will produce in excess 1820 watts of peak DC power. Each of
thereof. Referring to the drawings and the following descrip the Subarrays are in turn connected in series, so that a typical
tion, like reference numbers are used to identify like or func array 1b would produce in excess of 18 kW of power. In the
tionally similar elements, and are intended to illustrate major preferred embodiment, 25 kW of peak DC power is produced.
features of exemplary embodiments in a highly simplified 0039. A motor (not shown) provides drive to rotate the
diagrammatic manner. Moreover, the drawings are not member 11b relative to the outer 11a, and another motor (not
intended to depict every feature of the actual embodiment nor shown) provides drive to rotate the cross member 14 (and
the relative dimensions of the depicted elements, and are not hence the support frame 15) relative to the central support 11
drawn to Scale. about its longitudinal axis. Control means (not shown) are
0034. The present invention relates generally to a terres provided for controlling rotation of the inner 11b relative to
trial Solar power system for the conversion of Sunlight into the member 11a, and for controlling rotation of the cross
electrical energy utilizing a plurality of mounted arrays member 14 (and the support frame 15) about its axis to ensure
spaced in a grid over the ground, to the optical size and aspect that the planar exterior surface of each of the modules 17
US 2009/0032084 A1 Feb. 5, 2009

constituted by the Fresnel lenses 18 is orthogonal to the sun’s lattice or grid within a predetermined ground area. Such
rays. The control means is preferably computer controlled, sizing (including orientation of the array and aspect ratio) is
using software that controls the motors in dependence upon intended to maximize the number of cells that can be mounted
the azimuth and elevation of the sun relative to the system. on the flat roof of a building or on an area of ground. Each of
Each of the Fresnel lenses 18 concentrates incoming Sunlight the posts must be positioned sufficiently far away from other
onto the associated solar cell 19 in a respective receiver by a posts as not to be shadowed by the moving array mounted on
factor of over 500x, thereby enhancing the conversion of adjacent posts.
sunlight into electricity with a conversion efficiency of over 0046. In Such an arrangement, dual-axis tracking of the
37%. In the preferred embodiment, the concentration is 520x. rectangular array changes the tiltangle of each Solarcell array
0040. The system is refractive and uses an Acrylic Fresnel throughout each day of the year in any given location.
lens to achieve 520x concentration with an fit of approxi Accordingly, the shadow cast by each array varies, so that the
mately 2. A reflective secondary optical element is used. An posts must be spaced far enough apart to avoid one array
acceptance angle for an individual cell/optics system is t1.0 shadowing another array, as this would reduce the total illu
degrees. The efficiency of the optical system on-sun is 90% mination to the arrays, and consequently reduce the electrical
with the acceptance angle defined at a point where the system output of the arrays.
efficiency is reduced by no more than 10% from its maxi
mum. Each Solar cell is assembled in a ceramic package that 0047. The shadow cast by a given rectangular array
includes a bypass diode and a two-pin connector. 182 cells are depends on the size and shape of that system, and also on the
configured in a Sub array. Voltages add to provide the mini location of the sun in the sky. In the East-West direction, the
mum system Voltage to operate at an appropriate inverter sun location can vary by up to 150°. In this connection, it
voltage. Each sub array of 182 cells is connected in parallel should be noted that it is generally accepted that, where the
with nine other sub arrays through an isolation diode. These elevation of the sun is below 15° above the horizon, its rays
10 Sub arrays make up an array that produces approximately are of insufficient strength to generate a useful amount of
55A at 458V. electricity. The latitude at which an array of systems S is
0041. The design of the receiver is more particularly positioned is, therefore, of little influence.
described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. entitled 0048. In the North-South direction, the sun location varies
Solar Cell Receiver Having an Insulated Bypass Diode, filed by 46°, given that the earth's axis is tilted at an angle of 23°
simultaneously herewith and herein incorporated by refer with respect to its orbit around the Sun. In this connection, it
CCC. will be appreciated that latitudes below 23° are subject to
0042. The design of the semiconductor structure of the different conditions, and that latitudes above 45° are probably
triple junction III-V compound semiconductor Solar cell is not relevant due to poor direct normal insolation (DNI) levels,
more particularly described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,680,432 herein as known to those skilled in the art.
