PV Tracker Facility

PV Tracker Facility

The PV Tracker Facility at DTU Risø Campus is a cutting-edge test site for bifacial and monofacial PV systems, designed to evaluate energy gains under various tracking and fixed-tilt conditions. Established in collaboration with European Energy A/S, the facility supports research on bifacial energy optimization, spectral albedo effects, and degradation modes in modern PV technologies.

Key features & infrastructure

 

  • 16 Trackers: 8 horizontal single-axis trackers (HSAT) and 8 fixed-tilt trackers (adjustable tilt).
  • Advanced sensor network: Irradiance, temperature, wind, and soiling sensors ensure high-resolution data collection.
  • Diverse PV panel configurations: Includes high-efficiency monofacial and bifacial modules with varying power classes.
  • Multiple inverters & data loggers: Huawei and Delta inverters coupled with Gantner and Campbell data logging systems for real-time performance monitoring.

 

Research & applications

 

  • Bifacial PV optimization: Analysis of tracking strategies, row spacing, and albedo effects.
  • Module degradation studies: Long-term monitoring of environmental impacts on PV performance.
  • Data-Driven performance modeling: High-frequency data supports AI-based yield forecasting and predictive maintenance.

 

With continuous monitoring, real-time data access, and industrial collaboration, the PV Tracker Facility is a key resource for advancing next-generation solar tracking and bifacial PV technologies.

Contact

Martin Bartholomäus, mabart@dtu.dk