Skyline’s Approach
Building on proven solar technology, Skyline’s patented architecture provides low cost and the performance and reliability of high efficiency silicon PV cells. The architecture is also engineered for scalability, drawing on proven materials and traditional manufacturing processes.
Design Overview
Each Skyline X14 Array consists of three main components: the panels, the reflectors, and an integrated single-axis tracker. Arrays are ground-mounted in long rows with adjacent arrays sharing mounting and tracking hardware. Multiple rows are installed side by side to create large solar fields.
Panels – The Skyline X14 PV Panels are manufactured with similar materials and
processes as traditional solar panels, but are much smaller in size for equivalent power
production. They include a backing plate, cooling fins, silicon cells,
encapsulant, glass cover plate and junction box. High efficiency mono-silicon cells are used
to maximize output from the concentrated light. Skyline’s proprietary cell mask also boosts
conversion efficiency when the panel experiences solar concentration over six times normal. This delivers 16% more power than traditional masks and has been
verified with multiple cell suppliers.
Reflectors – The Skyline Reflectors concentrate sunlight from a large aperture onto the much smaller surface
area of Skyline X14 Panels. Current systems have a concentration factor of fourteen
times. The result is a cost-effective system that is both scalable and can withstand high
wind loads. The reflector is specially designed to create a uniform flux line (UniFlux)
across the entire surface of the panel. In addition, the reflector
design enables a tight optical coupling between adjacent arrays. This maximizes energy production
regardless of the sun's location.
Trackers - The Skyline Integrated Tracker supports the reflectors and follows the arc of
the sun throughout the day over 170 degrees. Most other trackers are limited to 90 degrees. The Skyline Tracker incorporates readily available components with proven reliability history such as
slewing rings, industrial control electronics, and highly durable bushings. The electronic
sections have few power components, resulting in high reliability and simple maintenance.
Both Skyline and the manufacturer have conducted lifecycle testing to verify 25+ years of
operating life.
The elegant simplicity of Skyline’s architecture leads to low installed cost, high energy yield and exceptional scalability. To learn more, please download our whitepaper. |
"We were impressed by Skyline's total system approach which packages many high gain solar design elements into an elegant array."
Martha Symko-Davies
Research Senior Supervisor
NREL
“Skyline Solar’s technology is ideal for this region
because it takes advantage of our high solar radiation.
Jorge
Herrera Caldera
Govenor
Durango, Mexico |
