IBM Solar Collector Magnifies Sun By 2000X – These Could Provide Power To The Entire Planet

This looks like an effective application of concentrating photovoltaic technology. The idea has been around in many versions for quite a while with many different collector types: simple reflector, trough, dish, Fresnel lens and other systems that multiply solar radiation to increase the output of expensive solar cells. The size of the collectors has ranged from the size of auto headlights to a few meters, to several meters, to the enormous units like the one pictured. Concentration of sunlight to increase the output of PV is generally not worth the extra cost of reflectors, trackers, maintenance and greater power losses from fog, clouds, dust and inaccurate tracking. PV cells are now so cheap that concentration is of little added value since the area to collect a given amount of solar energy is the same whether it is a flat or a concentrator. The only advantage of using concentrators with PV is if the thermal energy is also utilized in a useful application. This is where this technology might shine. I'm not sure about the enormous size of the illustrated dish is the most cost effective. Qnergy ( formerly Infinia) makes a dish that is 15 feet in diameter, weighs about 1800 lbs with generator and tracker and produces 3 kW AC with a sterling engine. The concept is that these units could be mass produced and easily transported and quickly installed in many locations with minimum site disturbance and infrastructure. The cost of scale of large machinery producing enormous power vs cost of mass produced small generators might both be valid depending on customers and end use. The big dish concept with combined PV and thermal might be a great match for a large user of electricity and heat like water desalination or food processing.

/r/Futurology Thread Link - offgridquest.com