Component & Prototype Panel Testing of the Mini-Dome Fresnel Lens Photovoltaic Concentrator Array

The mini-dome Fresnel lens concentrator array is a high-efficiency, light-weight space photovoltaic array concept that is being developed by the NASA Lewis Research Center and ENTECH, Inc. The three critical elements of the array concept are the Fresnel lens concentrator, the prismatic cell cover and the photovoltaic call. At previous conferences, the results of gallium arsenide concentrator cells with prismatic cell covers have been presented. The emphasis of the program has now shifted to the mini-dome Fresnel lens concentrator. Prototype concentrator lenses have been fabricated and tested, with optical efficiencies reaching 90%. Work is also progressing on the design and fabrication of the panel structure. In addition, the impact of recent advancements in 30% efficient multi-junction photovoltaic cells on array performance is also discussed.