Performance Comparison of Fixed and Tracking Type Solar Plants

Abstract

Solar energy, which is essential for all on earth, is clean and plentiful and can be transformed into electrical energy using photovoltaic (PV) systems. The generation of energy using different types of PV solar panel mountings viz. fixed, tracking, and adjustable, depends on a variety of factors such as sun intensity, relative humidity, cloud cover, and heat buildup. This paper reviews the various parameters which influence the performance of solar power plants. Further, the performance comparison of fixed and tracking PV systems shows that in comparison to the classical fixed-position PV systems, the tracking type of PV systems capture much more solar energy and thus produce substantially higher output power. Furthermore, consideration is also given to design variables which should be taken into account during the initial stage of engineering of a plant to achieve better performances and outcomes from the generation of a solar power plant.