ABSTRACT
A new kind of concentrator suitable for operation at 1000 suns has been developed. The technological challenges related with this high concentration level have been undertaken and solved. More specifically, the main goals already achieved have been: a) design and manufacturing of concentrator GaAs solar cells with efficiencies over 26% (at 1,000 suns) for the best devices, b) design and manufacturing of optical concentrators with a current gain of 1,110 (geometrical concentration 1,256), an acceptance angle of ±1.5 degrees, an aspect ratio of 0.3 and an optical efficiency greater than 82% and, c) a temperature drop in operation from GaAs solar cell to ambient lower than 30°C.
