Scientist Roger Angel is developing an “energy telescope” based on principals of optics and large telescope design that aims to concentrate sunlight by 1,000 times on small but highly efficient photovoltaic cells.
The technology is considered unique in a number of ways: it uses no water, has a low environmental impact and produces a high volume of electricity in terms of land acreage used for equipment.
The modular, sun-tracking systems are large, lightweight open structures, requiring on-site assembly. The jobs created to build, deploy and maintain them remain local, the foundation said.
“I am delighted that Science Foundation Arizona will fund Roger Angel to continue the development of his novel method for capturing sunlight and converting it to electricity more efficiently – and more inexpensively – than has so far been possible using more conventional technologies,” said Leslie Tolbert, vice president of Research, Graduate Studies and Economic Development at the University of Arizona. “Roger has a very impressive history of innovation and creativity that suggests that he can make the sorts of breakthroughs that are needed to make solar energy economical.”
The grant funds will be used to complete research into maximizing the efficiency of the energy telescope. Matching funds for the project will come from REhnu, LLC, a company Angel founded with an exclusive license from the University of Arizona to bring the technology to market.
The university will also partner with Tucson Electric Power on the project.
“We are grateful to Science Foundation Arizona for this grant, which will move us one step closer to the point of making solar energy cost competitive with fossil fuels,” Angel said.
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