MicroCSP™ is a concept Sopogy developed which takes traditional, large scale, open faced, desert, Concentrated Solar Power panels and shrinks it down to 1/4 of the size. Sopogy's MicroCSP™ panels can be used on rooftops, in modular deployments and for areas, non-desert.
Anything that blocks the sun will affect ALL solar technologies. Sopogy systems can be designed with back up to produce process heat when the sun power is reduced. Additionally, these systems can be green fueled enhancing the system’s environmental goodwill.
Dust build up can reduce the efficiencies for ALL solar systems. Sopogy systems are smaller than the traditional desert CSP systems and as a result are easier and quicker to clean. This ensures maximum efficiencies and maximum output.
How long have Concentrated Solar Power systems been in service?
The first significant CSP project was constructed in 1985. This facility was constructed in California’s Mojave Desert and produces 354 MW of electrical energy. Since then several systems have been constructed around the world for a combined gigawatt of power. Recently, a record 500 MW system was announced for construction in California.
With energy prices shattering record costs, global warming concerns at an all time high and energy security issues, consumers are searching for alternatives. Sopogy systems are fueled by the sun and cost less than competing systems.
Hawaii has the highest electricity rates in the US giving Sopogy's MicroCSP™ technologies a competitive marketplace to develop and mature. Additionally, Hawaii is world famous for its advanced optics research due to its world class observatories. This gathering of the best optical engineers in the world continues to help Sopogy develop its superior optical components, a key feature in the Sopogy Solar technology.
Sopogy's technologies were engineered for direct beam locations around the world. Traditional desert CSP is limited to high altitude, low humidity and lots of land, we focus on markets with a solar power density of 5 kWh/m2/day. Our technologies are built for heavy commercial, industrial and utility sectors which means Sopogy's MicroCSP™ is ideal for all other markets.
How can Sopogy systems compete on the smaller scale (<10MW)?
Sopogy's solar technologies focus on MicroCSP™. We developed a patent pending collector and manufacturing process with the goal to make our collectors affordable and easy to install. This reduction in the first cost helps to bring the end cost down with short, reasonable paybacks.
