IDEAS home Printed from https://ideas.repec.org/a/eee/renene/v134y2019icp902-913.html
   My bibliography  Save this article

Assessment of cost-competitiveness and profitability of fixed and tracking photovoltaic systems: The case of five specific sites

Author

Listed:
  • Talavera, D.L.
  • Muñoz-Cerón, Emilio
  • Ferrer-Rodríguez, J.P.
  • Pérez-Higueras, Pedro J.

Abstract

Solutions that maximize the profitability and cost-competitiveness of photovoltaic projects are still necessary. Adding solar tracking mechanisms increase the energy production although it represent a cost reduction barrier. Therefore, the challenge is to balance the additional costs of trackers with yield increases. Due to the lack of studies that analyse when a tracker installation is more profitable than a fixed one, the calculation of the Levelised Cost of Electricity (LCOE), among other most common economic assessment criteria, is proposed for several locations and different configurations, i.e. fixed, horizontal one-axis and two-axis tracking, where local technical and economic parameters were used. The first result shows that fixed and one-axis systems are cost-competitive respect to electricity tariffs, whereas two-axis ones are discouraged. LCOE differences up to 213%, 240% and 262% for fixed, one and two axis systems were detected among the locations analysed, however, a better scenario in LCOE terms does not mean better profitability results. Under certain circumstances, with the same LCOE results, one-axis photovoltaic systems are preferred over fixed ones. Therefore it is essential to identify optimization strategies according to technical, economic and financial parameters, as well as to include the electricity tariffs as a strategic variable in the analysis.

Suggested Citation

  • Talavera, D.L. & Muñoz-Cerón, Emilio & Ferrer-Rodríguez, J.P. & Pérez-Higueras, Pedro J., 2019. "Assessment of cost-competitiveness and profitability of fixed and tracking photovoltaic systems: The case of five specific sites," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 134(C), pages 902-913.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:renene:v:134:y:2019:i:c:p:902-913
    DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2018.11.091
    as

    Download full text from publisher

    File URL: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0960148118314101
    Download Restriction: Full text for ScienceDirect subscribers only
    File URL: https://libkey.io/10.1016/j.renene.2018.11.091?utm_source=ideas
    LibKey link: if access is restricted and if your library uses this service, LibKey will redirect you to where you can use your library subscription to access this item
    ---><---

    As the access to this document is restricted, you may want to search for a different version of it.

    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Sumathi, Vijayan & Jayapragash, R. & Bakshi, Abhinav & Kumar Akella, Praveen, 2017. "Solar tracking methods to maximize PV system output – A review of the methods adopted in recent decade," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 74(C), pages 130-138.
    2. Singh, Rajesh & Kumar, Suresh & Gehlot, Anita & Pachauri, Rupendra, 2018. "An imperative role of sun trackers in photovoltaic technology: A review," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 82(P3), pages 3263-3278.
    3. Eldin, S.A. Sharaf & Abd-Elhady, M.S. & Kandil, H.A., 2016. "Feasibility of solar tracking systems for PV panels in hot and cold regions," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 85(C), pages 228-233.
    4. Talavera, D.L. & Muñoz-Cerón, E. & Ferrer-Rodríguez, J.P. & Nofuentes, G., 2016. "Evolution of the cost and economic profitability of grid-connected PV investments in Spain: Long-term review according to the different regulatory frameworks approved," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 66(C), pages 233-247.
    5. Lomas, J.C. & Muñoz-Cerón, E. & Nofuentes, G. & de la Casa, J., 2018. "Sale of profitable but unaffordable PV plants in Spain: Analysis of a real case," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 117(C), pages 279-294.
    6. Yao, Yingxue & Hu, Yeguang & Gao, Shengdong & Yang, Gang & Du, Jinguang, 2014. "A multipurpose dual-axis solar tracker with two tracking strategies," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 72(C), pages 88-98.
    7. Hoffmann, Fábio Moacir & Molz, Rolf Fredi & Kothe, João Victor & Nara, Elpidio Oscar Benitez & Tedesco, Leonel Pablo Carvalho, 2018. "Monthly profile analysis based on a two-axis solar tracker proposal for photovoltaic panels," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 115(C), pages 750-759.
    8. AL-Rousan, Nadia & Isa, Nor Ashidi Mat & Desa, Mohd Khairunaz Mat, 2018. "Advances in solar photovoltaic tracking systems: A review," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 82(P3), pages 2548-2569.
    9. Ruiz-Arias, J.A. & Terrados, J. & Pérez-Higueras, P. & Pozo-Vázquez, D. & Almonacid, G., 2012. "Assessment of the renewable energies potential for intensive electricity production in the province of Jaén, southern Spain," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 16(5), pages 2994-3001.
    10. Hammad, Bashar & Al-Sardeah, Ali & Al-Abed, Mohammad & Nijmeh, Salem & Al-Ghandoor, Ahmed, 2017. "Performance and economic comparison of fixed and tracking photovoltaic systems in Jordan," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 80(C), pages 827-839.
    11. Talavera, D.L. & Pérez-Higueras, P. & Almonacid, F. & Fernández, E.F., 2017. "A worldwide assessment of economic feasibility of HCPV power plants: Profitability and competitiveness," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 119(C), pages 408-424.
    12. Almonacid, F. & Rus, C. & Hontoria, L. & Fuentes, M. & Nofuentes, G., 2009. "Characterisation of Si-crystalline PV modules by artificial neural networks," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 34(4), pages 941-949.
    13. Muñoz-Cerón, E. & Lomas, J.C. & Aguilera, J. & de la Casa, J., 2018. "Influence of Operation and Maintenance expenditures in the feasibility of photovoltaic projects: The case of a tracking pv plant in Spain," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 121(C), pages 506-518.
    14. Branker, K. & Pathak, M.J.M. & Pearce, J.M., 2011. "A review of solar photovoltaic levelized cost of electricity," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 15(9), pages 4470-4482.
    15. Nsengiyumva, Walter & Chen, Shi Guo & Hu, Lihua & Chen, Xueyong, 2018. "Recent advancements and challenges in Solar Tracking Systems (STS): A review," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 81(P1), pages 250-279.
    16. Fathabadi, Hassan, 2016. "Novel high efficient offline sensorless dual-axis solar tracker for using in photovoltaic systems and solar concentrators," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 95(C), pages 485-494.
    17. Bakhshi, Reza & Sadeh, Javad, 2016. "A comprehensive economic analysis method for selecting the PV array structure in grid–connected photovoltaic systems," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 94(C), pages 524-536.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

