Challenges in High Cloud Cover Regions
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Reduced Sunlight Exposure:
- Cloudy conditions significantly reduce the amount of sunlight that can be captured by solar panels, which affects the overall energy output of the system. This means that even with optimal tracking, the energy production may be lower due to diminished solar irradiance.
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Tracker Angle Optimization:
- Single-axis trackers aim to maximize sunlight exposure by adjusting the panel’s tilt, but under cloudy conditions, this optimization is less effective. Advanced controllers can help by adjusting angles based on real-time light intensity changes, but optimal tracking may still be compromised by reduced sunlight.
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Row-to-Row Shading:
- Although more related to the sun’s angle than cloud cover, row-to-row shading can be exacerbated by the trackers’ inability to maximize sunlight capture in cloudy conditions. This means that even if the sun is visible briefly, the trackers may not fully utilize these opportunities due to shading issues during low sun angles.
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Backtracking and Shading Prevention:
- To prevent shading, trackers may backtrack, especially at the beginning and end of the day. Under cloudy conditions, this backtracking strategy might not result in significant energy gains since sunlight is already limited.
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System Complexity and Maintenance:
- The need for sophisticated controllers to adapt to changing light conditions adds complexity to single-axis tracker systems. This complexity can increase maintenance requirements and costs, especially in regions with frequently changing weather conditions.
Overall, while single-axis trackers offer advantages over fixed panels by optimizing sunlight capture, high cloud cover poses significant challenges to their efficiency and effectiveness. Advanced controllers and strategies can mitigate some of these issues, but they add complexity to the system.
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/what-are-the-main-challenges-for-single-axis-trackers-in-regions-with-high-cloud-cover/
