SunPower Concentrating Photovoltaic C7 Tracker Saves 20% in Power Costs

SunPower Concentrating Photovoltaic C7 Tracker Saves 20% in Power Costs

SunPower Corp. recently introduced the SunPower C7 Tracker. This is a solar photovoltaic tracking system that can converge 7 times of solar energy and save the cost of LCOE for existing utility solar power plants.

C7 Tracker combines single-axis tracking technology with a row of parabolic mirrors to reflect light onto SunPower Maxeon solar cells with an efficiency of 22.8%, which is currently the most efficient solar cell on the global market. Compared with similar technologies, the use of mirrors to reduce the number of solar cells needed to generate electricity can reduce the cost of power leveling by up to 20%. For example, a 400 MW C7 Tracker power plant requires less than 70 megawatts of SunPower solar cells.

The C7 Tracker includes a modular solar cell receiver for future performance upgrades. In addition, SunPower's advanced Tracker Monitoring and Control System provides wireless control of power plants to increase operational efficiency and reduce maintenance costs. SunPower can quickly deploy systems for regional production to support local job creation.

SunPower CEO Tom Werner said: "The SunPower C7 Tracker can significantly increase SunPower's effective manufacturing capacity, deliver guaranteed, profitable technology, and take full advantage of decades of experience in reliable tracking systems. By the end of the year there will be more than 400 MW. The associated power plants are operating around the world, and SunPower will continue to provide customers with the most efficient and reliable solar technology on the market and the greatest return on investment.”

The C7 Tracker is ideal for direct exposure to areas with high solar radiation, including the southwest United States and the Middle East, Africa, Europe, Asia and Australia.