Abstract
In this chapter, we realize a comparative study between the use of bifacial modules and conventional monofacial modules in APV systems. To this aim, we carried out simulations using SAM and PVsyst software to evaluate the energetic and economic performances of an APV system installed in AGADIR, Morocco. This PV system has an installed capacity of 2.1 kW for bifacial and monofacial modules mounted on a Fixed Tilted (Optimal) and Fixed Vertical and Horizontal Axis Tracking (HSAT) structure. The structures are raised to a sufficient height above a wheat field, for which the estimated albedo variation is a function of their growing. Simulation results indicate that the fixed-tilt bifacial module produces an energy gain of about 6 and a 2% reduction in LCOE compared to monofacial modules. Similarly, a bifacial module with HSAT produces the best results. This system increases energy production by up to 20% with an LCOE of about $23/MWh and a capacity factor of 28%. Given the results, ground albedo is a significant factor in the variation in energy production in the bifacial system, particularly in vertical systems. However, the variation of albedo in APV fields depends on the crop and the season.
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Abbreviations
- APV:
-
AgriVoltaics
- BG:
-
Bifacial gain
- bPV:
-
Bifacial photovoltaic
- CF:
-
Capacity factor
- CAPEX:
-
Capital expenditures
- HSAT:
-
Horizontal single-axis Tracking
- LCOE:
-
Levelized cost of electricity
- mPV:
-
Monofacial photovoltaic
- OPEX:
-
Operating expenses
- PR:
-
Performance ratio
- SAM:
-
System advisor model
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Benbba, R., Akhsassi, M., Ait Si Ahmed, O., El Mouden, H., Wifaya, A., Outzourhit, A. (2024). Assessment of Bifacial Modules in an AgriVoltaic System Installed in Agadir, Morocco. In: Bendaoud, M., El Fathi, A., Bakhsh, F.I., Pierluigi, S. (eds) Advances in Electrical Systems and Innovative Renewable Energy Techniques. ICESA 2023. Advances in Science, Technology & Innovation. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-49772-8_3
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