Modeling PV Trackers on Undulating Terrain

Good Morning,

I am trying to model a PV single-axis tracking system on sloped terrain, is it possible to model this in SAM?

As well, can you force a particular tracking algorithm or angle onto the system?

Cheers,

Mitch

Hi Mitch,

For the photovoltaic model's one-axis tracking option, SAM assumes that all trackers are on horizontal terrain. It is not possible to model sloped or complex terrain. You can set the azimuth angle, tilt angle, and tracker rotation limit. The tracker uses sun angles to determine the tracker rotation angle in each time step. You can read more about how the tracking algorithm works in Section 5.3 of the Photovoltaic Reference Manual available on the PV Publications page:  sam.nrel.gov/photovoltaic/pv-sub-page-2.html .

Best regards,
Paul.