Evaluation of energy performance of single-axis tracking photovoltaic arrays
An evaluation of the energy collection performance of single-axis tracking photovoltaic (PV) arrays, relative to fixed-south-mounted PV arrays, is presented. Data from the first nine months of a one-year evaluation are available. The test configuration consists of four identical Zomeworks Corporation freon-operated trackers, each with a shorted reference cell and an ARCO Solar 16-2300 module operated very near its maximum power point. Two of the tracker mounts are fixed along the local meridian; two are allowed to track. One mount in each set (two mounts) is tilted at the local latitude (32/sup 0/); the other two mount elevation axes are adjusted according to a schedule furnished by the manufacturer. It is clear that the units operate reliably and are capable of delivering significant annual energy gain relative to fixed-mounted PV arrays.
- Research Organization:
- New Mexico Solar Energy Institute, Las Cruces, New Mexico
- OSTI ID:
- 5150878
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-840561-
- Journal Information:
- Conf. Rec. IEEE Photovoltaic Spec. Conf.; (United States), Journal Name: Conf. Rec. IEEE Photovoltaic Spec. Conf.; (United States); ISSN CRCND
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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