Feasibility of solar tracking and fixed topologies considering the estimated degradation and performance of photovoltaic panels

Abstract

Solar tracking maximizes the amount of electricity generated by photovoltaic (PV) panels throughout the day. Nevertheless, it is necessary to understand the effects of the topology on the degradation of PV modules. Thus, a methodology is described in this paper to predict changes in the degradation and performance over the lifetime of PV panels according to solar tracking topology. A technical and economic analysis of an experimental system built in UFSM (Santa Maria-RS, Brazil) is used to discuss typical configurations with and without solar tracking. Computational simulations were performed in the OpenDSS, Matlab and Homer programs for a period of 25 years. The results show an increase up to 2.43% in the accumulated degradation at the end of the simulated period by using a solar panel tracking compared to the fixed topology. In compensation, solar tracking increased annual electricity generation by an average of 20.87% proving that this topology is technically and economically quite feasible. • A methodology to predict the durability and performance of PV panels with solar tracking and fixed topologies. • A solar tracking system stands out as an excellent alternative to maximize PV energy generation. • Detailed technical and economic analysis between performance and durability relationship in a PV panels installation. • Fuzzy logic modeling as an innovative solution to find out the degradation rate of PV panels with solar tracking.