Annual performance comparison between tracking and fixed photovoltaic arrays

In this paper a performance comparison is conducted between a new grid-tied PV tracking system and a fixed mounting grid-tied PV system with identical solar panels as well as the same rated powers in one-year period. These systems were installed at Florida Atlantic University (FAU) in Boca Raton, Florida, started operating in August 2014. First, an overview of the entire system is presented followed by the description of system architecture design. A detailed statistical comparison is done for four months in four seasons. At the end, the annual energy output of tracker and non-tracker units is extracted and analyzed. Two important performance factors such as annual power production of each array and the amount of system CO
₂
emission reduction are calculated. It is concluded from final results that the single axis tracker, which continuously tracks the sun from east to west during daytime, works moderately in south Florida region and therefore it requires more thorough researches to improve the system efficiency.