Performance Analysis of a 3.5 kWp CPV System with Two-axis Tracker

This paper presents the preliminary operational results of two 3.5 kWp CPV systems using triple junction III-V solar cells and a two-axis tracking mechanism. The plant is installed in the campus of the Università Politecnica delle Marche (Ancona, Central Italy). The concentration optics consists of a primary Fresnel lens and a secondary reflective optics with an overall geometrical concentration ratio of 476 X. An experimental measurement setup acquires the main plant operating and ambient quantities; the paper reports the first months of plant operation with particular focus on the influence of the available radiation and the ambient temperature on the performance of the system. The electric output has a linear trend with the available direct normal radiation while ambient temperature has a minor effect on the performance of the CPV systems; also the influence of the Air Mass coefficient is reported.