incorporated by reference. Since such cells are described as 0049 FIGS. 5 to 8 illustrate another aspect of the inven
optimized for space (AMO) solar radiation, one aspect of the tion, in which shadowing problems are prevented or mini
present invention is the modification or adaptation of Such mized for a minimized land use for a given arrangement of
cell designs for concentrator photovoltaic applications under systems S. The requirements for correct spacing of the posts
terrestrial (AM 1.5) solar spectrum according to the present are that each of the arrays of the arrangement is fully illumi
invention. nated for all positions where the sun is 15° above the horizon,
0043. The solar cell is a triple junction device, with the top and that there is no shadowing of any given array by any other
junction based on InCaP, the middle on GaAs, and the bottom array. In this connection, it will be appreciated that shadow
of Ge. Typical band-gaps for the cell are 1.9 eV/1.4 eV/0.7 eV. length is minimized where each system S has a minimized
respectively. Typical cell performance as a function of tem array height, and this depends on the aspect ratio of each
perature indicate that Voe changes at a rate of -5.9 mV/C and, system, the aspect ratio being defined by the ratio of the width
with respect to temperature coefficient, the cell efficiency of the system with respect to its height. Thus, a system having
changes by -0.06%/C absolute. an aspect ratio of 1:1 (1 to 1) is square in configuration,
0044 As noted in the background discussion, one electri whereas a system having an aspect ratio of 1:4 is constituted
cal contact is typically placed on a light absorbing or front by a rectangle whose height is one quarter its width.
side of the Solarcell and a second contact is placed on the back 0050 More particularly, FIG. 5 is a sun path diagram
side of the cell. A photoactive semiconductor is disposed on a showing the elevation of the sun for all angles above 15° at a
light-absorbing side of the Substrate and includes one or more latitude of 35° North. The graph shows the sun path for three
p-n junctions, which creates electron flow as light is absorbed times of the year, namely at the Summer Solstice (indicated by
within the cell. Grid lines extend over the top surface of the the highest dotted line), at the winter solstice (indicated by the
cell to capture this electron flow which then connect into the lowest dotted line), and at the equinoxes (indicated by the
front contact or bonding pad. One aspect of the present inven middle dotted line). At all other dates, the sun path falls within
tion is to maximize the number of grid lines over the top the envelope defined by the highest and lowest dotted lines.
surface of the cell to increase the current capacity without Thus, at the winter Solstice, the Sun path goes from a negative
adversely interferring with light transmission into the active azimuth angle of about 45° to a positive azimuth angle of
semiconductor area. One embodiment is to utilize a dense about 45°, and from an elevation of 15° to about 37°, and then
grid pattern with 4-fold rotational symmetry to achieve this back to 15°. Similar ranges are apparent for a Sun path at the
objective, as shown in FIG. 9. Summer Solstice and at the equinoxes.
0045 Another aspect of the present invention is to maxi 0051 FIG. 6 illustrates this optimization for an arrange
mize or optimize the amount of electricity generated from ment of systems each having an effective area of 100 square
Solar power by appropriate sizing of each array and locating feet, from which it will be noted that an aspect ratio of
each tower or post with predetermined spacing in a regular between 1:3 and 1:5 is most advantageous, with an aspect
US 2009/0032084 A1 Feb. 5, 2009

ratio of 1:4 being marginally better than 1:3 or 1:5, and 18 kW peak DC power on full illumination, each
significantly better than 1:1, 1:2, 1:6 or 1:7. receiver including a triple junction III-V semiconductor
0052 FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate the positioning of an compound concentrator Solar cell each capable of pro
arrangement having four systems Shaving aspect ratios of 1:4 ducing in excess often watts of power; and
and 1:5 respectively. As will be apparent, by comparing FIGS. an actuator for rotating the central Support and the Support
4 and 5, the East-West spacing of four systems S, each having frame so that the Solar cell array is maintained substan
an aspect ratio of 1:5, is about 40 feet, and the North-South tially orthogonal to the rays from the Sun as the Sun
spacing for this aspect ratio is about 25 feet. This is to be traverses the sky.
compared with an East-West spacing of about 30 feet and a 14. As system as claimed in claim 13 wherein the generally
North-South spacing of about 20 feet for solar systems having rectangular planar Solarcell array further comprises an aspect
as aspect ratio of 1:4. Clearly, therefore, systems having an ratio between 1:2 and 1:5.
