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.