Solar - Program 187. Program Overview

Transcription

1 Solar - Program 187 Program Description Program Overview The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that solar power will represent approximately 1% of worldwide electric generation capacity in less than five years, and trends suggest that double-digit percentages could be achieved well within the next few decades. The large gap between society s current use of solar energy and its underdeveloped potential represents an enormous technical, economic, and political challenge. Despite significant industry growth and technological progress, the need remains for advanced solar technologies that will provide cost-competitive power. Incremental cost reductions are being accomplished by steady improvements in materials, manufacturing processes, and scientific understanding. In addition, solar power remains a field in which breakthrough innovations are possible and even anticipated. New technologies will require performance and reliability testing to inspire confidence from electricity providers and financing entities. An understanding of how technologies perform outside standard test conditions will be critical in the selection of appropriate technology for specific projects. In addition, as ownership of solar assets expands, electric power companies need information on operations and maintenance (O&M) requirements. Power output variability is another major issue, particularly for photovoltaic (PV) technology, and designing plants that maximize power output and minimize variability is a challenge. Concentrating solar power (CSP) is unique among solar technologies in that it can be coupled with thermal energy storage or fossil-fired backup boiler capacity to smooth output and extend operation to cover periods of peak demand. However, CSP technology options are not cost-effective at present. In addition, the inherent large scale of most CSP technologies can make financing early-stage demonstration projects difficult, leading to a lack of field testing experience that investors require for utility-scale projects. The Electric Power Research Institute's (EPRI s) Solar Program offers a comprehensive collection of projects that span all types of solar power generation technologies. For example, EPRI is undertaking research to assist electricity providers in understanding key factors that may influence the ability of PV plants to deliver high-value power and be effectively integrated within the larger electricity infrastructure as penetration levels increase. EPRI s research program also supports the development of innovative CSP technologies and configurations that can provide firm, dispatchable power at lower cost. The research portfolio addresses industry needs through: Cost, performance, and status assessments of solar generating technologies O&M guidelines for improved asset management Field testing of promising technologies to reduce performance uncertainty and assess reliability Grid integration analyses and consideration of plant design, siting, and implementation factors that influence system output and variability Feasibility studies and applications analyses to evaluate emerging technology options and assess environmental impacts Collaboration with the broader solar industry through workshops, tours, and other events Participation in this program also includes results of solar engineering and economic evaluations as described under the Renewable Energy Economics and Technology Status Program (Program 84). p. 1

2 Research Value To facilitate increased deployment of PV technology, EPRI s plan pursues an improved understanding of PV technology development, system design, system reliability, and system economics. The key research themes that will significantly improve the information base required for sound decision making include: Tracking solar technology and balance of system component development Conducting feasibility studies and developing preliminary designs for advanced solar technologies Providing PV project design insights to maximize production and minimize system output variability Developing enterprise-wide O&M strategies for distributed and central station plants Field testing to characterize performance and reliability of new technologies Monitoring lessons learned from industry demonstration projects Researching ways to mitigate environmental impacts of solar applications The program focuses on developing a broad set of solar technologies that will provide reliable, cost-competitive power options for the electric power industry. Program R&D provides value through: Collaboration with national laboratories and industry to provide greater funding leverage and bring together the leading experts to tackle difficult issues Collaboration with experts across EPRI to address cross-cutting issues and applications Timely and accurate engineering and economic information about existing and emerging solar technologies to support generators decision-making processes Solar Power Fact Book and Industry Reports that serve as reference sources for accurate and up-to-date information on technology options for generators, policymakers, and regulators Roadmaps that highlight the key industry issues and EPRI s plans to address R&D gaps Industry tours, meetings with experts, and topical webcasts to keep members abreast of the latest developments in the solar industry Accomplishments Together with national laboratories, technology providers, universities, and independent industry experts, EPRI has established a growing set of research products that address the cost, performance, reliability, O&M, and other attributes of solar generation technologies. The Solar Power Fact Book provides factual information about technology performance characteristics, costs, land usage, water consumption, and other features. This document provides quick answers and comparative insights on technology options. EPRI is seen as an industry expert on solar-augmented steam cycle research with comprehensive studies on solar integration options for coal, natural gas, and oil-fired power plants. Recent conceptual studies evaluate the potential for augmentation with biomass and geothermal power cycles. Recent research that was focused on market opportunities for retrofit applications has shown over 20 gigawatts (GW) of solar capacity potential. Membership in the Solar Technology Acceleration Center (SolarTAC) has expanded EPRI s research capabilities to include reliability and performance testing in a real world environment. Anticipated results will encompass issues germane to site requirements, installation, commissioning, performance, reliability, and O&M for the multiple technologies under examination. Solar - Program 187 p. 2

