Concentrating solar technologies, either photovoltaic or thermal, is a focus for intensive R&D worldwide. Materials issues are critical for system functionality, reliability and commercial competitiveness.

CPV, i.e. the generation of electrical power by the use of high-efficiency multijunction cells or single junctions combined with splitting of the solar spectrum may become a novel costly effective solution compared to conventional flat panel solar cells or other technologies. The generation of energy by concentrated photovoltaics (50-1,000 factor) for large scale energy production is based on solar cells modules, tracking, optics, cooling, efficiency of cells and systems environmental impact, easy industrial automation. The high efficiency reached so far with multijunction (i.e. 40%) unfortunately is not followed by high system efficiency (25%) due to several drawbacks related, mainly, to the low optical efficiency, electrical mismatch losses, low tracking accuracy and poor thermal management. Different research paths are still under exploration: from CPV system based on monolithic multijunction to systems based on solar spectrum splitting. For both increasing the number of junctions with more refined sub-cells bandgaps may help in achieving higher efficiencies. Another open issue regards the integration of CPV in building: so far CPV systems have been mainly designed for power plant application. Is there any possible new solution for architectural integration of this new technology?

CSP, i.e. concentrating solar power is predominantly a utility-scale, renewable and secure energy source, using the high temperature solar technology (in parabolic trough, power tower, Fresnel linear collectors, dish/engine systems…) through concentrating optics to generate high temperatures from sunlight that may drive conventional steam or gas turbines, generate hydrogen by thermochemical conversion, or be thermally stored most efficiently than by using other storage systems such as battery and flywheels. One major issue for increased system efficiency is to gain higher operating temperatures for the system which requires major advancements in the area of high temperature materials for receiver or storage systems. In addition advancement in optical materials for absorbers and reflectors are critical for efficiency improvements and cost reduction.

Also improvements in a number of topics common to CPV and CSP such as long time resistance to corrosion and degradation under ambient conditions, resistance to cycling stress, effects of high temperatures on active components can prolong the duration of the systems and reduce the O&M and the final cost of solar electricity.

This Symposium will discuss the state-of-the-art of the subject. Interest will span the whole spectrum of CPV/CSP applications e.g. electric power production, industrial and home appliances, thermochemical production of hydrogen and other fuels, seawater desalination, etc. Core of the Symposium will be possible effective accomplishments of short and medium-term R&D efforts on material for CPV/CSP technology competitiveness, efficiency, reliability and safety. Both academy and industry experts in materials research and in the engineering of CPV/CSP technology are invited to attend and contribute to the discussion.

The following and related topics will be on the agenda:

Concentrated photovoltaics (CPV)

FH-1 New developments on materials, optics and CPV thermal management
FH-2 CPV cell components, module assembly and testing

Concentrated solar power (CSP)

FH-3 CSP concentrators and heat collection elements
FH-4 Heat thermal fluids and thermal energy storage

CPV/CSP

FH-5 - Application and commercial experience

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