Development and investigation of a CPV module with Cassegrain mirror optics

One approach to concentrate the sunlight in concentrating photovoltaic (CPV) modules is using Cassegrain mirror optics. The advantage is that a passively cooled solar cell can be mounted to a large heat spreader that does not shade the primary optics. In addition, the height of the module, hence weight, can be low. The design was selected on the basis of the results of a design study comparing different CPV module approaches presented in [1]. In this work, we present the development of a new prototype micro dish module. First results of the characterization are shown. Besides of the electrical performance, a machined optics and an injection molded was investigated regarding sensitivity to misalignment errors between the optical elements as well as measurement of the acceptance angle in- and outdoors. The machined optics was used as reference