3 Current Year Activities EPRI will continue to track the development of all major solar technology options and provide insights on technology maturity, market trends, major manufacturers, and the likely scale and timeframe of market growth. In addition, the 2013 Solar Program will look to enhance performance and reliability through field testing, demonstrations, and targeted studies that evaluate: PV variability, PV O&M, PV recycling options, inverter technologies and standards, central receiver technologies, solar augmentation, and thermal energy storage. The 2013 plan also will include general interest activities such as workshops, webcasts, and tours. Estimated 2013 Program Funding 920k Program Manager Cara Libby, , Summary of Projects Project Number Project Title Description P Solar Thermal Electric Research R&D will focus on large scale demonstrations of CSP and thermal energy storage technologies and solar thermal hybrid applications that potentially offer reduced costs. P Solar Technology Assessments This project develops comprehensive resources covering the characteristics and potential for both PV and CSP technologies. It also supports field testing to determine the performance and reliability of solar technologies. P Photovoltaic Research Research will address PV power output and variability through informed project design and implementation. PV cost and performance trends, industry events and emerging technology developments will be reported throughout the year. P Inverter Technology to Ease Integration P Solar Environmental Issues P Operation and Maintenance This project will continue the smart inverter communication initiative, moving from a survey-level to direct utility engagement, requirements assessment, and more hands-on and field applications. Communication interface evaluation in the laboratory continues. This project addresses environmental issues associated with solar project development, operation and decommissioning. Research will include a review of utility strategies for O&M management of solar assets and analysis of O&M events and failures to inform optimal approaches. Solar - Program 187 p. 3

4 P Solar Thermal Electric Research (069185) Key Research Question Development of more than 15 GW of concentrating solar thermal power capacity is planned worldwide over the next several years. Today most solar applications are not competitive without subsidies, but costs continue to decline and new technology options are emerging that potentially offer lower costs and improved performance. This project will focus on promising technologies that can provide firm, dispatchable power through the use of thermal energy storage or hybridization with other fuel sources. The project will focus on technologies that EPRI studies have shown to have significant potential for cost reduction. Multiple technologies and applications will be evaluated, and insights from industry projects will be gathered and shared. Annual and topical reports will highlight the results of research efforts and industry projects to identify promising solar generation technologies and plant configurations and track their progress. Impact This project will provide guidance on existing and future solar thermal technologies and applications. Insights on technologies that are transitioning from the pilot-testing phase to commercial-scale demonstrations will provide greater perspective on technology maturity and readiness for adoption in utility generation portfolios. Evaluating options for stand-alone solar plants, solar integration with alternative fuels, and thermal energy storage can lead to cost-effective solutions that will provide firm, dispatchable power. How to Apply Results The results and insights gained in this project provide expanded options to plant owners who wish to maximize existing plant assets or develop new solar assets, reduce their carbon footprints, and gain valuable experience with solar thermal electric systems. Objective analyses of the advantages and disadvantages of various technologies and applications can be used to guide project investment decisions Products Thermal Energy Storage Options for Direct Steam Generation Systems: Several potentially low-cost direct steam power generation technologies are in various stages of development, including central receivers, parabolic trough, and linear Fresnel reflector systems. Thermal energy storage is uniquely challenging for direct steam systems due to the high cost and limited capacity of steam storage systems and the high costs of transferring heat to a secondary storage fluid. Building on solar thermal energy storage research conducted in , EPRI will investigate the cost and performance of thermal energy storage technologies that may be suitable for use with direct steam systems. The analysis will consider a range of options from buffering storage solutions to systems that can shift or displace power generation. Survey of Large Central Receiver Projects: Several MW scale central receiver projects are under construction and a few are expected to be operational in EPRI will gather information on projects in operation and in different stages of development through a survey of plant owners and operators. The scope will include design considerations, construction and commissioning processes and experiences, operational strategies, O&M requirements and performance. An assessment of the challenges, successes and lessons learned will be prepared based on available information. 07/31/13 09/30/13 Solar - Program 187 p. 4

