Soitec Concentrix Technology Powers CPV Solar Power Plant in New Mexico
Soitec Concentrix Technology Powers CPV Solar Power Plant in New Mexico
Introduction
Soitec is a leading company in the development and manufacturing of semiconductor materials for microelectronics and energy applications. The company has commercialized its Concentrix™ concentrating photovoltaic (CPV) technology, which is known for its low environmental impact and short energy payback period.
The Project
The CPV solar power plant is located in Questa, New Mexico, on remediated land at a mine tailings facility. It uses Soitec’s Concentrix™ technology, which includes 173 solar tracking systems. These systems use Fresnel lenses to concentrate sunlight onto high-efficiency multi-junction solar cells. The dual-axis trackers follow the sun to maximize energy generation, producing 1.37 MWp of renewable energy, enough to power 350 homes in Questa.
Location Benefits
The high altitude and clear skies of the New Mexico region provide an ideal environment for CPV systems. The technology is well-suited to the unique environmental needs of the remediated land, offering maximum energy generation with minimal environmental impact. The project also supports economic development and job diversification in the Questa community.
About Soitec
Soitec is an international leader in semiconductor materials, with products including substrates for microelectronics and CPV systems. The company’s core technologies include Smart Cut™, Smart Stacking™, and Concentrix™, with applications across various industries. Soitec operates manufacturing plants and R&D centers in multiple countries.
Benefits of Concentrix™ CPV Technology
Soitec’s CPV technology offers several benefits, including a short energy payback period and low environmental footprint. The systems are made from recyclable materials and require no water for operation, making them ideal for desert climates. The pedestal-mounted design is slope-tolerant, requires no land grading, and allows for dual land use, reducing environmental impact and cost.
Project Highlights
- Location: Questa, New Mexico, USA
- Commissioned: January 2011
- Capacity: 1.37 MWp
- Number of CPV Systems: 173
- Water Usage: Zero gallons per year
Catalog excerpts
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.
Open the catalog to page 1
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 diversification...
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