Characterization of performance loss mechanisms in a concentrating photovoltaic module

The performance loss mechanisms in three current design photovoltaic concentrator modules have been identified and quantified. The concentrator modules evaluated include the following: Martin Marietta second generation, Sandia baseline module, and Sandia 200X experimental module. The primary loss in performance was due to the Fresnel lens efficiency (82 to 86%). Series resistance added during module assembly contributed as much as a 5% loss. Nonuniform cell illumination also resulted in a 5% loss. Mismatch in the I-V characteristics of individual cells was found to be a negligible loss in all three modules.