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Maximizing Yield with Improved Single-Axis Backtracking on Cross-Axis Slopes: Preprint

Conference ·
OSTI ID:1669380
Many tracking PV systems avoid row-to-row shading by backtracking in morning and afternoon. Because the common single-axis backtracking implementation assumes the array is in a horizontal plane, it does not fully prevent row-to-row shading in arrays installed on cross-axis slopes. This paper simulates the effect of reduced self-shading on annual production with two modified backtracking strategies. Depending on the array geometry and the steepness of the cross-axis grade, using a modified backtracking strategy improved annual yield by 3-10%.
Research Organization:
National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), Golden, CO (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), Solar Energy Technologies Office (EE-4S)
DOE Contract Number:
AC36-08GO28308;
OSTI ID:
1669380
Report Number(s):
NREL/CP-5K00-76023; MainId:7092; UUID:f216390b-a347-ea11-9c31-ac162d87dfe5; MainAdminID:13352
Conference Information:
Presented at the 47th IEEE Photovoltaic Specialists Conference (PVSC 47), 15 June - 21 August 2020
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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