IDEAS home Printed from https://ideas.repec.org/a/eee/rensus/v212y2025ics136403212401013x.html
   My bibliography  Save this article

The future of PV tracking? An interdisciplinary performance assessment of a novel design with panel protection

Author

Listed:
  • Buchroithner, Armin
  • Visser, Lennard
  • Preßmair, Rupert
  • McClone, Graham
  • Kleissl, Jan

Abstract

PV trackers are among the most effective technological advancements to increase photovoltaic (PV) electricity generation and yearly energy yield without additional PV panels. In this publication, a novel dual axis PV tracking device with face-to-face solar panel protection is described. The analysis of the proposed system addresses three scientific fields and explains their correlations and mutual influences. First, PV tracking technology and its potential are reviewed in the global techno-economic context of the renewable energy transition and characteristics of the PV and tracker market. The current situation and trends in energy production, manufacturing and supply chain issues, as well as PV module life cycle assessment and recycling are discussed. Second, engineering aspects of PV trackers are presented with a focus on the novel design for a low-cost PV tracker incorporating a patented folding and tracking mechanism with a dual-use actuating system. Third, a PV yield simulation quantifies snow shedding and soiling reduction benefits of the proposed PV tracker, as well as the optional utilization of bi-facial PV modules. The proposed PV tracker is shown to be particularly beneficial in high latitude, high elevation, and high albedo environments. Other benefits include longer cleaning intervals in dusty regions and resistance to extreme weather events. Potential drawbacks of the design approach and next steps for commercialization are also discussed.

Suggested Citation

  • Buchroithner, Armin & Visser, Lennard & Preßmair, Rupert & McClone, Graham & Kleissl, Jan, 2025. "The future of PV tracking? An interdisciplinary performance assessment of a novel design with panel protection," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 212(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:rensus:v:212:y:2025:i:c:s136403212401013x
    DOI: 10.1016/j.rser.2024.115287
    as

    Download full text from publisher

    File URL: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S136403212401013X
    Download Restriction: Full text for ScienceDirect subscribers only
    File URL: https://libkey.io/10.1016/j.rser.2024.115287?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

