Photovoltaic system sizing for household use: effects of temperature, orientation and sun tracking

Abstract

As a contribution to the studies on techno-economic optimization and sizing of a standalone energy system, this study presents the optimal sizing of a Photovoltaic (PV) system based on various tracking configurations. In order to elucidate the impact of temperature coefficient of PV modules on the techno-economic results from the optimal sizing of a PV system, a comparison of tracking configuration with and without temperature coefficient is also presented. Results indicate that a PV system with no tracking device performed best in terms of economic metrics. As regards the level of annual electricity production, the PV system with two axis orientation had a superior performance if temperature effect is considered while the PV system with horizontal axis, continuous adjustment performed best if the temperature effect is neglected.