Kuraray proclaimed that Amonix, a major producer of concentrated photovoltaic (CPV) solar power systems in the US, has placed orders for its concentrating lens.
Kuraray is currently involved in commercializing concentrating lens, an important part of CPV solar power systems, as part of its GS-Twins medium-term plans focusing electronic, optical, energy and environment business. The company will continue to develop new businesses in order to meet its corporate vision of generating net sales of 1 trillion yen by 2018.
Kuraray is manufacturing methacrylic resin, a base material used for the production of concentrating lens. Enhanced methacrylic resin produces lens that has optimum resistance to water and light. The company’s accurate molding technology enhances the sophisticated transcription qualities of the lens, resulting in optimum light-concentrating efficacy and accuracy. The concentrating lens improves the efficiency of the photovoltaic modules by 31% even when used with traditional solar power production technology.
In March 2011, Amonix has started the production of CPV solar power systems in its Las Vegas facility, which has an annual manufacturing capacity of 150 MW. Kuraray intends to use the facility for large-scale production of concentrating lenses.