Slope-Aware Backtracking for Single-Axis Trackers

Kevin Anderson, Mark Mikofski

Research output: NRELTechnical Report

Abstract

Closed-form equations of the true-tracking angle, backtracking angle, shaded fraction, and orientation angles of single-axis solar trackers installed on arbitrarily oriented slopes are derived. These slope-aware adjustments are necessary to successfully prevent row to row shading in arrays with nonzero cross-axis slope. A tracker rotation modeling procedure comprising these equations is provided.
Original languageAmerican English
Number of pages24
StatePublished - 2020

NREL Publication Number

  • NREL/TP-5K00-76626

Keywords

  • backtracking
  • grade
  • photovoltaics
  • shading
  • slope
  • solar energy
  • tracker

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