5 Lessons Learned from Solar Thermal Hybrid Projects: Solar thermal hybrid systems, or solar augmented steam cycles, can offset fuel consumption or boost power production in existing or greenfield fossil plants. Past EPRI studies have shown this type of hybrid configuration to produce a lower levelized cost of electricity than standalone solar thermal plants, and by coupling solar with another fuel, variability in power output can be greatly reduced or eliminated. Nearly ten solar thermal hybrid projects are in operation throughout the world, but little is known about the performance of these systems. EPRI plans to survey plant owners and operators of solar thermal hybrid plants to assess whether the first wave of installations are performing as expected, to better understand the operation of such systems, and to gauge whether these types of applications are likely to continue. Assessment of Central Receiver Technologies: Central receiver, or power tower, technology has been under development since the mid-1970s with over 15 pilot-scale demonstrations, and more recently three MW projects. Several technology variations exist, primarily in the choice of working fluid, e.g., direct steam, molten salt, pressurized and atmospheric air, sand, etc. The expected performance, cost and operational benefits and limitations are not well understood. EPRI will undertake a preliminary evaluation of the fundamental attributes of several central receiver technologies to compare the technologies and outline the unique benefits and challenges of each. 10/31/13 12/31/13 P Solar Technology Assessments (069186) Key Research Question With solar technology options in many different stages of development and deployment, energy companies need benchmarking resources to guide their planning and investment choices. These resources may include reference documents with detailed technology information as well as experimental testing of solar technologies in the lab or field. The Solar Technology Acceleration Center (SolarTAC), located in Aurora, Colorado, is one venue where EPRI is pursuing solar research, technology testing, and demonstration activities to further understanding of performance, reliability, and O&M requirements for solar technologies. This project also supports field demonstration activities through membership in SolarTAC. Membership in SolarTAC allows EPRI to conduct projects on-site and provides access to shared R&D projects conducted by other SolarTAC members. Summary level results of EPRI supplemental project activities and shared R&D projects at SolarTAC will be made available to program members. In addition, EPRI intends to host an international workshop to highlight the solar demonstration activities of its members and promote greater sharing of ideas, best practices, and lessons learned. Impact This program offers real data on existing and emerging solar technologies that can allow energy companies to make more educated solar investment decisions. Benchmarking documents aim to facilitate technology comparisons and build greater understanding of expected technology developments. Technology demonstration activities provide complementary firsthand performance data that is expected to yield insights on reliability and O&M requirements. How to Apply Results The results and insights gained in this project can provide critical knowledge to energy companies that would like to develop new solar assets and understand technology options. Learning from the experiences of peers is expected to foster greater collaboration and lead to new opportunities. Solar - Program 187 p. 5

