Development of photovoltaic conversion systems with sunlight concentration

Three concentrators used in the photovoltaic conversion of sunlight are compared. In order of measured optical efficiency, the concentrators are a parabolic cylinder-type concentrator, a compound concentrator (a combination of linear Fresnel lens and a side mirror), and a linear Fresnel lens type concentrator. The compound concentrator is designed to operate without any tracking mechanism but the other two types were equipped with automatic tracking units.