Several different methods for concentrating sunlight onto solar cells have been announced over the past year.  In most cases, the concentrated solar panels are placed in open fields or generally away from buildings because of the increased heat created by concentrating the sunlight on the photovoltaic cells.  A new company has just received the Underwriter Laboratories certification that Sunflower solar concentrators are safe for roof installations.

Energy Innovations new Sunflower’s Fresnel lens concentrates sunlight more than 1,000 times making photovoltaic cells more energy efficient and powerful.  Thus lowering the cost of electricity.  Concentrators allow smaller numbers of photovoltaic panels to produce more energy, making the overall cost of energy cheaper. 

The Sunflower is a self-powered 200-watt system that has trackers to maximize sunlight exposure with a controller and communication system.  The whole system can withstand strong winds without the need to be embedded in the roof.

Energy Innovations CEO Bill Goss issued the following statement,”The UL Mark is one of the most recognized symbols of safety in the world and to say we’re thrilled to have our work validated by such an independent and reputable institution would be an understatement.

In July, Underwriters Laboratories(UL) opened up a photovoltaic testing facility in San Jose, CA.  Realizing that a large growth in solar energy is taking place, UL saw the need to expand into a 20,000 square foot plant to speed things along.

Making rooftop installations more productive and safe is a great way to promote new solar installations.  Even homes with limited area for effective solar collection can improve the amount of the solar energy collected using the solar concentrators.  Just like other projects like Sunrgi that uses magnification to increasing the energy out put of the system, Sunflower solar concentrators will be doing the same thing on commercial buildings and houses.

Better living through solar concentrators seems to be the latest green theme.

Via CNET

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Entry was posted on Saturday, August 9th, 2008 at 11:36 pm under Green Technology, Science and technology.

Read more entries by Susan Wilson.
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