6 2013 Products Proceedings of International Workshop: An international workshop will be organized to bring together both leaders in technology deployment and companies that are interested in learning from the experiences of early adopters. Gathering and sharing knowledge in this manner is expected to encourage industry collaboration and provide first-hand knowledge of technology performance and other insights. The proceedings and outcomes of the workshop will be published for those unable to attend. Solar Power Fact Book: This resource document provides comprehensive information about the full range of solar technology options as well as myriad information about the solar industry. EPRI will update and expand its database of commonly requested solar information such as cost and performance data for each technology, rules-of-thumb for water/land/fuel use, information about solar project deployment, solar resources and tools, and other information. The material will be presented in PowerPoint format. The intent is to provide concise, relevant solar information to keep members abreast of the latest industry developments. Solar Industry : The pace of change is rapid in today's solar industry and several first-of-a-kind projects are slated to become operational in The Solar Industry Report will provide a comprehensive assessment of the current status and future outlook for the solar industry as well as detailed information about noteworthy industry projects. It also provides thorough discussion of the status of each technology, the cost and performance attributes and the potential for technology improvement. Tables in the appendix capture deployment details for PV, CPV and CSP projects, major technology vendors and other reference information. 09/30/13 12/31/13 12/31/13 SolarTAC Newsletter 12/31/13 Resource Resource P Photovoltaic Research (071169) Key Research Question With estimates that global module sales exceeded 26 GW in 2011 and a cumulative global capacity nearing 70 GW, photovoltaic (PV) technology continues to be the fastest growing source of new power capacity. Utility ownership of PV assets is also on the rise, necessitating long-term performance and reliability data as well as a better understanding of output and variability profiles for different PV technologies and plant configurations. Insights on market trends and PV cost reduction also are a key component of the research portfolio. This project seeks to expand industry knowledge of PV project output and variability as it relates to project siting, design, and implementation. A greater understanding of key factors that influence productivity and output variability will be developed through a review of ongoing industry research and independent analysis of central station plant data. Other activities will focus on tracking the PV industry, and frequent updates on cost and price trends will be provided. Impact An improved understanding of performance and reliability will arm members with better information to guide R&D and investment decisions. With the rapid growth of the PV industry and impending consolidations, frequent updates on market trends will provide greater insights on the future of this industry. Solar - Program 187 p. 6

7 How to Apply Results Better characterization of output profiles for different technologies and project configurations can help energy companies make knowledgeable choices about solar project investments. Developing a better understanding of PV reliability and expected lifetime output can lead to more cost-effective projects in the long term Products PV Quarterly Market - Q1: Quarterly PV updates will highlight major solar events and trends with EPRI's perspective on the industry impact and possible ramifications. The updates also will include economic sign-posts such as price and cost trends. Information will be drawn from market reports, news media, conferences and other sources as well as ongoing EPRI R&D activities. Assessment of PV System Losses: PV systems are subject to several sources of energy loss, and as a consequence, projects perform below the rated power output and see decreases over the lifetime of the equipment. The expected magnitude of these losses varies depending on the technology, location of the installation, row spacing, inverter type, number of inverters and other factors. In some cases it may be practical to accept higher losses to save on capital or O&M costs. Losses will also vary based on time of day and year, e.g., during high ambient temperatures, modules could be generating 5-15% lower output than at standard test conditions. The inverter efficiency also changes as a function of load and wiring losses change depending on the location and size of the plant. Soiling losses also are very location dependent. This project seeks to outline the various sources of energy loss in PV projects and generate typical ranges of loss for each category. Discussion of the factors that can influence the magnitude of these losses will provide insights that will allow plant owners to better understand and estimate project output. PV Quarterly Market - Q2: Quarterly PV updates will highlight major solar events and trends with EPRI's perspective on the industry impact and possible ramifications. The updates also will include economic sign-posts such as price and cost trends. Information will be drawn from market reports, news media, conferences and other sources as well as ongoing EPRI R&D activities. PV Quarterly Market - Q3: Quarterly PV updates will highlight major solar events and trends with EPRI's perspective on the industry impact and possible ramifications. The updates also will include economic sign-posts such as price and cost trends. Information will be drawn from market reports, news media, conferences and other sources as well as ongoing EPRI R&D activities. PV Quarterly Market - Q4: Quarterly PV updates will highlight major solar events and trends with EPRI's perspective on the industry impact and possible ramifications. The updates also will include economic sign-posts such as price and cost trends. Information will be drawn from market reports, news media, conferences and other sources as well as ongoing EPRI R&D activities. Monitoring of PV Plant Output and Variability: Building on a white paper (EPRI ) developed in 2011 and an analysis of 1-2 MW PV systems in 2012, EPRI will pursue an assessment of larger central-station plants to understand how PV plant design and siting choices can maximize plant output and mitigate cloud transient impacts. This multi-year study will utilize measured data from central-station commercial plants to ascertain the influence of various factors that influence production and output variability. 04/30/13 06/14/13 07/31/13 10/31/13 12/31/13 12/31/13 Resource Solar - Program 187 p. 7

