| Abstract: | This paper presents salient results from the third‐generation EUCLIDES linear photovoltaic concentrator, which was developed within the framework of the IDEOCONTE European project. There were two broad objectives for this project: firstly, to review and resolve the difficulties associated with previous prototypes (the Madrid prototype and the Tenerife plant), where the lack of qualification standards and quality control were identified as significant causes of failure under real‐world operation; and secondly, to optimise and commercialise the functionally effective components. During the development period, research activities focussed on cell encapsulation, the reliability of the system components, and the monitoring of field performance across three different test sites. The third‐generation EUCLIDES concentrator system has achieved an overall efficiency of 10%, which is similar to the efficiencies of previous EUCLIDES systems. The main third‐generation improvements relate to the industrialisation and improved reliability of single element system component. The expected system cost, for an annual production of 2 MW, is €3.70/Wp. However, the maximum allowable projected system cost under the Spanish feed‐in‐tariff of 2010 is €3.00/Wp. This will be very difficult to achieve with the current system efficiency. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. |
