Cost analysis for flat-plate concentrators employing microscale photovoltaic cells

Microsystems Enabled Photovoltaics (MEPV) is a relatively new field that uses microsystems tools and manufacturing techniques familiar to the semiconductor industry to produce microscale photovoltaic cells. The miniaturization of these PV cells creates new possibilities in system designs that may be able to achieve the US Department of Energy (DOE) price target of $1/W_p by 2020 for utility-scale electricity generation. In this article, we introduce analytical tools and techniques to estimate the costs associated with a concentrating photovoltaic system that uses microscale photovoltaic cells and miniaturized optics. The overall model comprises the component costs associated with the PV cells, concentrating optics, balance of systems, installation, and operation. Estimates include profit margin and are discussed in the context of current and projected prices for non-concentrating and concentrating photovoltaics. Our analysis indicates that cells with a width of between 100 and 300 μm will minimize the module costs of the initial design within the range of concentration ratios considered. To achieve the DOE price target of $1/W_p by 2020, module efficiencies over 35% will likely be necessary.