A 1-year, side-by-side comparison of: static; 1-axis tracking; and V-trough mirror-assisted grid-connected PV modules in a desert environment

3 carefully-matched grid-connected PV systems were operated side-by-side and continuously. One was equator-facing at fixed tilt angle=latitude. The second tracked the sun E/spl rarr/W about a horizontal axis. The third employed a similar tracking strategy to the second but used V-trough mirror enhancement. Each system consisted of two series-connected Solarex SX146 photovoltaic modules which fed an NKF OK4E-100 inverter and thence the electricity grid. The paper discusses the circumstances (time of day, season of year, etc.) under which each type of system is significantly superior to the others.