In 2011, the Amonix Advanced Technology Group was awarded DOE SunShot funding in the amount of $4.5M to design a new Balance of System (BOS) architecture utilizing Amonix MegaModules™ focused on reaching the SunShot goal of $0.06-$0.08/kWhr LCOE. The project proposal presented a comprehensive re-evaluation of the cost components of a utility scale CPV plant and identified critical areas of focus where innovation is needed to achieve cost reduction. As the world's premier manufacturer and most experienced installer of CPV power plants, Amonix is uniquely qualified to lead a rethinking of BOS architecture for CPV. The presentation will focus on the structure of the BOS-X approach, which looks for the next wave of cost reduction in CPV through evaluation of non-module subsystems and the interaction between subsystems during the lifecycle of a solar power plant. Innovation around nonmodule components is minimal to date because CPV companies are just now getting enough practice through completion of large projects to create ideas and tests on how to improve baseline designs and processes. As CPV companies increase their installed capacity, they can utilize an approach similar to the methodology of BOS-X to increase the competitiveness of their product. Through partnership with DOE, this holistic approach is expected to define a path for CPV well aligned with the goals of the SunShot Initiative.

Date Published: 10 October 2012
PDF: 8 pages
Proc. SPIE 8468, High and Low Concentrator Systems for Solar Electric Applications VII, 84680H (10 October 2012); doi: 10.1117/12.930750

Published in SPIE Proceedings Vol. 8468:
High and Low Concentrator Systems for Solar Electric Applications VII
Kaitlyn VanSant; Adam P. Plesniak, Editor(s)