The ‘SunCube’ is a box fitted with large aperture and short focal length lenses called Fresnel lenses on one side, and triple junction solar cells on the other. Each Suncube is mounted on a dual axis tracking system that tracks the sun via an on-board microprocessor. This way, the Suncube gets maximum solar exposure for power generation.
Because the energy is concentrated, a solar power array using Suncubes can be smaller and less costly than flat panel solar power systems. Concentrated solar power in the form of concentrated photovoltaics is also more efficient than other types.
Australia’s Suncube is partnering with companies around the world that want to license, distribute, and produce the units. Helios Solar in Denver is the only licensee currently in the U.S..
Concentrated Solar Photovoltaics
'Sun Cubes' Space Satellite Power Technology for Homes
Trend Themes
1. Concentrated Solar Photovoltaics - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Developing more efficient and cost-effective concentrated solar power systems.
2. Space Satellite Power Technology - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Exploring the potential for using space satellite technology to generate power for homes.
3. Triple Junction Solar Cells - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Advancing the technology of triple junction solar cells to increase the efficiency of solar power generation.
Industry Implications
1. Renewable Energy - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Integrating concentrated solar photovoltaics into the renewable energy sector for sustainable power production.
2. Solar Power Systems - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Revolutionizing the design and implementation of solar power systems by utilizing concentrated solar photovoltaics.
3. Power Generation - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Rethinking traditional power generation methods by incorporating space satellite power technology into the industry.