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Being part of the IEA report working group has been a very insightful and interesting experience for us. At PVRADAR we always try to keep up to date with the latest research, collaborating with important industry partners. Participating as an author of the report has allowed us to be in contact with the group of international experts and to validate PVRADAR's value proposition.

Thore Müller
CEO PVRADAR Labs GmbH

About IEA PVPS

The IEA PVPS Task 13 report, Best Practices for the Optimization of Bifacial Photovoltaic Tracking Systems, offers an in-depth overview of the latest best practices and innovations in the deployment of bifacial photovoltaic (PV) tracking systems. These systems, featuring bifacial PV modules mounted on movable racks that follow the sun, have become the leading configuration for utility-scale PV systems worldwide.

Cost-benefit analysis of albedo enhancers

In Chapter 2.5 of the report, PVRADAR played a crucial role in supporting the analysis by estimating the benefits of albedo enhancers. The software allows users to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of applying high albedo solutions to projects in operation and under development. Through its technical and economic analysis, PVRADAR accurately modeled energy gains and compared them to the additional costs related to high albedo materials over the lifetime of the project. This analysis enables project developers and owners to make informed, data-driven decisions that enhance the economic evaluation of their projects.

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Key Take-Aways

Site Condition Analysis:

  • PVRADAR thoroughly evaluates the historic natural albedo conditions on the site to identify seasonal variations and establish baseline values.
  • The software considers the effect of soiling on albedo enhancement performance, estimating its impact on additional energy generation.

Energy Gain Considerations:

  • PVRADAR accounts for potential electrical limitations, such as inverter capacity or grid constraints, that could constrain bifacial gain.

  • By analyzing these factors, the software helps clients optimize the DC/AC ratio based on new albedo conditions for cost-effective system performance.

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Optimization of Albedo Enhancer Placement:

  • PVRADAR simulates various spatial configurations to identify the most effective positioning of albedo-enhancing materials.
  • Strategic placement of these materials is crucial for maximizing energy capture, especially in environments where every watt of generated power impacts the project's economic success.

Detailed Material Description

  • PVRADAR ensures a realistic cost-benefit evaluation by allowing a detailed description of the albedo-enhancing materials.
  • The software accounts for all associated costs, including material, shipping, installation, maintenance, and replacement.
  • The model also considers the material's performance degradation over time, providing a comprehensive analysis of its long-term effectiveness.