Thesis Title
Viability of Concentrator Photovoltaics for Electricity Production in the United States
Department or Program
Physics and Astronomy
Abstract
The energy infrastructure across the United States is at a critical crossroads . On one hand, we could continue to rely on traditional sources of energy by further developing and revitalizing our coal, natural gas, and nuclear power plants. On the other hand, given the rate at which various renewable energy technologies are reaching grid parity, alternative energy systems could be widely incorporated into the grid. In this case, it is important to consider which renewable energy technology produces power most effectively. From the perspective of theoretical physics and experimental achievements in photovoltaics, this thesis seeks to evaluate the ability of concentrator photovoltaics to provide electricity to the grid. In this paper, it is found that concentrator photovoltaics hold several significant advantages over single junction photovoltaics, most notably in efficiency on a land use basis and in its potential for improvement. Also, the discrepancy between the widely cited 30% efficiency for silicon solar cells, and its true value of 33.65% when considering the effect of the AM 1.5 spectrum, is described in this paper.
Level of Access
Open Access
First Advisor
Smedley, John
Date of Graduation
5-2017
Degree Name
Bachelor of Science
Recommended Citation
Dina, John, "Viability of Concentrator Photovoltaics for Electricity Production in the United States" (2017). Standard Theses. 2.
https://scarab.bates.edu/phys_astro_theses/2
Number of Pages
63
Components of Thesis
1 .pdf file
Open Access
Available to all.