aspect ratio of 1:4 provides better land use than systems 15. A system as claimed in claim 13, wherein the solar cell
having an aspect ratio of 1:5. The aspect ratio of a given array comprises a plurality of solarcell modules, each module
system S can be varied by varying the number of Subarrays including a single Fresnel lens disposed over a single Solar
positioned on the frame 15. cell for concentrating by a factor in excess of 500X the incom
0053. It will be apparent that, in practice, the arrangement ing Sunlight onto the Solar cell and producing in excess of 10
could have substantially more systems S than the four illus watts of DC power at AM 1.5 solar irradiation with conver
trated. The systems S of such an enlarged arrangement would, sion efficiency in excess of 37%, said module including a
however, be arranged in a regular grid pattern. tapering Support with the single Fresnel lens on one end and
0054 Although this aspect of the invention has been solar cell at the other end to focus light on the solar cell.
described in a certain specific embodiment of semiconductor 16. A system as claimed in claim 15, wherein the solar cell
structures, receiver designs, and array structures, many addi array comprises a plurality of Subarrays each Subarray con
tional modifications and variations would be apparent to sisting of a portion of the plurality of Solar modules arranged
those skilled in the art. This aspect of the present invention is, in a rectangular matrix with thirteen modules in a first matrix
therefore, considered in all respects to be illustrative and not direction, and twenty six modules in a second matrix direc
restrictive. The scope of this aspect of the invention is indi tion orthogonal to the first matrix direction.
cated by the relevant appended claims, and all changes that 17. A system as claimed in claim 16, wherein the central
come within the meaning and range of equivalents thereofare support is constituted by a first member provided with means
intended to be embraced therein. for mounting the central support on the ground, and the sec
0055. It will be understood that each of the elements ond member rotatably supported by, and extending upwardly
described above, or two or more together, also may find a from, the first member to Support the Support frame and Solar
useful application in other types of terrestrial Solar cell sys array in a spaced apart relationship with the first member.
tems and constructions differing from the types described 18. A system as claimed in claim 17, wherein the support
above. frame is mounted on a cross member which is rotatably
0056 While the aspect of the invention has been illus mounted with respect to the second member of the central
trated and described as embodied in a Solar cell array using Support about an axis orthogonal to said central longitudinal
III-V compound semiconductors, it is not intended to be aX1S.
limited to the details shown, since various modifications and 19. A system as claimed in claim 18, wherein the support
structural changes may be made without departing in any way frame is constituted by a generally rectangular frame member
from the spirit of the present invention. which is provided with a plurality of parallel support struts
0057 Without further analysis, the foregoing will so fully which are parallel to the shorter sides of the rectangular frame
reveal the gist of the present invention that others can, by member for Supporting a plurality of Subarrays.
applying current knowledge, readily adapt it for various 20. A system as claimed in claim 19, further comprising a
applications without omitting features that, from the stand plurality of Support arms, each of which extends between a
point of prior art, fairly constitute essential characteristics of respect one of said Support struts and said second member.
the generic or specific aspects of this invention and therefore, 21. A concentrator photovoltaic Solar cell array system for
Suchadaptations should and are intended to be comprehended producing energy from the Sun using a plurality of Sun-track
within the meaning and range of equivalence of the following ing Solar cell arrays, comprising:
claims.
