Design, performance and cost of energy from high concentration and flat-plate utility-scale PV systems

This paper presents the results of a recent study to assess the near-term cost of power in central station applications. Three PV technologies were evaluated: Fresnel-lens high-concentration photovoltaic (HCPV);, central receiver HCPV; and flat-plate PV using thin-film copper indium diselenide (CIS) cell technology. Baseline assumptions included PV cell designs and performances projected for the 1995 timeframe, 25 and 100 MW/year cell manufacturing rates, 50 MW power plant size, and mature technology cost and performance estimates. The plant design characteristics are highlighted. Potential sites were evaluated and selected for the PV power plants and cell manufacturing plants. Conceptual designs and cost estimates were developed for the plants and their components. Plant performance was modeled and the designs were optimized to minimize levelized energy costs. Cost estimates for both plant and energy delivered include effects of uncertainty in key parameters. Although the study did not involve detailed engineering, efforts were made to optimize all of the plant designs and minimize levelized energy costs. Cell and module fabrication processes were also developed