    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. Chakraborty, Suprava & Haldkar, Avinash Kumar & Manoj Kumar, Nallapaneni, 2023. "Analysis of the hail impacts on the performance of commercially available photovoltaic modules of varying front glass thickness," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 203(C), pages 345-356.
    3. Ganesan, Kishore & Valderrama, César, 2022. "Anticipatory life cycle analysis framework for sustainable management of end-of-life crystalline silicon photovoltaic panels," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 245(C).
    4. Dida, Mustapha & Boughali, Slimane & Bechki, Djamel & Bouguettaia, Hamza, 2020. "Output power loss of crystalline silicon photovoltaic modules due to dust accumulation in Saharan environment," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 124(C).
    5. Patel, M. Tahir & Ahmed, M. Sojib & Imran, Hassan & Butt, Nauman Z. & Khan, M. Ryyan & Alam, Muhammad A., 2021. "Global analysis of next-generation utility-scale PV: Tracking bifacial solar farms," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 290(C).
    6. Al-Mohamad, Ali, 2004. "Efficiency improvements of photo-voltaic panels using a Sun-tracking system," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 79(3), pages 345-354, November.
    7. Muehleisen, Wolfgang & Eder, Gabriele C. & Voronko, Yuliya & Spielberger, Markus & Sonnleitner, Horst & Knoebl, Karl & Ebner, Rita & Ujvari, Gusztav & Hirschl, Christina, 2018. "Outdoor detection and visualization of hailstorm damages of photovoltaic plants," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 118(C), pages 138-145.
    8. Qi, Xiaoyan & Yao, Xilong & Guo, Pibin & Han, Yunfei & Liu, Lin, 2024. "Applying life cycle assessment to investigate the environmental impacts of a PV–CSP hybrid system," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 227(C).
    9. Liu, Feng & van den Bergh, Jeroen C.J.M., 2020. "Differences in CO2 emissions of solar PV production among technologies and regions: Application to China, EU and USA," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 138(C).
    10. 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.
    11. Ozden, Talat & Akinoglu, Bulent G. & Turan, Rasit, 2017. "Long term outdoor performances of three different on-grid PV arrays in central Anatolia – An extended analysis," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 101(C), pages 182-195.
    12. Bosch, J.L. & López, G. & Batlles, F.J., 2008. "Daily solar irradiation estimation over a mountainous area using artificial neural networks," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 33(7), pages 1622-1628.
    13. Zhu, Rui & Lau, Wing Sze & You, Linlin & Yan, Jinyue & Ratti, Carlo & Chen, Min & Wong, Man Sing & Qin, Zheng, 2024. "Multi-sourced data modelling of spatially heterogenous life-cycle carbon mitigation from installed rooftop photovoltaics: A case study in Singapore," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 362(C).
    14. 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.
    15. Abdulla, Hind & Sleptchenko, Andrei & Nayfeh, Ammar, 2024. "Photovoltaic systems operation and maintenance: A review and future directions," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 195(C).
    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. Vieira, R.G. & Guerra, F.K.O.M.V. & Vale, M.R.B.G. & Araújo, M.M., 2016. "Comparative performance analysis between static solar panels and single-axis tracking system on a hot climate region near to the equator," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 64(C), pages 672-681.
    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'Agostino, D. & Minelli, F. & D'Urso, M. & Minichiello, F., 2022. "Fixed and tracking PV systems for Net Zero Energy Buildings: Comparison between yearly and monthly energy balance," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 195(C), pages 809-824.
    2. Federico Minelli & Diana D’Agostino & Maria Migliozzi & Francesco Minichiello & Pierpaolo D’Agostino, 2023. "PhloVer: A Modular and Integrated Tracking Photovoltaic Shading Device for Sustainable Large Urban Spaces—Preliminary Study and Prototyping," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(15), pages 1-35, August.
    3. Sun, Leihou & Bai, Jianbo & Pachauri, Rupendra Kumar & Wang, Shitao, 2024. "A horizontal single-axis tracking bracket with an adjustable tilt angle and its adaptive real-time tracking system for bifacial PV modules," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 221(C).
    4. 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.
    5. 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.
    6. 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.
    7. Grażyna Frydrychowicz-Jastrzębska & Artur Bugała, 2021. "Solar Tracking System with New Hybrid Control in Energy Production Optimization from Photovoltaic Conversion for Polish Climatic Conditions," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(10), pages 1-26, May.
    8. 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.
    9. Marcos A. Ponce-Jara & Ivan Pazmino & Ángelo Moreira-Espinoza & Alfonso Gunsha-Morales & Catalina Rus-Casas, 2024. "Assessment of Single-Axis Solar Tracking System Efficiency in Equatorial Regions: A Case Study of Manta, Ecuador," Energies, MDPI, vol. 17(16), pages 1-19, August.
    10. Guo, Xiaopeng & Dong, Yining & Ren, Dongfang, 2023. "CO2 emission reduction effect of photovoltaic industry through 2060 in China," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 269(C).
    11. Dimitriou, Iason C. & Arsenopoulos, Apostolos & Trachanas, Georgios P. & Sarmas, Elissaios & Marinakis, Vangelis, 2024. "Assessing the adoption level of solar PV installations, on district scale of urban environment," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 237(PB).
    12. Filip Žemla & Ján Cigánek & Danica Rosinová & Erik Kučera & Oto Haffner, 2023. "Complex Positioning System for the Control and Visualization of Photovoltaic Systems," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(10), pages 1-31, May.
    13. 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.
    14. Ganesan, K. & Winston, D. Prince & Nesamalar, J. Jeslin Drusila & Pravin, M., 2024. "Output power enhancement of a bifacial solar photovoltaic with upside down installation during module defects," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 353(PA).
    15. Tamás Orosz & Anton Rassõlkin & Pedro Arsénio & Peter Poór & Daniil Valme & Ádám Sleisz, 2024. "Current Challenges in Operation, Performance, and Maintenance of Photovoltaic Panels," Energies, MDPI, vol. 17(6), pages 1-22, March.
    16. 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.
    17. 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.
    18. 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.
    19. Kerschbaum, Alina & Trentmann, Lennart & Hanel, Andreas & Fendt, Sebastian & Spliethoff, Hartmut, 2025. "Methods for analysing renewable energy potentials in energy system modelling: A review," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 215(C).
    20. Zhang, Zumeng & Ding, Liping & Wang, Chaofan & Dai, Qiyao & Shi, Yin & Zhao, Yujia & Zhu, Yuxuan, 2022. "Do operation and maintenance contracts help photovoltaic poverty alleviation power stations perform better?," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 259(C).

    More about this item

    Keywords

    ;
    ;
    ;
    ;
    ;
    ;
    ;
    ;
    ;
    ;
    ;

    Statistics

    Access and download statistics

    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:rensus:v:212:y:2025:i:c:s136403212401013x. 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.elsevier.com/wps/find/journaldescription.cws_home/600126/description#description .

    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.