Optimal mounting strategy for single-axis tracking non-concentrating PV in Europe

We present a map-based method for estimating the yearly solar irradiation received by a PV modules mounted on a sun-tracker with a single axis of movement. The method finds the annual in-plane irradiation and calculates the optimum angle of inclination for a vertical-axis system with inclined modules or an inclined-axis system with the plane of the modules parallel to the axis of rotation. The approach is applied to the PVGIS climate database extending the European Subcontinent. Results indicate that optimised 1-axis tracking systems perform almost as well as a full 2-axis sun-tracking system. We also demonstrate that the use of such tracking systems is particularly advantageous at high latitudes (above 60° North), allowing tracking systems there to have the same yield as systems located in Central Europe.

HULD Thomas;  SURI Marcel;  CEBECAUER Tomas;  DUNLOP Ewan; 

2018-11-05

Wip GmbH / co Planung KG

JRC45367

3-936338-24-8 (online),   

https://publications.jrc.ec.europa.eu/repository/handle/JRC45367,   

10.4229/23rdEUPVSEC2008-5AO.7.6 (online),