# Comparing the Performance of Vivotless Tracking and Fixed-Type Floating Solar Power Systems
###### Abstract  
Floating solar power has a higher power generation efficiency than existing solar power generation methods. It is easier to secure in an installation area as well as to connect to other renewable energy sources. Floating solar power is considered an essential component for achieving carbon neutrality because it compensates for the shortcomings of existing solar power systems and maximizes their advantages. In this study, a performance comparison was conducted between pivotless tracking-type and fixed-type solar power systems. These systems were installed at the Irwol Reservoir in Suwon, South Korea, and monitored for comparison between May 2019 and June 2020. The tracking-type system generated approximately 14% more energy than the fixed-type system; the performance was maximized in May, which showed 25.63% more output power, and the performance was minimized in winter, with 3% more generated power. Owing to its pivotless structure, this system can be used in the solar industry.  
floating: solar power system; photovoltaic; pivotless; tracking-type; monitoring: renewable energy +
Footnote †: journal: Applied Sciences  
but also the operating cost for power generation [31]. Because it is installed on a water surface, the floating solar power generation system has additional advantages compared to conventional solar power systems. First, the amount of power generation increases because of the cooling effect on the module when the water temperature is lower than the outdoor temperature as well as light reflected from the water surface, which provides an additional amount of light to the power system [32,33]. In addition, it inhibits the occurrence of green algae in water by blocking sunlight and creating a suitable environment for spawning and breeding of fish [34]. Figure 1 shows a typical floating solar-power system. As shown, it consists of a photovoltaic module for power generation, pontoons or floats for floating PV modules on the water, a weight, an anchor for mooring, and power cables to deliver the electricity generated from the water to the ground.  
Generally, PV modules of solar power systems fixed on the ground with a specific angle have been used; however, recently, more efficient solar power systems that track the position of the sun in accordance with the time of day and generate more electricity than a fixed-type system have attracted interest. For the tracking operation, PV modules are installed on long horizontal supports with bearing-mounted pylons or frames; however, because of the weight of the modules, only a few modules can be installed on each pylon; hence, the economic burden of installing PV modules on a large scale is large [35, 36, 37, 38]. However, the installation of the tracking-type solar power system on the water can be a more effective method because of the distinct characteristics of the installation environment. The conventional rotary-floating solar power system rotates around the axis of rotation, and the pile must be fixed at the bottom of the reservoir, which increases the construction cost. In this study, a pivotless tracking-type floating solar power system was demonstrated. Unlike a conventional tracking-type PV system, it does not have a pylon to rotate the system and consequently, it can reduce the cost of construction and prevent any collision from floating objects. To compare the performance of the system, the conventional fixed-type floating PV system was also installed and analyzed. The pivotless tracking-type system generated approximately 14% more energy; the performance was maximized in May, with 25.63% more output power than the conventional fixed-type floating solar systems.