Terrestrial and space concentrator PV modules with composite (glass-silicone) Fresnel lenses

We present the use of small-aperture, linear and point-focus composite Fresnel lenses in space and terrestrial photovoltaic modules based on III-V solar cells. These lenses combine the positive features of conventional silicate glass and a stable polymer material such as silicone rubber. Optical efficiency measurements have been carried out on practical samples of "terrestrial" concentrators with varying lens\´ focal distance and aperture, as well as the receiver diameter. Introduction of small-size secondary lenses integrated in an intermediate panel with composite structure (glass plate + convex silicone lenses) allows one to improve the parameters of a concentrator system at high concentration ratios.