Modeling Transposition for Single-Axis Trackers Using Terrain-Aware Backtracking Strategies

Nevados Engineering has developed a software program and accompanying modeling methodology which can be used in conjunction with industry standard photovoltaic performance modeling software in order to more accurately estimate the performance of trackers which employ terrain-aware backtracking strategies. Nevados has utilized this software to benchmark its proprietary terrain-aware backtracking algorithm against two other backtracking algorithms at one site in the United States. Results at the site indicate that a standard ground coverage ratio based backtracking algorithm would suffer terrain-related inter-row shadowing losses on the order of 6.7%. A common alternative to standard backtracking entitled artificial ground coverage ratio backtracking was able to recover 33% of this lost energy. The proprietary terrain-aware backtracking algorithm was able to recover around 63% of terrain-related energy losses,