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The performance and ranking pattern of PV systems incorporated with solar trackers in the northern hemisphere

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  • Bahrami, Arian
  • Okoye, Chiemeka Onyeka

Abstract

Energy produced from a typical PV panel with or without solar tracker is mainly dependent on the available solar irradiance. Interestingly, for some locations on nearly the same latitude in the northern hemisphere, the solar irradiance varies significantly resulting to change in the ranking pattern of solar PV trackers. For this reason, the present study aims to explore the effect of solar irradiation on the technical and economic performance of PV panels incorporated with different solar trackers. Particularly, this paper focuses on locations classified as medium and high latitude countries (20–70°N) in the northern hemisphere. While the considered locations in the northern hemisphere cover the continent of Europe, Africa, Asia, and North America, the studied solar trackers include dual/full/2-axis and single/one-axis (with several tracking orientations namely; East-West, North-South, Inclined East-West, and Vertical–Axis) trackers. The performance metric indicators of the energy gain and levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) are utilized to depict the most preferred solar tracking option for implementation in those regions. Overall, the observed ranking patterns are expected to guide not only solar PV project designers and engineers but also policymakers in the selection and implementation of suitable trackers in the regions.

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  • Bahrami, Arian & Okoye, Chiemeka Onyeka, 2018. "The performance and ranking pattern of PV systems incorporated with solar trackers in the northern hemisphere," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 97(C), pages 138-151.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:rensus:v:97:y:2018:i:c:p:138-151
    DOI: 10.1016/j.rser.2018.08.035
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    4. Barbón, A. & Fortuny Ayuso, P. & Bayón, L. & Silva, C.A., 2023. "Experimental and numerical investigation of the influence of terrain slope on the performance of single-axis trackers," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 348(C).
    5. Umish Srivastva & K Ravi Kumar & RK Malhotra & SC Kaushik, 2021. "Analytical assessment of a concentrated solar sub-critical thermal power plant using low temperature heat transfer fluid," Energy & Environment, , vol. 32(8), pages 1524-1542, December.
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    7. Wenqing Wu & Xin Ma & Bo Zeng & Yuanyuan Zhang & Wanpeng Li, 2021. "Forecasting short-term solar energy generation in Asia Pacific using a nonlinear grey Bernoulli model with time power term," Energy & Environment, , vol. 32(5), pages 759-783, August.
    8. Sun, Leihou & Bai, Jianbo & Pachauri, Rupendra Kumar & Wang, Shitao, 2024. "A horizontal single-axis tracking bracket with an adjustable tilt angle and its adaptive real-time tracking system for bifacial PV modules," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 221(C).
    9. Vaziri Rad, Mohammad Amin & Toopshekan, Ashkan & Rahdan, Parisa & Kasaeian, Alibakhsh & Mahian, Omid, 2020. "A comprehensive study of techno-economic and environmental features of different solar tracking systems for residential photovoltaic installations," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 129(C).
    10. Barbón, A. & Carreira-Fontao, V. & Bayón, L. & Silva, C.A., 2023. "Optimal design and cost analysis of single-axis tracking photovoltaic power plants," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 211(C), pages 626-646.
    11. Naval, Natalia & Yusta, Jose M., 2022. "Comparative assessment of different solar tracking systems in the optimal management of PV-operated pumping stations," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 200(C), pages 931-941.
    12. Esraa M. Abd Elsadek & Hossam Kotb & Ayman Samy Abdel-Khalik & Yasser Aboelmagd & Aly. H. Abdelbaky Elbatran, 2024. "Experimental and Techno-Economic Analysis of Solar PV System for Sustainable Building and Greenhouse Gas Emission Mitigation in Harsh Climate: A Case Study of Aswan Educational Building," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(13), pages 1-31, June.
    13. Harry D. Kambezidis & Kosmas A. Kavadias & Ashraf M. Farahat, 2024. "Solar Energy Received on Flat-Plate Collectors Fixed on 2-Axis Trackers: Effect of Ground Albedo and Clouds," Energies, MDPI, vol. 17(15), pages 1-27, July.
    14. Zhu, Yongqiang & Liu, Jiahao & Yang, Xiaohua, 2020. "Design and performance analysis of a solar tracking system with a novel single-axis tracking structure to maximize energy collection," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 264(C).

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