Normalized performance indices estimation of photovoltaic technologies incorporating tracking system classifications

The present study investigates the in-depth normalized performance index (NPI) parameters based on IEC 61724 standard for seven photovoltaic (PV) technologies, incorporating seven tracking systems for Arunachal Pradesh, India, which falls under the subtropical climatic zone. The total monthly PV energy generated by PV technologies, optimal PV slope, PV azimuth, monthly averages of NPI parameters along with cell temperature of the considered PV technologies incorporating tracking systems are estimated. From the obtained results, it is found that the two-axis (TA) tracking system yields more energy output in all the PV technologies, while in all tracking systems, the copper indium gallium selenide PV technology generates more energy output. It is also found that the TA tracking system gained maximum annual average array yield and final yield for the considered PV technologies. The estimated range of annual average reference yield in the considered tracking systems ranges between 3.92 h/d (for horizontal axis monthly adjustment) and 5.44 h/d (for TA). In terms of losses, the TA tracking system experienced the highest array capture losses and system losses in all the PV technologies. Moreover, the highest performance ratio and capacity factor are observed in the TA tracking system while the lowest corresponding values are found in Horizontal axis weekly adjustment and horizontal axis monthly adjustment tracking systems, in order.