The highly efficient VHESC solar cell uses a novel lateral optical concentrating system that splits solar light into three different energy bins of high, medium and low, and directs them onto cells of various light sensitive materials to cover the solar spectrum. The system delivers variable concentrations to the different solar cell elements. The concentrator is stationary with a wide acceptance angle optical system that captures large amounts of light and eliminates the need for complicated tracking devices.

During the first 21 months of the VHESC program, a diverse team of academia, government lab and industrial partners, led by the University of Delaware, was focused on developing the technology basis for a new extremely high efficiency solar cell. The rapid success of that effort has enabled the present transition to a focus on prototype product development.

The VHESC program final deliverables are to design, build and demonstrate at least 5 m2 of engineering prototype modules that are manufacturable and have an east-west field of view (FOV) ≥ ±60°, a north-south FOV ≥ ±25° , a system power efficiency (SPE) ≥ 40%, and a module manufacturing cost per m2 ≤ $1500. The SPE includes all factors that impact the system (module) power efficiency such as the power conversion efficiency, as well as the individual efficiencies of the photovoltaic cells.

The VHESC would have immediate application in the high-technology military, which increasingly relies upon a variety of electronics for individual soldiers and the equipment that supports them. As well, it is hoped the solar cells will have a large number of commercial applications.