Opportunities and Limitation for PV-Systems with a Delta East/west Configuration at Higher Latitudes and Sites with low Clearness Index

With the aim of a more balanced production pattern PV systems are installed in increasing number with in a “delta” configuration with module facing east and west with a certain inclination angle to the horizontal. The production patten of these systems should show a less “peaked” appearance around noon and improved generation in the morning and evening hours as compared to systems with south facing modules with the costs of a reduced overall energy gain. As both, the positive effect of a more balanced production and the reduced overall gain are expected to depend on location (by location specific incidence angles) and clearness index (by various mix of diffuse and direct irradiance additionally modifying the effective irradiance) the respective is expected to show a site dependence.