Comparative analysis of tracking mechanism benefit on the performances of flat PV technologies in the context of Burkina Faso operating environment

In this study, we seek to establish practical reference frames of comparison allowing to evaluate the potential and limit of production of the photovoltaic panels considering the used of sun tracking mechanism as a way to improve the harvesting energy. The objective is to identify the performances which various photovoltaic technologies can reach under the case of real weather conditions, in one hand, and under idealistic ultimate suitable case of 25°C cell temperature and the best radiation level provided through a clear sky at the specific altitude, in other hand. The study, starting from a predictive mathematical model of PV system integrating the effect of climatic conditions in the investigation of the performances at Ouagadougou (12.36° North, 5.41° East). The comparative analysis is done on annual energy output vs the tracking mechanism and on time series energy output vs the tracking mechanism. The study reveals that full tracking operated with BP 585F mono-Si solar cell is the most efficient case. Full tracking improved the harvesting energy by 14% compared to fixed approach whatever the used technology. Indicators have been highlighted that allows the yearly or real time estimation of each PV technology benefit.