Photovoltaic systems with land constraints: the two-sided orientation as an alternative

In the Northern Hemisphere, fixed tilt systems, as a rule of thumb, face south for energy maximization per power unit. In relatively recent times, some solar parks have been mounted with two-sided orientation East-West in grounds and roofs. Several advantages are obtained: more energy and power per area unit, reduction of shading between panels, greater generation in early and late hours of the day and during the summer, less vulnerability to wind of the structures and better economic results, among others. The authors carry out the simulation with the meteorological data of a site in Cuba. They compared the results with those obtained from simulations with fixed tilt systems and different tilt angles and distance between the beginning of rows, and conclude that with the two-side systems, an increase in annual generation is obtained in the same area, as well as a 'smoothing' of the generation curve during the day. (author)