Comparison of operating parameters in grid connected photovoltaic systems with Single/Double sun-trackers at different latitudes

The paper presents a comparison between the operating parameters of grid connected photovoltaic systems with various sun-trackers at different latitudes. A 9.6 kWp double-axis tracking PV plant, installed at ENEA research Centre of Portici (Naples) and a 49 kWp single-axis sun tracking PV plant, sited close to Saluzzo (Cuneo), have been considered. Although the experimental results show a remarkable increment in the performance for the South Italy site (≈ 30%), due to both the location and the double axis tracker, the North Italy site almost counterbalances this drawback in the economic analysis, since both the installation cost (≈ 20%) and the operation & maintenance cost (≈ 30%) are significantly lower.