CONNECT WITH US
Climate & Energy

Climate & Energy

UNSW researchers find east-west ground-mounted PV shows less degradation than single-axis tracking counterparts

pv magazine Global logo

Published on

Add as a preferred source on Google
UNSW researchers find east-west ground-mounted PV shows less degradation than single-axis tracking counterparts

A research team from the University of New South Wales (UNSW) in Australia has compared the performance of east-west ground-mounted PV systems with that of conventional single-axis trackers (SATs), finding that east-west installations can experience up to 40% lower rates of certain degradation mechanisms.

“We investigated how improved thermal modelling can provide more accurate predictions of PV module operating temperatures and associated degradation rates, with a particular focus on the innovative Maverick east-west ground-mounted systems developed by Australian company 5B,” corresponding author Bram Hoex told pv magazine. “Heat transfer coefficients for the east-west system were found to be comparable to those of single-axis trackers, indicating similar cooling characteristics. However, east-west systems operate at lower module temperatures due to reduced plane-of-array irradiance compared with tracking systems.”

The Maverick system is a prefabricated, relocatable ground-mounted PV solution designed for rapid deployment with minimal on-site labor. Each modular unit comprises up to 90 solar panels mounted on frames that unfold in a concertina configuration, with modules tilted at 10 degrees. The system features preconfigured electrical connections, a compact footprint, high power density, and minimal ground penetration requirements, making it suitable for sites with limited usable land or challenging terrain. Its modular design also allows deployment on previously underutilized land, such as mine waste rock dumps. In 2024, the technology was deployed in a 16.9 MW solar installation comprising 342 Maverick units at the Jundee gold mine in Western Australia.

The UNSW researchers explained that the system’s low tilt angles enable greater ground coverage and higher energy density per unit of land, while its prefabricated design simplifies installation.


Source link
Related Topics:Climate & Energy

Disclaimer

We strive to uphold the highest ethical standards in all of our reporting and coverage. We TheMorningPulse.fyi want to be transparent with our readers about any potential conflicts of interest that may arise in our work. It's possible that some of the investors we feature may have connections to other businesses, including competitors or companies we write about. However, we want to assure our readers that this will not have any impact on the integrity or impartiality of our reporting. We are committed to delivering accurate, unbiased news and information to our audience, and we will continue to uphold our ethics and principles in all of our work. Thank you for your trust and support.