a plurality of central Supports mounted on the ground in a
1-12. (canceled) lattice pattern;
13. A concentrator photovoltaic solar cell array system for each central Support having a Support frame rotatable with
producing energy from the Sun using a plurality of Sun-track respect to the central Support about an axis orthogonal to
ing Solar cell arrays, each array comprising: a central longitudinal axis of the central Support;
a central Support mounted on the ground, and a second a rectangular solar cell array of greater than 1500 solar cell
member extending from the ground mountable first receivers having a predetermined aspect ratio, with the
member and being capable of rotation relative to the longitudinal of the array parallel to the ground for pro
stationary first member about its central longitudinal ducing in excess of 18 kW peak DC power on full
axis; illumination, the array including a plurality of triple
a Support frame carried by a second, opposing end of the junction III-V semiconductor compound Solar cell
second member, the support frame being rotatable with receivers each capable of producing in excess of ten
respect to the central Support about an axis orthogonal to watts of peak DC power mounted on the support frame;
said central longitudinal axis; and
a generally rectangular planar Solar cell array of greater an actuator for rotating the central Support and the Support
than 1500 solar cell receivers for producing in excess of frame so that the Solar cell array is maintained substan
US 2009/0032084 A1 Feb. 5, 2009

tially orthogonal to the rays from the Sun as the Sun an indium gallium phosphide top cell disposed over said
traverses the sky and wherein the lattice pattern for the middle cell and having a bandgap to maximize absorp
plurality of arrays includes a spacing between each of tion in the AM1.5 spectral region;
the plurality of central Supports based upon the prede a Surface grid for conduction of the relatively high current
termined aspect ratio So that each of the arrays is fully created by the cell;
illuminated for all positions wherein the sun is fifteen or an actuator for rotating the central Support and the Support
more degrees above the horizon and there is no shadow So that the Solar cell array is maintained substantially
ing of any given array by any other array orthogonal to the rays from the Sun as the Sun traverses
22. A system as claimed in claim 21 wherein the predeter the sky; and
mined aspect ratio further comprises a value between 1:2 and a spacing between each of the central Supports based upon
1:5. the predetermined aspect ratio that optimizes the amount
23. A system as claimed in claim 21, wherein the solar cell of Solar cells in a given ground area.
array comprises ten Subarrays, each with thirteen Solar cell 26. A system as claimed in claim 25, wherein the predeter
modules connected together in series or parallel, each module mined aspect ratio further comprises a value between 1:2 to
including a single nine inch by nine inch Fresnel lens dis 1:5.
posed over a single Solar cell receiver and Supported by a 27. A system as claimed in claim 25, wherein the solar cell
tapering Support for concentrating by a factor in excess of array comprises a plurality of solarcell modules, each module
500X the incoming Sunlight onto the Solar cell and producing including a single Fresnel lens disposed over a single Solar
in excess of 10 watts of DC power at AM 1.5 solar irradiation cell for concentrating by a factor in excess of 500X the incom
with conversion efficiency in excess of 37%, wherein the ing Sunlight onto the Solar cell and producing in excess of 10
tapered Support focuses light on the Solar cell. watts of DC power at AM 1.5 solar irradiation with conver
24. A system as claimed in claim 23, wherein the solar cell sion efficiency in excess of 37% with a tapered support with
receiver comprises (i) a Solar cell consists of a germanium the Fresnel lens at one end and the solar cell at the other end
bottom cell, a gallium arsenide middle cell, and an indium and wherein the tapered Support focuses light on the Solar
gallium phosphide top cell; (ii) an insulated bypass diode cell.
connected in parallel with the solar cell; and (iii) an electrical 28. A system as claimed in claim 21 wherein the solar cell
connector with an electrical cable for allowing the receivers to receivers further comprising a first electrical contact on a light
be electrically connected to each other in an electrical circuit. absorbing side of the Solar cell and a second contact on an
25. A concentrator photovoltaic solar cell array system for opposing, back side of the Solar cell.
producing energy from the Sun using a plurality of Sun-track 29. A system as claimed in claim 21 wherein the solar cell
ing Solar cell arrays, each array comprising: receivers further comprising a dense grid pattern with 4-fold
a plurality of central supports wherein each of the plurality symmetry connected to the first electrical contact on a light
of central Supports further comprises: absorbing side of the receivers.
a Support frame rotatable, with respect to, the central Sup 30. A system as claimed in claim 21 wherein the solar cell
ports about an axis orthogonal to a central longitudinal receivers wherein the triplejunction solar cell receiver further
axis of the central Supports; comprises a top bandgap of 1.0 eV, a middle bandgap of 1.4
a rectangular solar cell array of greater than 1500 solar cell eV and a bottom band gap of 0.7 eV.
receivers having a predetermined aspect ratio, the array 31. A system as claimed in claim 27 wherein the Fresnel
including a plurality of triple junction III-V semicon lens and module further comprises a 520X concentration with
ductor compound Solar cells each cell, each capable of an filof 2.
producing in excess of 10 watts of peak DC power and 32. A system as claimed in claim 27 wherein the solar cell
including a triple junction Solar cell for terrestrial appli array further comprising ten Solar cell Subarrays where each
cations comprising: Subarray has thirteen Solar cell modules and each module has
a germanium Substrate including a first photoactive junc a 2x7 matrix of solar cells.
tion;
a gallium arsenide middle cell disposed on said Substrate; c c c c c