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Concentrating Sun
The Sunflower uses a proprietary-designed Fresnel lens to focus the sun's rays onto a very small piece of photovoltaic material. Our PV cells will be one of the most efficient cells in the world — over 35% efficient. It is composed of three layers of PV material, each of which responds to a different wavelength of light, enabling it to produce far more energy than traditional single-layer silicon-based cells. Each cell is backed by a set of aluminum cooling fins that use natural air flow to keep it at an optimal operating temperature despite the concentration levels.
2-Axis Tracking
In order for a high-x solar concentrator to work, the lens must be pointed directly at the sun. This requires a tracking system that moves the module in both the altitude (distance above the horizon) and azimuth (the angle across the horizon) dimensions. The integrated, 2-axis, closed-loop tracking system monitors the energy efficiency of the system and uses that information to adjust the position of the modules for maximum yield without having to rely on sensors.
Low-Profile Design
The Sunflower profile enables it to maintain its position even in high winds. Its frames are designed to quickly connect to adjacent units, perfectly spacing them apart to eliminate inter-unit shading. This configuration also creates a "peloton" effect — changing the shape of the wind's movement across the units to reduce its ability to move them — much like what you see a group of bicyclists do in a race to deflect the wind. The result is that Sunflower systems will withstand winds up to 85 mph/Exposure D without requiring any mounting penetrations.
Power Optimizing and Control System
The Sunflower uses a unique method to improve energy delivery by conditioning the output of modules which eliminates array-mismatch losses and enables maximum power performance tracking. This improves performance of shaded modules and inverter voltage (for a select group of inverters).
Advantages
- Produces more energy than fixed systems
- Uses most advanced, efficient, non-silicon solar cells
- Less expensive than traditional PV
- Integrated mounting reduces installation time
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