Soitec Concentrix Technology Powers CPV Solar Power Plant in New Mexico
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Soitec Concentrix™ Technology Powers CPV Solar Power Plant in New Mexico Soitec is a world leader in developing and manufacturing revolutionary semiconductor materials for microelectronics and energy applications. With the commercialization of its proprietary utility-scale Concentrix™ concentrating photovoltaic (CPV) technology, the company is now bringing its formidable R&D and manufacturing expertise to the solar power industry. Concentrix™ CPV systems have amongst the lowest environmental impact and shortest energy payback of any solar power technologies. The Project The CPV power plant is located in one of the smallest villages in the country. Situated on remediated land on a mine tailings facility near Questa, New Mexico, the Chevron solar power plant employs Soitec’s Concentrix™ technology which includes 173 solar tracking systems approximately 18’ by 21’ in size. Each system houses Fresnel lenses that concentrate sunlight 500 times onto small, high-efficiency multi-junction solar cells. For maximum performance, the systems are mounted on pivoting dual-axis trackers that follow the sun’s movement throughout the day. The tracking systems maximize energy generation, providing it to the local electric utility when it is needed most. The plant is capable of producing 1.37 MWp of clean, renewable energy - enough to power all of Questa´s 350 homes.

With its high altitude of 7,500 feet – and preponderance of clear skies and direct sunlight - the mountainous New Mexico region provides an ideal solar resource for CPV systems. The Questa mine tailings site required a solar power technology that could adapt to the remediated land’s unique environmental needs. Soitec delivered a CPV solution with maximum energy-generating capacity and minimal impact on the local natural environment. Additionally, construction and on-going operations and maintenance efforts at the solar power plant provide much-needed economic development and job...