Comparative Modeling and Validation of Stationary and Tracking Photovoltaic Installations Using Real-World Systems

This paper proposes a manner of modeling properties of stationary and tracking photovoltaic installations. A SPICE-based model of such photovoltaic installations is proposed. With the use of this model, the properties of two photovoltaic installations located adjacent to each other are compared. The first is stationary, while the second is equipped with a solar-tracking system. The design of both installations is described. The results of measurements and computations for both installations are presented and compared. These results illustrate the daily changes in the generated power. These measurements and computations were conducted for selected days across four seasons. The energy produced by each installation in each month was also determined. The obtained results are discussed. It was demonstrated that the use of a solar tracker can significantly increase annual energy production, especially during months with a high solar trajectory. The presented research results demonstrate that the developed model provides accurate predictions of the performance of both photovoltaic installations and that their efficiency is strongly influenced by seasonal meteorological conditions.