Impact of Solar PV Tilt & Tracking on Carbon-Neutral Grid | Sciencefather #Researcherawards

Introduction

Arizona’s ambitious commitment to reducing emissions by 50–52% by 2030 and reaching net-zero emissions by 2050 demands transformative changes to its electricity infrastructure. Achieving a carbon-neutral grid requires comprehensive planning, integrating renewable energy sources and energy storage systems to replace conventional utility-scale generation. This study employs a MATLAB-based model using hourly electricity load and solar insolation data to evaluate the optimal configuration of solar PV systems and energy storage capacity. Unlike conventional studies that focus solely on maximizing solar capture via tilt optimization, this research considers the broader implications of PV tilt and tracking configuration on land use, storage requirements, and total system costs.

Methodology for Solar PV Assessment

The research methodology relies on high-resolution, hourly solar insolation data and electricity demand profiles to model the performance of various PV configurations. Using MATLAB, the study simulates multiple scenarios of fixed-tilt and single-axis tracking systems to determine the required PV capacity and energy storage infrastructure. By integrating land use and system cost factors, the model moves beyond simple energy yield optimization, providing a holistic framework to assess how different tilt angles and tracking options impact overall system feasibility for a carbon-neutral grid in Arizona.

Impact of PV Tilt Angle on Land Use

PV tilt angle significantly influences the spatial footprint of solar infrastructure. Results indicate that a 0° fixed-tilt system requires 438 km² of land (~0.15% of Arizona’s total land area), while increasing the tilt reduces land requirements to 287 km² for fixed-tilt systems and 221 km² for single-axis tracking systems. By linking tilt configuration to land efficiency, the study demonstrates how proper design choices can minimize the land needed for large-scale solar deployment, ensuring both environmental and economic sustainability.

Energy Storage Requirements

Achieving a carbon-neutral grid is not only about solar capacity but also about managing variability in generation. The study finds that a minimum of 320 GWh of annual energy storage is required based on typical meteorological year (TMY) data, rising to 430 GWh under 2022 time-synchronized analysis. This highlights the critical role of storage in balancing supply and demand, smoothing variability in solar generation, and ensuring grid reliability under high renewable penetration scenarios.

Economic Analysis of System Configurations

Cost optimization is a key component of the study, revealing that a 0° fixed-tilt system with energy storage presents the lowest total system cost at USD 218 billion. While higher tilt angles reduce land use, they may increase infrastructure and operational costs. Additionally, PV generation in the optimal configuration produces significant excess electricity (~80,000 GWh annually), a portion of which could support broader decarbonization efforts across all sectors, offering potential economic and energy efficiency benefits.

Implications for Carbon-Neutral Grid Planning

The findings provide actionable insights for policymakers, utility planners, and researchers. By linking PV tilt and tracking configuration to land use, storage requirements, and cost, the study establishes a comprehensive framework for carbon-neutral grid planning. This holistic approach allows stakeholders to evaluate trade-offs between efficiency, land use, and economics while supporting Arizona’s aggressive emissions reduction targets and providing a scalable model for other regions aiming for net-zero electricity systems.

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