Performance and Operation of the Southern Nevada Water Authority High Concentration Photovoltaic Plant for the Last 800 Days

The Southern Nevada Water Authority (SNWA) obtained six of the Amonix, Inc. multi-junction Concentrating Photovoltaic (CPV) systems in 2009. A description of the CPV systems, plant layout, and operating description is given. Data showing the power and that the systems have generated over 1,200 MWh of grid energy during the last 33 months are presented in the paper. An estimate is given of the net annual energy generated based upon the last 33 months of daily energy performance. Data is also presented showing the daily peak power divided by peak DNI and the energy performance during this period. The effect of shading is discussed and data are presented showing its effects on the annual field performance. Data are also given on the operating reliability and the long-term performance of the plant. A discussion and pictures are given of how the terrain is returning to its natural state and how the habitat has accepted the CPV systems.

Performance of the Southern Nevada Water Authority of Amonix’s High Concentration Multi-Junction System

The Southern Nevada Water Authority contracted with Amonix, Inc. in 2008 to procure 220 kWdc of their latest generation multi-junction cell High Concentration Photovoltaic systems (HCPV). This paper discusses the performance of the six HCPV systems that started operating in mid 2009. Data sets included show: a. Daily power performance; b. Power performance compared to the specified performance; c. Effect of field shading upon the daily power performance. What is demonstrated is the system power performance has not degraded during this initial period of operation and continues to meet or exceed the specified performance levels.

Installation and Operation of Southern Nevada Water Authority High Concentration Amonix Multi-Junction System

The Southern Nevada Water Authority contracted with Amonix, Inc. in 2008 to procure 220 kWdc of their latest generation multi-junction cell High Concentration Photovoltaic system. This paper describes the installation of the six HCPV systems including the design layout of the field, installation of the foundations, the PV modules, and tracking control systems. In addition, the basic operation and features of the Amonix HCPV system are discussed, along with data showing the performance of each system since the start of operation.