Concentrated photovoltaic systems using III-V
semiconductor multi-junction solar cells provide an
attractive solution for electrical power generation
integrated onto buildings. Concentration photovoltaics
hold the potential to significantly reduce the cost of
energy generation, both through the smaller amount of
semiconductor material they require and their increased
energy efficiency. These devices are spectrally
sensitive, and therefore must be engineered to balance
the available light by tailoring the properties of each
junction, the front electrode, the antireflection coating,
and the optics. The high efficiency of these cells
permits the highest power density available using any
type of solar cell, with the potential to displace 100% of
the electrical demand of an average 1-3 floor building
in several Canadian cities under ideal conditions. The
photovoltaic system planned for installation at the
University of Ottawa is also described.