EMCORE Deploys First Concentrator Solar Photovoltaic System In China With The XinAo Group
Albuquerque, NM - EMCORE Corporation a leading provider of semiconductor-based components and subsystems for the broadband, fiber-optic, satellite and terrestrial solar power markets, announced recently its first deployment of a concentrator photovolataics (CPV) system in China with the XinAo Group, one of China's largest energy companies. As part of an earlier agreement, the 50 kilowatt (kW) test and evaluation system is fully installed and operational, and is producing power in accordance with specifications. EMCORE and XinAo continue to have discussions regarding the possible construction of a joint-owned plant in China, to manufacture CPV systems designed and certified by EMCORE for its innovative coal gasification project and the Chinese market.
Dr. John Iannelli, Corporate Chief Technology Officer and General Manager of EMCORE's Solar Power Division stated, "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."
In early October, EMCORE was also granted access permits for its 850-kW commercial solar park installation in the Extremedora region of Spain. In addition to these two deployments, EMCORE expects several other pilot sites to be deployed by the end of the year.
EMCORE's deployed CPV systems are powered by our industry leading high-efficiency compound semiconductor-based multi-junction solar cells that operate with 500x concentration. EMCORE continues its investment to develop a next-generation system design with enhanced performance (including a module efficiency of approximately 30%) and much improved cost structure. The new design (Generation III) is scheduled to be in volume production by the second half of calendar 2009. EMCORE has recently responded to several RFPs from public utility companies using Gen-III products as its baseline and expects to receive positive feedback on these proposals before the end of 2008.
SOURCE: EMCORE Corporation