    Most related items

    These are the items that most often cite the same works as this one and are cited by the same works as this one.
    1. D. L. Talavera & E. Muñoz-Cerón & J. de la Casa & D. Lozano-Arjona & M. Theristis & P. J. Pérez-Higueras, 2019. "Complete Procedure for the Economic, Financial and Cost-Competitiveness of Photovoltaic Systems with Self-Consumption," Energies, MDPI, vol. 12(3), pages 1-22, January.
    2. Zhu, Yongqiang & Liu, Jiahao & Yang, Xiaohua, 2020. "Design and performance analysis of a solar tracking system with a novel single-axis tracking structure to maximize energy collection," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 264(C).
    3. Jiménez-Castillo, G. & Muñoz-Rodriguez, F.J. & Rus-Casas, C. & Talavera, D.L., 2020. "A new approach based on economic profitability to sizing the photovoltaic generator in self-consumption systems without storage," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 148(C), pages 1017-1033.
    4. Hammad, Bashar & Al-Sardeah, Ali & Al-Abed, Mohammad & Nijmeh, Salem & Al-Ghandoor, Ahmed, 2017. "Performance and economic comparison of fixed and tracking photovoltaic systems in Jordan," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 80(C), pages 827-839.
    5. Rômulo de Oliveira Azevêdo & Paulo Rotela Junior & Luiz Célio Souza Rocha & Gianfranco Chicco & Giancarlo Aquila & Rogério Santana Peruchi, 2020. "Identification and Analysis of Impact Factors on the Economic Feasibility of Photovoltaic Energy Investments," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(17), pages 1-40, September.
    6. Espinoza, R. & Muñoz-Cerón, E. & Aguilera, J. & de la Casa, J., 2019. "Feasibility evaluation of residential photovoltaic self-consumption projects in Peru," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 136(C), pages 414-427.
    7. Pirayawaraporn, Alongkorn & Sappaniran, Sahapol & Nooraksa, Sarawin & Prommai, Chanon & Chindakham, Nachaya & Jamroen, Chaowanan, 2023. "Innovative sensorless dual-axis solar tracking system using particle filter," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 338(C).
    8. Moon Keun Kim & Khalid Osman Abdulkadir & Jiying Liu & Joon-Ho Choi & Huiqing Wen, 2021. "Optimal Design Strategy of a Solar Reflector Combining Photovoltaic Panels to Improve Electricity Output: A Case Study in Calgary, Canada," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(11), pages 1-18, May.
    9. Hua, Zhengcao & Ma, Chao & Lian, Jijian & Pang, Xiulan & Yang, Weichao, 2019. "Optimal capacity allocation of multiple solar trackers and storage capacity for utility-scale photovoltaic plants considering output characteristics and complementary demand," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 238(C), pages 721-733.
    10. Shabani, Masoume & Mahmoudimehr, Javad, 2018. "Techno-economic role of PV tracking technology in a hybrid PV-hydroelectric standalone power system," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 212(C), pages 84-108.
    11. Muñoz-Cerón, E. & Lomas, J.C. & Aguilera, J. & de la Casa, J., 2018. "Influence of Operation and Maintenance expenditures in the feasibility of photovoltaic projects: The case of a tracking pv plant in Spain," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 121(C), pages 506-518.
    12. Talavera, D.L. & Muñoz-Rodriguez, F.J. & Jimenez-Castillo, G. & Rus-Casas, C., 2019. "A new approach to sizing the photovoltaic generator in self-consumption systems based on cost–competitiveness, maximizing direct self-consumption," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 130(C), pages 1021-1035.
