Fabrication and experimental validation of a building-integrated microtracking CPV system

Abstract

Integrating microtracking concentrator photovoltaic (μT CPV) systems into buildings offers a pathway to energy-efficient and sustainable construction. To maximise solar energy generation in these applications while maintaining internal illumination, advanced optical designs are needed. This study focuses on the fabrication and experimental evaluation of a μT CPV's optical system, specifically designed for building-integrated applications, utilizing advanced optical concentrators (geometrical concentration of 12.5x) to focus sunlight onto high-efficiency silicon solar cells. We detail the optics design and fabrication process, including material selection, manufacturing, and integration strategies. Key performance metrics were evaluated through experimental testing under controlled and real-world conditions. Our findings demonstrate a maximum optical efficiency of 63.5 % and an average solar concentration of 7.9 suns in real-world scenarios. In conclusion, these results highlight the potential of building-integrated μT CPV systems to contribute to net-zero energy goals, enhance urban energy resilience, and promote the adoption of innovative solar technologies in the built environment.

The authors would like to thanks “Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación ” of Spain, MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 for the funding (grant reference: PID2019-111536RB-I00; TED2021-132843BI00). Research of S. Maestro was supported by “Secretaría General de Universidades del Ministerio de Universidades” of Spain (grant FPU20/ 01189) and “Col⋅legi Enginyers Industrials de Catalunya” for the “Beca Tesi Doctoral 2022” award. D. Chemisana thanks Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA) for the ICREA Acadèmia award. Furthermore, this research was supported by the Generalitat de Catalunya (2021 SGR 01618).