8 P Inverter Technology to Ease Integration (073481) Key Research Question As technologies improve, distributed energy resources are increasingly able to perform a range of gridsupportive functions. These resources, which include photovoltaic and battery storage system inverters, typically have significant processing power and fast response times, enabling both steady state and dynamic grid benefits. With increasing deployment of these systems, many utilities also are making investments in related communications technology. Timing is critical for the development and testing of communication specifications and standard functional descriptions to prepare for future integration of distributed resources in higherpenetration scenarios. Results of the research are applicable to all utilities and a number of distributed technologies. This project is jointly funded with Program 174, Integration of Distributed Renewables (P ). In prior years, this project engaged a broad group of stakeholders from utilities, inverter manufacturers, and communication system providers to work to establish uniform standard functions that could be built in to off-theshelf products and integrated into utility systems using open standards. Open standards have now begun to appear as a result of these efforts, and testing and evaluation in both laboratory and field environments are now possible. This project also conducted studies and laboratory evaluations of existing products to gauge the state of the industry in terms of device capabilities, efficiency, and reliability. Going forward, the project will continue to accelerate the availability of smart inverters and the standards necessary for their smooth integration into utility systems. It will increasingly include laboratory testing and field demonstrations that seek to identify incremental value streams and benefits of these devices. Impact Informs and guides the PV and storage industries regarding the needs of utilities Accelerates availability of distributed energy devices that can be readily integrated into utility systems using open standards Identifies capabilities and limitations of various technologies Evaluates integration options, identifying architectures, best practices, challenges, standards gaps, and achievable results Helps members identify use case opportunities and learn from peer experiences Provides insight into how future supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA), advanced metering infrastructure (AMI), and other communication systems may be used to integrate distributed resources How to Apply Results Using the field experience and lessons learned reported in this project, members can refine plans for their own PV and energy storage integration. The opportunity for new value streams, system operating criteria, configurations, and integration architectures identified in this R&D program can be incorporated into specifications for existing distribution systems and customer interfaces and taken into consideration for new circuits accommodating high levels of renewable generation Products Grid-Supportive Inverter Lessons Learned - A Summary of Field Experiences: This project will research and report-out on the learnings throughout the utility industry regarding advanced inverter functions in the field. This research will be an international exercise, including activities in Asia, Europe, and North America. This report will provide a concise picture of "who is doing what", their timelines, and lessons learned to-date. 12/30/13 Solar - Program 187 p. 8

9 Application Guide for Integration of Grid-Supportive Inverters: This report will provide an overview of functional and architectural options for standardsbased integration of grid-supportive inverters. The report will consider a full range of options, from autonomous scenarios with no fixed communication networks, to metered-only systems, limited control scenarios, and full centralized management via DMS. Smart Inverter Standards Contributions: This project will contribute to the acceleration while providing members with concise summary of progress in ongoing interoperability standards for grid-supportive PV and storage inverters. This includes the work of IEEE (interconnect guidelines), IEC TC57/WG17 (standardized functions), NIST, FERC and other efforts regarding national grid codes. 12/30/13 12/30/13 P Solar Environmental Issues (073482) Key Research Question The environmental attributes of solar energy are most commonly characterized by the reduction in emissions relative to the power produced by the facility. However, other considerations evaluating the land use and the potential impact on habitat must not be overlooked. In addition, the solar panels can contain chemicals that require sensitive treatment upon decommissioning. It is increasingly important to understand all of the environmental issues associated with solar energy as solar energy represents an increasing percentage of utility generation portfolios. This project examines the environmental impacts that the implementation of solar energy can have from a biological, technological, and sociological perspective. The research will examine the application of solar energy in both urban and rural development settings with the intent of minimizing or avoiding any potential environmental impacts associated with solar energy. Impact Resolving environmental impacts with respect to solar development will allow for smoother and faster permitting, facilitating shorter project construction timelines. Understanding any environmental impacts associated with operations or decommissioning will allow for quicker resolution and reduced utility liability associated with the ownership of the asset. How to Apply Results Members can use the results of this research to improve their decision making for developing, operating, and decommissioning solar plants in a way that will minimize environmental impacts. This information can also be used to avoid costly measures in the pre-construction and post-construction phase of solar projects due to a lack of familiarity with the technology. Solar - Program 187 p. 9

