Performance analysis of a double-sided PV plant oriented with backtracking system

Among the new technologies for the exploitation of the solar source, double-sided photovoltaic panels represent a valid high efficiency solution. These are latest generation photovoltaic panels that allow you to capture solar radiation even from the back and to obtain a greater production of electricity compared to traditional single-sided panels. The performance of the panel is higher, with the consequent possibility of reducing the installation surface. The paper defines a calculation model to analyse performances of a double-sided photovoltaic field, for both type of orientation N-S and E-W, in order to assess the effective increase in performance compared to a traditional system. Panels are equipped with a single-axis solar tracker, which changes their inclination so that they can have the best exposure to solar radiation. The study also focuses on the optimal tracking methodology, in order to reduce the losses caused by shading. The applied technique is that of "backtracking". We have seen that backtracking is not useful for bifacial panels, but only for mono-facial. In the work, a parametric analysis is also conducted to evaluate the increase in efficiency due to distance between rows of panels.