Advanced Optical Design

At the heart of the Sunflower module is our advanced optical system. Our unique optical path allows for an astonishing +/- 0.9 degree acceptance angle. This performance is made even more impressive when you consider our 1,200:1 concentration ratio. The optical path is composed of Fresnel lens and advanced secondary optics. Our Fresnel lens is a composite structure constructed with the latest Silicone on Glass (SoG) technology. A silicone Fresnel lens is embossed on the back of a sheet of tempered glass. This creates the highly attractive combination of a very durable and yet highly accurate Fresnel lens structure. The Sunflower Fresnel lens sheet is the largest monolithic SoG produced today. Our secondary optics condition the light energy providing ideal utilization of the cell while making it very tolerant of any tracking errors. This provides two key advantages. First, it produces a very uniform distribution of light energy allowing the cell to run cooler and more efficient. It also provides a significantly wider acceptance angle than traditional prism based systems.

Triple Junction Cells

Our PV cells are called triple junction cells and were originally developed for the demanding performance needs of the satellite industry. These cells are among the most efficient in the world with over 38% efficiency. They are composed of three photovoltaic junctions, each of which responds to a different wavelength of light, enabling our cells to produce more energy than traditional silicon or thin film modules. Each cell is backed by a set of aluminum cooling fins that use natural air flow to keep the cell at a low operating temperature despite the concentration levels.

2-Axis Tracking

HCPV systems like Sunflower need their modules pointed directly at the sun. This requires a tracking system that moves the module in two axes. 2-axis tracking is known to provide over 30% additional energy boost over flat system designs. The Sunflower system comes complete with a unique single module tracking system. This 2-axis, closed loop tracking system monitors the energy output of each module and uses that information to adjust the positions of the module for maximum yield.

Built-in Performance Monitoring

By directly measuring the output of each module, the Sunflower system eliminates the need for costly sensors and their associated need for calibration and maintenance. In addition, the sophisticated Sunflower performance monitoring system can now provide module level performance data, making troubleshooting and maintenance more efficient. This performance monitoring capability is built into every Sunflower system.

Low-Profile Design

Unlike large trackers typical of CPV systems, the Sunflower HCPV system tracks a single rigid module allowing for a low profile design. Keeping the module low to the ground where wind speeds are lowest improves tracking accuracy by limiting wind flexure. It also eliminates certain permitting requirements associated with larger structures. As an additional benefit, the Sunflower system is easily adapted for roof mount applications.

Ease of Installation

The module mounting frames are pre-assembled in the factory to reduce the need for expensive and time-consuming field labor. The primary wiring, micro-converter, controller and performance monitoring system are all integrated into the modular 10-module frame-sets at the factory. These frame-sets are designed to quickly connect to adjacent units, perfectly spacing them apart to reduce inter-unit shading.

Lowest Installed Cost

Since its inception, Energy Innovations believed in a holistic approach to minimizing costs. In fact, Energy Innovations owned an installation company for several years, learning firsthand the value of a system designed from the ground up to minimize installation time, labor and complexity. By designing a completely integrated solution and pre-assembling as much as possible in the factory, we have achieved a very simple and streamlined installation process. This saves time and expensive field installation costs.

The 2-axis tracker, mounting structure, primary wiring, micro-converter, controller and performance monitoring system are all integrated at our factory into 10-module building blocks called "frame-sets". These frame-sets are optimally designed to minimize shipping costs, simplify installation and reduce field labor. This system is deployed without the need for specialized equipment, cranes, digging holes, building footers or pouring concrete. It simply rests on graded land. The pre-assembled frames are merely unfolded and bolted together in the field. This patented, self-ballasting mounting structure saves two precious commodities, time and money.

Micro-Converter Technology

The Sunflower system uses proprietary Micro-Converter technology to improve energy delivery by conditioning modules' power output and optimizing maximum power point. A Micro-Converter optimizes Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) over only 5 modules versus up to several thousand modules in traditional single inverter MPPT architecture. This provides more precise and effective MPPT and therefore more usable energy. In addition, this architecture reduces electrical losses within the array and increases the energy produced. This occurs when both shaded modules and unshaded modules are present, and under low light conditions such as sunrise and sunset when traditional inverters would shut down due to under voltage conditions.