Comparative investigation of fixed and tracking the sun solar photovoltaic panels

Abstract

The aim of the research is to investigate and compare the amount of electric energy obtained using stationary fixed, and tracking the sun in two axes photovoltaic panels. For that, two photovoltaic panels Solet P6.60-WF-250 were stationary mounted on a fixed stand and directed to the south at the angle of inclination 42° to the horizon. Another two photovoltaic panels of the same type and size on a dual axes automatic solar tracker ST44M2V4P were assembled. The experimental investigation has been carried out from June to December 2016. During the time in every 2 minutes, the developed electric power of both devices was registered and the results recorded using HOBO type data recorders. Graphics for each of the days showing the dependence between the solar radiation intensity and photovoltaic energy conversion were processed and analyzed. The sun tracking panels developed maximum of electric power in the autumn. So on October 11, 2016 at the outside air temperature 4 °C their power reached 580 W and at the end of November at negative outdoor air temperature-2.2 °C they developed power up to 510 W. During summer hot days at the outdoor air temperature up to 30 °C, the panels developed power 440-460 W. On the hot day June 11, 2016 the max power did not reach 90 W. During the time of the experimental investigation - 142 days, two stationary working photovoltaic panels Solet P6.60-WF-250 produced 254 kWh electric energy, but tracking the sun 384 kWh or 1.51 times more.