Maximizing a solar plant’s total energy generation can result in a supply and demand mismatch in regions with high PV penetration. Adding east- and west-facing vertically oriented panels to solar farms can improve a site’s energy production curve, explains Sunstall’s Philipp Kauls.
While south-facing solar panels are the go-to option for large-scale solar sites, the strategic placement of east-west modules can complement existing systems, potentially leading to a more consistent and powerful source of renewable energy.
South-facing, fixed-tilt solar systems are the common design for maximizing total energy generation throughout the year, but the conventional approach can contribute to the “duck curve” phenomenon in regions with high solar penetration, such as California.
The duck curve refers to a mismatch between electricity demand and solar power generation. Solar panels produce the most electricity at midday, when the sun is high in the sky. Electricity demand typically dips during this period, however. Conversely, demand for electricity rises in the evening as people return home and use appliances, but solar power generation falls as the sun sets. The rapid increase in demand as the sun sets typically has to be met by traditional power plants, causing a curve resembling a duck’s profile.
Vertical east-west
Vertical solar panels, facing east and west, offer a distinct production curve that differs from that of traditional south-facing, tilted panels. While east- and west-facing modules may generate less energy overall, they can provide several benefits.
East-facing panels capture morning sun and west-facing modules capture afternoon rays, potentially better matching household energy-use patterns as they spread generation more evenly throughout the day.
generation profile of south-facing panels, supporting energy production when demand peaks.
Vertical orientation allows for rain and wind to wash away dust and debris more effectively, potentially minimizing power loss due to soiling.
In colder regions, vertical panels are less likely to be completely covered by snow, allowing for continued power generation throughout winter. In addition, snow reflects sunlight and vertical panels can capture some of this reflected light, potentially boosting winter production in snowy areas.
Balancing curves
The chart illustrates the benefits of combining a fixed-tilt system with an east-
west oriented Sunzaun system.
The blue curve represents the energy production from a traditional fixed-tilt system, which peaks around midday and features a sharp rise and fall in power out-put either side of that point.
By contrast, the orange curve shows the energy production from an east-west-oriented Sunzaun system, with generation starting early in the morning and continuing steadily into the evening and thus covering periods when the fixed-tilt system is less productive.
Vertical ‘add-powering’ with Sunzaun offers extended daily energy production, electricity generation during demand times, and easy integration with existing systems. – Helge Biernath, CEO of Sunstall Inc.
The green curve, which is the combined total output of both systems, demonstrates how integrating east-west-oriented Sunzaun panels with a fixed-tilt system maintains high energy production levels over a longer period. This results in more balanced and extended energy output throughout the day, maximizing productivity and profitability.
With a vertical solar system, it is possible to seamlessly retrofit existing infrastructure, leveraging current electroni components and avoiding the need for costly new investment.
“Vertical ‘add-powering,’ with Sunzaun offers extended daily energy production, electricity generation during demand times, and easy integration with existing systems,” said Helge Biernath, CEO of Sunstall. He added that these key features not only enhance overall energy production, but also ensure greater profitability and efficiency for existing fixed-tilt installations.
East-west-facing solar panels present a promising avenue for maximizing the efficiency of utility-scale solar farms. As the solar industry continues to expand globally, integrating this innovative approach has the potential to significantly enhance overall energy production. By strategically incorporating east-west panels alongside traditional south-facing systems, solar farms can generate more consistent power throughout the day, contributing to more reliable and resilient renewable energy infrastructure.
This article was originally published in the 2024 September issue of pv magazine USA.