Alignment of a Fresnel-lens-based optical concentrator for photovoltaic solar energy harvesting

Solar concentrators generate energy according to the amount of radiant flux that is converted into electrical energy using a solar cell. The optimal alignment of the solar cell and the aperture stop of the concentrator photovoltaic (CPV) solar system is a critical parameter for fabricating and manufacturing steps. We designed, developed, fabricated, and verified an optoelectronic system to test alignment of CPV solar system modules that is portable and robust to implement as a step in the assembly line. In addition to the components employed in systems previously, we implement an alignment module. It consists of a thin prism in four orientations in a plane normal to the optical axis of the unit under test and its control system. Its advantage is robustness against its positioning and orientation errors. Simulations and experimental results are presented. (C) 2019 Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers (SPIE)