Performance comparison between fixed tilt angle and solar tracking systems at Basra governorate: A case study

Abstract

Theoretical calculations and online system simulations using PVWatts and global solar atlas simulators, were conducted in this study to find the difference in solar power production between fixed solar power systems and tracking systems at Basra Governorate. The research included the analysis of geographical location and weather conditions and their effect on output power. The reliant power resource types and power generation of the southern region of Iraq as well as load demands were demonstrated and discussed in this research. Furthermore, the sun path, solar angles and solar radiations were considered in this study, in addition to the mathematical calculations of optimum tilt angles. The methodology used in this study was based upon theoretical and online measures of real-time weather factors, solar angles, solar radiations and model properties of the examined system. The results and factors of different systems including: peak sun hours per day, dc to ac derate factors, tilt angles, solar radiations and power production were compared to multiple similar research elements that were accomplished around the same region and some other countries. The study concluded that solar tracking system absorbs more radiations and produces an annual production of 15–30% higher than fixed tilt angle system.