Initial Results from a Grid-Connected 2-Axis Solar Tracking PV System at 65°N in Piteå, Sweden

• Main Authors: Persson, H., Kleven, O., Norton, M., Boström, T.
• Format: Text
• Language: English
• Published: WIP 2012
• Subjects: PV Systems; Large PV Power Plants and Distributed PV System Aspects and Grid Connection; Piteå
• Online Access: https://dx.doi.org/10.4229/27theupvsec2012-5av.1.50; http://www.eupvsec-proceedings.com/proceedings?paper=20244

27th European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference and Exhibition; 4020-4024 : This paper describes the initial results and experiences from a small grid-connected 2-axis tracking PV system that has been installed in Piteå. Piteå is located at latitude 65°N on the Swedish coast of the Gulf of Bothnia, one of the sunniest areas of Northern Europe. Simulations show that the yearly insolation on a 2-axis tracking plane in this region is comparable to Central Europe. Yet, there are very few grid connected PV systems installed this far north. The objective of the installation in Piteå is to provide more knowledge and experience on PV installations in cold and northern regions, and to show the economic and technical feasibility of such installations. The Piteå PV plant is a 19.8 kWp grid-connected system, installed on the grounds of PiteEnergi, the local energy company and owner of the PV system. The system comprises in total 136 m2 of modules, including mono-Si, multi-Si and CIGS thin film, distributed onto two 2-axis solar trackers. The two trackers use different tracking methods, astronomical and optical solar tracking. The system has been in operation since early 2012 and the results presented here are mainly from March – August, the months for which the system has been fully operative.