Numerical assessment of energy generation from photovoltaic cells using the CM-SAF PVGIS database

The main objective of this article is to assess the legitimacy of using different tracking systems applied to the photovoltaic panels, for the city of Wroclaw (Poland), using 2 numerical tools: the CM SAF (Climate Monitoring Satellite Application Facility) and PVGIS (Photovoltaic Geographical Information System). In order to identify the solar irradiation, the CM-SAF database (based on the measurements of MFG – Meteosat First Generation – and MSG – Meteosat Second Generation – satellites) was utilised, while the PVGIS (Photovoltaic Geographical Information System) – to calculate the energy yield from PV panels. Particular attention was given to the optimisation of the annual tilt angle and the determination of the energy benefits from the implementation of the various sun tracking systems. Conducted studies showed that up to 30% more electricity yearly can be yielded after the replacement of PV cells with optimally fixed both azimuth and tilt angles by the 2-axis tracking system (179 kWh/m2 instead of 138 kWh/m2). Moreover, by the adequate decreasing of tilt angles in the summer time or obtaining the most favourable local solar exposure conditions, the supply curve of PV units may be significantly flattened, which may be beneficial when energy storage systems have low capacities.