Nathaniel Group, which is working on a prototype of a CPV system, has developed and produced the optics and cooling assembly. It is currently testing and evaluating these components.
Nathaniel’s module prototype will be completed in the coming months and its full demonstration project will be installed and generating electricity in late 2009 or early 2010, the company told CPVToday.com.
The company has developed a monolithic reflector with multiple facets that is manufactured via plastic injection molding.
“Our design differs from existing CPV reflectors we have seen in that, rather than a smooth parabolic shape, it is made up small planar facets that produce a square focus on the solar cell, resulting in very uniform illumination focused only where it is needed,” said the company’s spokesperson.
For its CPV system, the company had received a $250,000 grant from Clean Energy Development Fund through the Vermont Department of Public Service last year. The demonstration project is scheduled to be installed at Nathaniel’s facility in Vergennes.
Related link: Nathaniel Group, Optics
