A record concentrator photovoltaic (PV) module efficiency of 41.4% has been attained by Germany’s FraunhoferSource: Fraunhofer ISE Institute for Solar Energy Systems (ISE) and industry partners in the EU-funded CPVMatch project.

High-concentration PV systems use multi-junction solar cells based on III-V compound semiconductors. Efficient conversion of solar radiation is effected by concentrating incident solar radiation onto stacked thin subcells by means of optical lenses. These modules are mounted on a two-axis tracking system.

The improved high-concentration module design features modified optics and incorporation of achromatic lenses. The re-engineered four-junction solar cells were documented to achieve an efficiency of 41.4% for a 122 cm² module.