The progress in solar energy has been driven by the fields of optics, solid-state physics, thermal science, materials and chemistry. They play a key role in the development of present and future solar energy technologies. Optical elements are used for collecting, guiding, concentrating, coupling, trapping, transforming and absorbing the light in solar energy systems.
This conference focuses on optical science and applications in the field of solar energy conversion, mainly in the areas of solar thermal and concentrating photovoltaics. Both technologies are experiencing a rapid progress, which strongly rely on the advances in efficiency, cost and reliability of their optical elements.
Fundamental and applied concepts are addressed at the conference, including design, analysis, integration, simulation, characterization, novel materials, manufacturability and reliability. Techno-economic analyses of these solutions are also encouraged.
Traditionally, the Optics for Solar conference has attracted professionals and scientists from many different scientific and industrial areas, which are thus enriched with a multidisciplinary view of the technical challenges beyond the state-of-the-art. Optical scientists, physicists, engineers and industry managers are brought together to discuss the most novel developments in the field with the aim of improving the competitiveness of solar energy.
Conference Topics
- Advances in concentrator optics
- Novel CPV architectures:
- Concentrating solar power: advances in collector, receiver, absorber and storage technologies.
- Solar thermochemistry: advances in reactor technologies and reactive materials.
- Light-guide systems for solar energy applications (PV, illumination, thermal, laser pumping)
- Optical modelling of solar energy systems:
- Characterization of solar concentrators and systems (optical tools, solar simulators, outdoor characterization, atmospheric scattering measurements)
- Field performance/benchmarking of CPV/CSP systems
- Reliability of concentrator optics
- Lifecycle and techno-economic analysis of CPV/solar thermal systems
- Public policy forum
