Optimization of land development for single axis independent row trackers through strip cutting method

Abstract

Abstract: Single axis trackers (SAT) have always been of great importance and its discussions are becoming more and more apt for countries, like India, where the necessity of reaching at the lowest Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE) targets are on though the lowest bids are lesser than Rs.2.5/Wp due to lowering of PV module price. Since the requirement for lowering of LCOE will claim low project cost as well as increment in generation thus singles axis trackers play a very important role. For lowering the cost of trackers, manufacturers are optimizing their design and making the trackers longer so that larger number of PV modules can be accommodated under one actuator or slew drive. This phenomenon attracts larger requirement for land leveling. Therefore, the prime objectives of this paper is to highlight how land leveling analysis through strip cutting method is better suited for SAT in comparison with conventional methods.