Solar power systems are viable alternatives for
buildings to reduce their electricity consumption from
the grid and GHG emissions. Paradoxically, more
complex and expensive materials can yield less
expensive and higher-power PV systems. Multijunction
solar cells used in concentrating optical
systems with 2D tracking provide the high-powerdensity
required for the limited rooftop area available to
buildings without incurring additional costs of land
solely dedicated to solar power production as in solar
farms. Currently available CPV systems, operating
under ideal conditions, have the potential to displace
100% of the electrical needs of an average 1-3 floor
building in many cities across Canada with high directnormal
insolation.