Optimum Array Spacing in Grid-Connected Photovoltaic Systems considering Technical and Economic Factors

The performance and economics of grid-connected photovoltaic (PV) systems are affected by the array spacing. Increasing the array spacing implies reducing the impact of shading, but at the same time, it increases the land purchase/preparation costs and the wiring costs. A number of technical and economic factors are involved when selecting an optimum array spacing. Designers of PV plants often set the row-to-row spacing based on simplified rules, losing the opportunity of improving the profitability of their projects. In this paper, a comprehensive methodology for optimizing the array spacing is proposed. It is based on annual shading energy calculations and incorporates a PV energy yield model together with an economic model focused on investment costs. The method is applied to the climatic conditions in Aguascalientes, Mexico, as a case study. A sensitivity analysis allowed the impact of the technical and economic parameters involved on the optimum interrow distance to be quantified. According to the results, the most relevant technical parameters are the module tilt (often considered by the PV designers), the ratio of plant width to plant length, and the module efficiency. The main economic parameters are the land-related costs and the costs per kWp. The comparison of this methodology to a conventional rule based on the winter solstice condition shows differences in the array spacing for the same location when the multiple technical and economic parameters are considered. Therefore, the proposed method will be useful for PV designers to improve the energetic and economic behavior of their systems.