Journal
IEEE JOURNAL OF PHOTOVOLTAICS
Volume 9, Issue 3, Pages 715-721Publisher
IEEE-INST ELECTRICAL ELECTRONICS ENGINEERS INC
DOI: 10.1109/JPHOTOV.2019.2892872
Keywords
Bifacial photovoltaic (PV) module; configuration factor (CF); irradiance; model; performance; ray tracing; single-axis tracking
Funding
- U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) [DE-AC36-08GO28308]
- U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) under Solar Energy Technologies Office (SETO) [30286]
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Single-axis tracking is a cost-effective deployment strategy for large-scale ground-mount photovoltaic systems in regions with high direct-normal irradiance. Bifacial modules in 1-axis-tracking systems boost energy yield by 4%-15% depending on module type and ground albedo, with a global average of 9%. This benefit is in addition to the 15%-25% energy gain already afforded by single-axis tracking relative to fixed-tilt deployments. Here, we compare model results against field performance data for two side-by-side bifacial/monofacial tracked systems-one in Albuquerque, NM, USA, and one in eastern Oregon. The Albuquerque system shows monthly rear irradiance gain of 10%-14.9%, and the Oregon bifacial system has an average performance ratio 9.4% higher than the monofacial system. Both results match bifacial irradiance model results within uncertainty. Simulations show that smart tracking algorithms can offer more than 1% improvement on annual energy yield by adjusting tilt angle under cloudy conditions. Finally, ray-tracing simulations investigated edge brightening, suggesting a 15%-25% increase in rear irradiance at the ends of tracker rows, but up to 20% loss from center-mounted torque tubes, creating multiple shadows.
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