DayStar Technologies is developing a PV module technology using low-level concentration (2-8 suns) that can package existing industry cell materials into a lower cost/ higher value product suitable for both low-power (IOW) solar lantern and I-KW and greater power generation applications. Cell materials incorporated to date include Cu(In,Ga)Se-2 (CIGS), a-Si, and c-Si. The use of thin-film cell materials in a concentrator application is the first of its kind. The performance and reliability of CIGS and a-Si under concentration has been demonstrated. The efficacy of the proprietary optics developed by DayStar has been demonstrated. Cell integration and subsequent mating to optics has proven to be nearly lossless. A 7.2% active-area CIGS-based mini-module has been measured.

DayStar Technologies is developing a PV module technology using low-level concentration (2[endash]8 suns) that can package existing industry cell materials into a lower cost/higher value product suitable for both low-power (10W) solar lantern and 1-KW and greater power generation applications. Cell materials incorporated to date include Cu(In, hthinsp;Ga)Se[sub 2](CIGS), a-Si, and c-Si. The use of thin-film cell materials in a concentrator application is the first of its kind. The performance and reliability of CIGS and a-Si under concentration has been demonstrated. The efficacy of the proprietary optics developed by DayStar has been demonstrated. Cell integration and subsequent mating to optics has proven to be nearly lossless. A 7.2[percent] active-area CIGS-based mini-module has been measured. [copyright] [ital 1999 American Institute of Physics.]

This concept paper describes a patented, novel photovoltaic (PV) technology that is capable of achieving near-term commercialization and profitability based upon design features that maximize product performance while minimizing initial and future manufacturing costs. DayStar Technologies plans to exploit these features and introduce a product to the market based upon these differential positions. The technology combines the demonstrated performance and reliability of existing thin-film PV product with a cell and module geometry that cuts material usage by a factor of 5, and enhances performance and manufacturability relative to standard flat-plate designs. The target product introduction price is $1.50/Watt-peak (Wp). This is approximately one-half the cost of the presently available PV product. Additional features include: increased efficiency through low-level concentration, no scribe or grid loss, simple series interconnect, high voltage, light weight, high-throughput manufacturing, large area immediate demonstration, flexibility, modularity.