Project description
Smarter tracking to unlock solar power’s full potential
The use of photovoltaic systems is steadily increasing, but imbalances in production and consumption pose challenges to the energy market and hamper future development. While single axis trackers can help solve the problem, current control mechanisms are inadequate for challenging terrains and varying weather conditions such as clouds. Supported by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the ASTRA-RES project is designed to tackle this problem through the development of new and innovative tracking mechanisms that will improve panel positioning and increase efficiency without requiring additional components. Tested on over 10 MW of installed solar plants, the technique has the potential to increase efficiency and reduce costs.
Objective
Solar photovoltaics (PV) dominate new electricity deployments globally, but this growth causes a mismatch between electricity supply and demand that can disrupt electricity markets and limit further PV adoption. This challenge is mitigated by single-axis trackers (SATs), which rotate PV panels to follow the sun, creating a wider daily generation profile and increasing electricity output by up to 25% compared to fixed-tilt systems. However, standard SAT algorithms are inadequate for regions with variable terrain or frequent cloud cover. This leads to energy losses and lower profits, slowing solar deployment in otherwise promising locations.
This project aims to develop advanced tracking algorithms that maximize the power output of SAT systems in these challenging conditions. These novel algorithms are expected to increase energy yield by 1-4% with no additional hardware costs. The algorithms will be validated at scale on over 10 MW of operational solar plants in direct collaboration with industry partners. Model and field results will quantify the impact of advanced tracking on PV plant energy generation and profitability. The results will then be integrated into a European energy system model to demonstrate the benefits for energy system reliability.
By increasing the efficiency, profitability, and versatility of solar power plants, this project will accelerate the adoption of renewable energy and support Europe’s decarbonization goals. All models, algorithms, and datasets will be released as open-source resources, ensuring widespread scientific and industrial impact.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- natural sciences computer and information sciences software software applications simulation software
- engineering and technology environmental engineering energy and fuels renewable energy solar energy photovoltaic
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Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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HORIZON.1.2 - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)
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Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
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Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) HORIZON-MSCA-2025-PF
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Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
2800 Kongens Lyngby
Denmark
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.