Performance Evaluation of Solar Tracking System Towards Crop-Light Demands in Agrivoltaic Systems

Solar trackers introduce complexity to the agrivoltaic system’s (AVS) design, installation, and operation. The movement of solar trackers creates shading patterns on crops located beneath solar panels. Certain crops can benefit from some shade, but excessive shade during critical growth stages can hinder plant growth and reduce agricultural productivity. Thus, this study was conducted to determine the capability of the common solar tracker system to suit crop-light demands. In this study, five PV system types including the fixed-tilt orientation system (FO), the east-west single-axis tracking system (EWSAT), the north-south single-axis tracking system (NSSAT), the vertical single-axis tracking system (VSAT), and the dual-axis tracking system (DAT) were evaluated. Based on the findings, the order of the solar radiation measured on the PV module is DAT > VSAT > EWSAT > FO > NSSAT. In contrast, the NSSAT system offers less light reduction on the ground than other systems. However, crop-light demands should guide the selection and modification of the solar tracking system. In addition, the PV structure arrangements should also be considered when integrating solar tracking systems with AVS systems.