Comparative performance analysis between static solar panels and single-axis tracking system on a hot climate region near to the equator

Photovoltaic solar energy has been explored as an energy solution to the decline of energy production, as well as environmental concerns. However, generate electricity through the sun still considered uncompetitive freight to other sources, cause it presents low efficiency and high production cost. In attempt to make it more attractive from a financial point view, solar trackers has been used to increase the photovoltaic systems efficiency. Considering its facts, this paper aims to perform a comparative study between a static photovoltaic solar panel and a one-axis mobility panel, installed in the city of Mossoro/RN. The city in study is located in the Brazilian semiarid, under high solar radiation levels, in a dry climate and hot region, reaching high temperatures during the day. After assembly the proposed systems, were performed operating analysis and performance comparative study between the static and mobile systems, which allowed to conclude that the panel using the sun tracking showed a low average gain in power generated relative to the fixed panel to the region where the systems installed. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.