Towards a SOLAR enerGy Efficiency of 45 %

Project Information

SOLARGE45

Grant agreement ID: 674102

DOI

10.3030/674102

Project closed

EC signature date 8 April 2015

Start date 1 May 2015

End date 30 September 2015

Funded under

• SOCIETAL CHALLENGES - Secure, clean and efficient energy

Total cost

€ 71 429,00

EU contribution

€ 50 000,00

Coordinated by

LIGHT PRESCRIPTIONS INNOVATORS EUROPE SL
Spain

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - SOLARGE45 (Towards a SOLAR enerGy Efficiency of 45 %)

Reporting period: 2015-05-01 to 2015-09-30

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

Solar Concentration Photovoltaics (CPV) technology potential has not been translated yet into successful business. Main challenge is to demonstrate its competitiveness in the electrical pool with any other source of energy, including non-renewable. This requires CPV modules enabling the highest conversion efficiency of sun light into power with high reliability at low manufacturing costs.
Overall objective of SOLARGE45 project is to accelerate the market uptake of the MF45 module, a novel CPV module designed by LPI-patented technologies capable to overcome CPV techno economic barriers.
The Feasibility Study of SOLARGE45 project Phase 1 helped LPI to develop of a successful business strategy to transform the novel idea into a solid high-potential innovation project aligned to LPI’s corporate strategy and with the market needs. As result, LPI expects to become a worldwide supplier of CPV modules.
The specific objectives of the Feasibility Study were:
• To define the MF45 module final specifications
• To assess different product development and industrial process pilot plant alternatives
• To identify the specific operational and financial resources and/or partners to cover the whole MF45 module manufacturing and commercialisation
• To assess the feasibility of the preliminary Market Strategy and Commercialisation Plan

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

• Activities carried out are: MF45 technologies assessment, CPV industry supply chain analysis, IEC 62108 certification assessment, manufacturing cost assessment (breakdown bottom-up), CPV market in-depth study, CPV market segmentation, PESTEL and SWOT analysis, sales forecast, operational resources assessment, project cost-analysis, development of a financial plan and a risk plan.
• Main results achieved are: MF45 final design adaptation and final specifications, strategic manufacturing model definition and feasibility validation, identification of key industrial and commercial partners and areas of subcontracting, identification of specific funding needs, validation of the preliminary marketing strategy and the commercial plan, validation of freedom to operate, work-plan for the following 2 years.

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

As a result of SOLARGE45, LPI plans MF45 module first commercialization by mid-2018. By end of 2020, SOLARGE45 is expected to generate a huge impact on LPI’s competitiveness and growth: 17 m€ revenues and over 35 new FTE jobs. Moreover, it will increase the penetration of a clean energy technology supporting global CO2 emissions reduction targets.

MF45 developent cycle