10 2013 Products Recyclability of PV - Reducing Utility Liability Associated with PV Project Decommissioning: As the installation and use of solar energy increases, there is a direct increase in the number of photovoltaic modules placed in service. When these modules reach the end of their usable life, they will require decommissioning. The decommissioning of photovoltaic plants poses potential liability for the plant owner with respect to the proper disposal of the photovoltaic modules, some of which contain hazardous materials incorporated into their material construction. Due to the high value nature of the module, and the necessity to treat them with care due to their chemical content, it behooves the industry to establish a recycling protocol to address this issue. 12/20/13 Report This report will examine current industry best practices with respect to photovoltaic recycling and how utilities can best participate. By understanding current photovoltaic recycling methods, utilities can reduce their potential liability for dealing with photovoltaic modules at the end of their usable life. This will minimize a potential future hurdle that could influence current demand. P Operation and Maintenance (073483) Key Research Question Solar projects are being deployed at an accelerating rate worldwide. Representing a growing absolute share of both independent power producer (IPP) and utility generation portfolios, these assets are now commanding a greater level of attention to ensure their optimal availability and performance. Both PV and solar thermal power plants require scheduled preventive maintenance and unscheduled service calls, continual monitoring, and periodic inspection among other oversight tasks. With this in mind, an increasing number of electric utilities that own solar assets are now implementing nuanced operations and maintenance (O&M) strategies, guided by regulatory and management priorities, that seek to balance costs with increased system output and overarching asset health. This project aims to identify trends in solar asset O&M management as well as best practices. This project will leverage experience from owners and operators of solar projects as well as field data from real world projects. Data analysis will explore the impacts of O&M on plant performance, reliability, and the economics associated with system maintenance and upkeep. Trends that may inform optimal approaches to performing solar plant O&M will be gleaned by evaluating the O&M approaches and practices for a large number of industry projects. Impact Reducing downtime for unplanned O&M results in higher annual electricity generation. Extending the lifetime and improving reliability and availability through reduced O&M can lower the levelized cost of electricity. How to Apply Results A better understanding of O&M requirements can help energy companies make knowledgeable choices about solar project investment and management. Guidance on best practices and new approaches to operating and maintaining solar projects can facilitate adoption of solar assets into utility portfolios at lower cost. Solar - Program 187 p. 10

11 2013 Products PV Reliability Operations and Maintenance (PVROM) Database Development: EPRI and Sandia National Laboratories have co-developed the Photovoltaic Reliability Operations and Maintenance (PVROM) database and a standardized data collection tool as a method to collect, analyze and assess events and failures that occur in large (>100 kw) photovoltaic systems and plants. The PVROM tool is intended to enable data analysis exploring PV plant performance, reliability, and the economics associated with system maintenance and upkeep. It is, furthermore, aimed at using real world field data to examine trends that may inform optimal approaches to performing PV plant O&M. Results drawn from aggregated plant data will be presented in this report along with observed trends in PV O&M management and best practices. 12/31/13 Supplemental Projects Flat Plate Photovoltaic Collaborative Testing at Solar Technology Acceleration Center (070976) Background, Objectives, and New Learnings Traditional crystalline silicon photovoltaics (PV) are and will continue to be costly, but there is insufficient experience with many of the newer, potentially cheaper PV technologies to warrant large-scale, long-term investment. The efficiencies of new flat-plate technologies are being tested extensively in laboratories, as cells and as modules, to enable manufacturing decisions. But only unbiased larger-scale and longer-term trials in the actual operating environment (that is, outdoors) will suffice for commercial acceptance of these new technologies. Banks and utilities are likely to wait for the results of early field tests to gain confidence in the reliability of new PV technology. A recent EPRI study (EPRI ) compared six categories of commercially available PV technologies and estimated their performance in different climates. These technologies, and specific products within these categories, have achieved different levels of maturity. Several new products have the potential to be lower cost with better performance than today s commercially available technologies. The Solar Technology Acceleration Center (SolarTAC) is the largest test facility for solar technologies in the United States. It offers a venue for the collaborative development of solar energy technologies and products (see EPRI s membership in SolarTAC provides a proving ground for both emerging and near-commercial technologies. This collaborative project will reduce performance uncertainty of PV technologies through an independent assessment in a real-world operating environment. The project could help pave the way for future PV projects to be developed at lower cost and with better performance. Project and Summary The project objective is to independently assess the performance and reliability of a variety of PV technologies in a real-world setting. This project will assess the site requirements, installation, commissioning, performance (at least one full year of operation), reliability, and O&M requirements for multiple PV technologies. The demonstration testing will be initiated at SolarTAC in Aurora, Colorado, and additional locations also may host demonstrations to better understand performance in a broader range of climates. Systems will likely be in the 5 10 kw size range. The number of systems to be tested will be determined by available funding. Solar - Program 187 p. 11

