Emcore's deploys first CPV system in China via XinAo Group

21 November 2008

Emcore Corp of Albuquerque, NM, USA, which manufactures components and subsystems for the broadband, fiber optic, and solar power markets, has announced its first deployment of a concentrator photovolataics (CPV) systemin China with the XinAo Group, one of China's largest energy companies.

As part of an agreement reached in April, the 50kW test and evaluation system is fully installed and operational, and is producing power in accordance with specifications. Emcore said in April that, once the expected reliability and performance metrics have been demonstrated, XinAo plans to install CPV systems to provide electric power for its coal gasification project, which is estimated to have a requirement of 60MW of power. Also, Emcore and XinAo continue to have discussions regarding the possibleconstruction of a joint-owned plant in China, to manufacture CPV systems designed and certified by Emcore for the coal gasification project as well as the Chinese market.

"We are pleased to introduce the first CPV terrestrial power system in China in partnership with the XinAo Group and look forward to pursuing other solar power opportunities in China's emerging renewable energy market," says DrJohn Iannelli, corporate chief technology officer & general manager of Emcore's Solar Power Division.

In early October, Emcore was also granted access permits for its 850kW commercial solar park installation in the Extremedora region of Spain. In addition to these two deployments, Emcore expects several other pilot sitesto be deployed by the end of the year.

Emcore's deployed CPV systems are powered by its multi-junction solar cells, operating with 500x concentration. The firm says that it is developing a new 'Generation III' system design - scheduled to be in volume production bysecond-half 2009 - with enhanced performance (including a module efficiency of about 30%) and much improved cost structure. Emcore says that it has recently responded to several RFPs from public utility companies usingGen-III products as its baseline and expects to receive positive feedback on these proposals by the end of 2008.