Experimental and numerical investigation of the influence of terrain slope on the performance of single-axis trackers

A. Barbón, P. Fortuny Ayuso, L. Bayón and C.A. Silva

Applied Energy, 2023, vol. 348, issue C, No S0306261923008887

Abstract: Certain advantages of using mountainous terrain for the installation of solar plants are well known, such as lower temperature, higher solar irradiance present at high altitudes, and economic aspects related to the lower cost of land. This paper highlights another one: the higher annual solar irradiation incident of single-axis N-S trackers installed on sloping terrain, as compared to horizontal ones. After a theoretical study in which the relevant formulas are derived, numerical simulations are presented. Then we showcase the results of a year-long experiment in which a N-S aligned single-axis tracker prototype was used, at the location of our Department (Gijón, Spain). The experimental results confirm the trends in the formulas and simulations. Finally, theoretical values for the energy gain for different slopes, at locations over the northern hemisphere between latitudes of 6° and 60° are provided. These gains can reach values up to 13.5%.

Keywords: Photovoltaic systems; Single-axis trackers; Terrain slope; Mountainous area (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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DOI: 10.1016/j.apenergy.2023.121524

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