Results and Conclusion of C-rating Project: an European Initiative for Normalisation and Rating of Pv Concentrator Systems

This paper presents the results and conclusions of the C-rating project. The purpose of this project has been to define standard methods and criteria for testing, rating and specifying PV concentrator components and systems (C-systems). The general agreement on the capability of PV concentrator systems to reach cost competitive levels for PV energy in the mid-term suggested the requirement for the adoption of a set of standards, specifications and rating guidelines for such systems. The consortium formed by different institutions, with a range of experience of concentrators received the confidence of the evaluators and officials of the European Commission to perform the tasks of the C-Rating Project.