In the energy telescope, a large reflector and a ball lens at the focus concentrate sunlight uniformly on small photovoltaic cells. Here, the ball lens glows in concentrated sunlight during a test of power generation.
The funding will support the "energy telescope" project, headed by famed UA astronomer Roger Angel. Through the use of optical mirrors, sunlight is concentrated on high-efficiency photovoltaic cells.
Science Foundation Arizona has announced the use of a $1 million grant for a project to make large-scale solar electricity generation more cost-effective. Pioneered by internationally recognized and celebrated University of Arizona researcher Roger Angel, the "energy telescope" project uses principles of optics and large telescope design in an innovative way to produce electricity from the sun. The technology is especially effective in deserts and other regions of the world with much direct sunshine, such as Arizona.
The energy telescope system of solar energy generation concentrates sunlight by 1,000 times onto small but highly efficient photovoltaic cells and is unique in a number of ways: it uses no water, has a low environmental impact and produces a high volume of electricity in terms of land acreage used for equipment. The modular, sun-tracking systems are large, lightweight open structures, requiring on-site assembly. The jobs created to build, deploy and maintain them remain local.
The grant funds will be used to complete research into maximizing the efficiency of the energy telescope. Matching funds for the project will come from REhnu, LLC, a company Angel founded with an exclusive license from UA to bring the technology to market.
"We are grateful to Science Foundation Arizona for this grant, which will move us one step closer to the point of making solar energy cost competitive with fossil fuels," said Angel.
"We thank state leaders for their support of innovative technologies - such as the energy telescope - to bolster our state's economy and job creation through promising research and development of viable products," said William C. Harris, president and CEO of SFAz. "Like many other projects supported through SFAz, this has potential to make this state a hub of science and innovation."
This clean, solar energy innovation has the potential to elevate Arizona's standing as a major player in sustainable industries, eventually contributing to the creation of thousands of high-quality jobs in the state.
"I am delighted that SFAz will fund Roger Angel to continue the development of his novel method for capturing sunlight and converting it to electricity more efficiently - and more inexpensively - than has so far been possible using more conventional technologies," said Leslie Tolbert, UA vice president for research, graduate studies and economic development. "Roger has a very impressive history of innovation and creativity that suggests that he can make the sorts of breakthroughs that are needed to make solar energy economical."
UA will also partner with Tucson Electric Power on the project.
This project also was supported by the Governor's Office of Economic Recovery.
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