Some Results of the EUCLIDES Photovoltaic Concentrator Prototype

A photovoltaic concentration array prototype of 60·4 m2 of aperture is described. It uses reflecting linear optics kept in focus by means of horizontal single-axis tracking. All its cells are connected in series so as to avoid laborious field interconnection work. This prototype is being followed by a demonstration plant of 3479 m2 of aperture. The prototype performances are presented and fitted to a model that allows their prediction under conditions different from those of measurement. On the basis of this model the demonstration plant performances are anticipated. A cost analysis is presented based on our best estimates after the erection of the present prototype. It shows that the cost of the electricity, in medium or large size installation, should be strongly reduced with respect to that produced by flat modules. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.