    13. Nurzhigit Kuttybay & Ahmet Saymbetov & Saad Mekhilef & Madiyar Nurgaliyev & Didar Tukymbekov & Gulbakhar Dosymbetova & Aibolat Meiirkhanov & Yeldos Svanbayev, 2020. "Optimized Single-Axis Schedule Solar Tracker in Different Weather Conditions," Energies, MDPI, vol. 13(19), pages 1-18, October.
    14. Jamroen, Chaowanan & Fongkerd, Chanon & Krongpha, Wipa & Komkum, Preecha & Pirayawaraporn, Alongkorn & Chindakham, Nachaya, 2021. "A novel UV sensor-based dual-axis solar tracking system: Implementation and performance analysis," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 299(C).
    15. Xuan Cuong Ngo & Thi Hong Nguyen & Nhu Y Do & Duc Minh Nguyen & Dai-Viet N. Vo & Su Shiung Lam & Doyeon Heo & Mohammadreza Shokouhimehr & Van-Huy Nguyen & Rajender S. Varma & Soo Young Kim & Quyet Van, 2020. "Grid-Connected Photovoltaic Systems with Single-Axis Sun Tracker: Case Study for Central Vietnam," Energies, MDPI, vol. 13(6), pages 1-14, March.
    16. Sebastijan Seme & Bojan Štumberger & Miralem Hadžiselimović & Klemen Sredenšek, 2020. "Solar Photovoltaic Tracking Systems for Electricity Generation: A Review," Energies, MDPI, vol. 13(16), pages 1-24, August.
    17. Pinheiro, E. & Bandeiras, F. & Gomes, M. & Coelho, P. & Fernandes, J., 2019. "Performance analysis of wind generators and PV systems in industrial small-scale applications," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 110(C), pages 392-401.
    18. Vaziri Rad, Mohammad Amin & Toopshekan, Ashkan & Rahdan, Parisa & Kasaeian, Alibakhsh & Mahian, Omid, 2020. "A comprehensive study of techno-economic and environmental features of different solar tracking systems for residential photovoltaic installations," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 129(C).
    19. Shitao Wang & Yi Shen & Junbing Zhou & Caixia Li & Lijun Ma, 2022. "Efficiency Enhancement of Tilted Bifacial Photovoltaic Modules with Horizontal Single-Axis Tracker—The Bifacial Companion Method," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(4), pages 1-22, February.
    20. Bahrami, Arian & Okoye, Chiemeka Onyeka, 2018. "The performance and ranking pattern of PV systems incorporated with solar trackers in the northern hemisphere," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 97(C), pages 138-151.

    Corrections

    All material on this site has been provided by the respective publishers and authors. You can help correct errors and omissions. When requesting a correction, please mention this item's handle: RePEc:eee:renene:v:134:y:2019:i:c:p:902-913. See general information about how to correct material in RePEc.

    If you have authored this item and are not yet registered with RePEc, we encourage you to do it here. This allows to link your profile to this item. It also allows you to accept potential citations to this item that we are uncertain about.

    If CitEc recognized a bibliographic reference but did not link an item in RePEc to it, you can help with this form .

    If you know of missing items citing this one, you can help us creating those links by adding the relevant references in the same way as above, for each refering item. If you are a registered author of this item, you may also want to check the "citations" tab in your RePEc Author Service profile, as there may be some citations waiting for confirmation.

    For technical questions regarding this item, or to correct its authors, title, abstract, bibliographic or download information, contact: Catherine Liu (email available below). General contact details of provider: http://www.journals.elsevier.com/renewable-energy .

    Please note that corrections may take a couple of weeks to filter through the various RePEc services.

    IDEAS is a RePEc service. RePEc uses bibliographic data supplied by the respective publishers.