Research

Corrie Energy Partners began collaborating with UK universities in 2019. We work on closing the research gaps in dual-axis tracking and improving tracking solutions for high latitudes where conventional trackers are unsuccessful. These research partnerships complement our internal research capabilities to deliver the next generation of solar technologies.

Performance Forecasting

We have partnered with Sheffield University to develop a proprietary yield prediction model capable of addressing the complexities of intra-panel shading within an array. While some commercial software, such as PVSyst, can predict the base yield of conventional trackers, Corrie Energy Partners is a pioneer in designing a tool which can:

  • analyse and maximise the tracker array design and packing density (ground coverage ratio)
  • forecast intra-tracker shading to optimise control strategies and backtracking
  • optimise tracking ranges for unconventional trackers
  • optimise the system’s returns, including cost, electricity pricing, and yield gains

Closing these research gaps over the past few years has made the Corrie Energy’s model an innovative tool in the field of tracker design.

View Case Studies

Performance Forecasting

We have partnered with Sheffield University to develop a proprietary yield prediction model capable of addressing the complexities of intra-panel shading within an array. While some commercial software, such as PVSyst, can predict the base yield of conventional trackers, Corrie Energy Partners is a pioneer in designing a tool which can:

  • analyse and maximise the tracker array design and packing density (ground coverage ratio)
  • forecast intra-tracker shading to optimise control strategies and backtracking
  • optimise tracking ranges for unconventional trackers
  • optimise the system’s returns, including cost, electricity pricing, and yield gains

Closing these research gaps over the past few years has made the Corrie Energy’s model an innovative tool in the field of tracker design.

View Case Studies

Operational
Validation

Few international solar research institutes focus on dual-axis tracking, or possess the experimental setups needed to validate dual-axis data. To reduce technology risk for users and lenders, we are developing comprehensive datasets that mitigate risk and substantiate our value proposition. Our objective is to provide bankable, certified solutions that can be commercially deployed to significantly expand the solar tracking market.
 
The company has a number of testbeds in place or planned with partners, including those mentioned alongside.

Operational
Validation

Few international solar research institutes focus on dual-axis tracking, or possess the experimental setups needed to validate dual-axis data. To reduce technology risk for users and lenders, we are developing comprehensive datasets that mitigate risk and substantiate our value proposition. Our objective is to provide bankable, certified solutions that can be commercially deployed to significantly expand the solar tracking market.
 
The company has a number of testbeds in place or planned with partners, including those mentioned alongside.

Full Tracking Testbed

Assessing solar tracking performance with Southampton University at Chilbolton Observatory.

Shading Research Pilot

Evaluating solar panel efficiency in shading research with GreenCat Renewables.

Control Strategy Pilot

Comparing mono and bifacial technologies with Sheffield University for optimisation.

Condition Monitoring Pilot

Assessing the reliability of solar installations with Frazer-Nash Consulting.

Full Tracking Testbed

Assessing solar tracking performance with Southampton University at Chilbolton Observatory.

Shading Research Pilot

Evaluating solar panel efficiency in shading research with GreenCat Renewables.

Control Strategy Pilot

Comparing mono and bifacial technologies with Sheffield University for optimisation.

Condition Monitoring Pilot

Assessing the reliability of solar installations with Frazer-Nash Consulting.

Factors Influencing
PV Performance

The most cost effective way of improving any solar system is to maximise the conversion of light into useful energy. Trackers significantly increase the capture of light (irradiance) from any panel, which is why they say "no other single component increases solar performance as dramatically as solar tracking" (Green Tech Media).

Irradiance
& Weather

+

Available sunlight, temperature, and wind speed all affect PV performance.

Incidence
Irradiance

+

Turning panels to face the sun eliminates the huge losses from incident light being reflected off the panel. This is most important for direct light but our algorithms are programmed to also exploit diffuse light effectively on cloudy days.

Shading
& Soiling

+

Losses due to shading from nearby vegetation, buildings or adjacent panels reduce the effective light, as does dirt on the panel surface.

Cell
Temperature

+

Solar panels generate less energy when hot, so sunlight, ambient air temperature and wind speed all affect electricity production.

Module
Output

+

Module output is maximised by inverters carefully controlling the current and voltage across the panel, a calculation which principally varies with light and temperature.

Improve Your Energy Returns

Latitude40 can increase your returns by generating up to 30% more electricity per panel and improving average pricing by producing more electricity during demand peaks.