The global transition to renewable energy sources is increasing the demand for energy production, especially in densely populated areas where autonomous zero-energy buildings and solar carports require higher energy density. This puts pressure on the replacement of fossil-based heating systems and thermal vehicles

To tackle this challenge, the HIPERION project, funded by the EU and involving 15 partners from ten European countries, including research centers, industrial companies, solar installers, and a photovoltaic (PV) manufacturer, has developed a promising solution. The project combines concentration photovoltaic and micro-tracking on ultra-efficient space-grade solar cells to increase energy production by up to 40% compared to existing PV solutions.

HIPERION Technology

  • HIPERION technology uses integrated optics to focus sunlight on small areas of high-quality solar cells, increasing energy conversion efficiency.
  • With a concentration factor of 200x, HIPERION panels make expensive multi-junction solar cells more cost-effective by reducing their active area.
  • The micro-tracking system in HIPERION panels captures sunlight from a wide range of angles, increasing overall efficiency.
  • To address reduced efficiency during cloudy weather, HIPERION panels have a second layer of crystalline solar cells behind the main layer, capturing more light and generating continuous power.
  • HIPERION panels use a glass PCB that serves as both the front glass of a conventional solar panel and a means of transmitting wasted light to secondary cells, making it a hybrid design.
  • HIPERION technology combines the benefits of concentration and conventional solar panels, resulting in higher efficiency and more cost-effective energy production.

Production

Operating Principle of Micro-Tracking. Source: https://hiperion-project.eu/

  • Standard module architecture of HIPERION solar panels is modified with a transparent circuit board replacing the front glass.
  • Multi-junction (MJ) cells are placed on the backplane of the board.
  • The front plane of the panel includes lens arrays and is produced in parallel using a specially designed and validated system.
  • Guiding elements are used to join the two planes together, ensuring that cells and lenses are maintained at a controlled distance for all sun positions.

                                Hybrid architecture developed in HIPERION Source:https://hiperion-project.eu/

Power Rating of Hybrid Modules

The power rating of hybrid modules, such as the HIPERION solar panel technology, presents a challenge as the module converts direct and diffuse light differently, and existing IEC standards do not provide guidelines for this purpose. To address this challenge, the HIPERION project developed a special flasher that can generate perfectly collimated or controlled diffuse light, in a defined sequence. The flasher can also configure the module in perfect alignment between lenses and MJ cells and proceed to power assessment in direct light conditions, as well as switch to secondary cell power rating under diffuse light conditions. The module power is then defined as the sum of both contributions, with constraints on the direct and diffuse light conditions so that the sum corresponds to a global irradiance of 1000 W/m2.

The Potential of HIPERION Solar Panel Technology

The HIPERION project aimed to demonstrate the industrial relevance of the hybrid concept at the pilot line level. Before the project began, the modules were only laboratory concepts. However, today hundreds of modules have been produced using custom industrial tools and shipped to pilot sites worldwide, including Germany, Spain, Portugal, Chile, and Switzerland, which feature various climatic conditions and weather constraints. The data collected from these sites will provide insights into where the hybrid concept will bring the most value. Specifically, the project aims to gain a better understanding of the technology’s potential in different locations and environments, which will inform future development and deployment strategies.

About Ornate Solar

Ornate Solar is one of the leading solar companies in India with over 8 years of experience in the industry. We have partnered with the best-in-class global solar brands to provide you with a trustable, affordable, and reliable range of solar panels, inverters, and solar accessories.

We have also developed India’s first Integrated InRoof system. Ornate InRoof is a roof made out of solar panels, which is leak-proof and looks aesthetically pleasing.

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About The Author

Akash Yadav is a PhD scholar at IIT Delhi, specializing in Thermal Plasma Systems. Prior to pursuing his PhD, he gained experience as a Simulator Engineer. In addition to his academic pursuits, he has a passion for technology writing and is committed to advancing his field and sharing his knowledge with others.