12 During installation, EPRI will work with on-site developers to understand any installation issues. Standard testing protocols will be developed and monitoring systems implemented to capture key performance metrics. A suite of meteorological measurements will be taken to compare expected performance with actual system outputs. Ramping during cloud transients is of particular interest. O&M activities and expenditures will be reported and best practices for preventive maintenance will be recommended based on experience. Performance data will be analyzed to identify lost generation potential, and the failure modes and countermeasures implemented will be documented and reported. As with any early system, significant learning is expected to take place, and best practices will be communicated to participants throughout the project. Potential means of improving the cost-effectiveness of the systems will be identified by EPRI and technology providers. Benefits This program offering will provide real data on emerging solar technologies that will allow energy companies to make educated solar investment decisions. Concentrating Photovoltaic Collaborative Testing at Solar Technology Acceleration Center (070861) Background, Objectives, and New Learnings CPV solar technologies hold significant promise for cost-effective utility-scale application. CPV is attractive because it is expected to be capable of competitive electric-generation costs in suitable climates and because its manufacturing can be more economically scaled to many-gigawatt production volume than can flat-plate PV manufacturing. However, banks and utilities are likely to wait for the results of early field tests to show them that CPV technology is sufficiently reliable for commercial investment. Project and Summary The project objective is to independently assess the performance and reliability of a variety of CPV technologies in a real-world setting. This project will assess the site requirements, installation, commissioning, performance (at least one full year of operation), reliability, and O&M requirements of multiple CPV technologies. The demonstration testing will be initiated at the Solar Technology Acceleration Center (SolarTAC) in Aurora, Colorado, and additional locations also may host demonstrations to better understand performance in a broader range of climates. Systems may range in size from 1 kw for early-stage technologies to 0.5 MW for nearcommercial technologies. The number of systems to be tested will be determined by available funding. During installation, EPRI will work with on-site developers to understand any issues encountered. Standard testing protocols will be developed and monitoring systems implemented to capture key performance metrics. A suite of meteorological measurements will be taken to compare expected performance with actual system outputs. Ramping during cloud transients is of particular interest, and the output profiles and ramp rates of the CPV systems will be compared with flat-plate systems. O&M activities and expenditures will be reported and best practices for preventive maintenance will be recommended, based on experience. Performance data will be analyzed to identify lost generation potential, and the failure modes and countermeasures implemented will be documented and reported. As with any early systems, significant learning is expected to take place, and best practices will be communicated to participants throughout the project. Potential means of improving the cost-effectiveness of the systems will be identified by EPRI and technology providers. Solar - Program 187 p. 12

13 Benefits A recent EPRI study (EPRI # ) highlighted 10 CPV companies potentially capable of fielding utility-scale CPV power plants in the 2012 timeframe. Of about 70 companies working on CPV, these 10 appear to have sufficiently developed technology plus adequate manufacturing experience and infrastructure. SolarTAC is the largest test facility for solar technologies in the United States. It offers a venue for the collaborative development of solar energy technologies and products (see EPRI s membership in SolarTAC provides a proving ground for both emerging and near-commercial technologies. This collaborative project will reduce performance uncertainty of CPV technologies through an independent assessment in a real-world operating environment. The project could help pave the way for future CPV projects to be developed at lower cost and with better performance. EPRI has examined current and potential options for reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the electric sector, and analysis shows a significant potential contribution from renewable energy sources. Given sufficient investment, incentives, and time, solar generation could become a cost-effective source of electricity. In order to accelerate the transition of potentially cost-effective generation technologies from the laboratory to commercial-scale deployment, field demonstrations and validations are needed. Solar - Program 187 p. 13