Shading and land use in regularly-spaced sun-tracking collectors

•A parameter space defining layouts of regularly-spaced collectors is presented.•A methodology for discretising this parameter is defined.•Shading associated with new layouts is simulated in a case study.•Results show a trend in optimum array parameters as a function of collector density.•A correlation between layout parameters and layout density is presented.

We present a new methodology for defining regularly-spaced collector layouts for the purpose of simulating annual system cost in two-axis sun-tracking collector arrays, such as those comprising solar-thermal dish collectors or two-axis tracking PV. We thoroughly consider all layout combinations of aspect ratio, offset, ground-cover-ratio, and rotation. Collector position is optimised to reduce annual shading for a range of collector densities for the site of Barstow, California. Optimal layouts are rectangular in shape for ground cover ratios less than 0.23. Diamond layouts collect up to 1.4% more absolute annual solar energy for higher ground cover ratios. From these results, a correlation for determining optimal array layouts subject to the chosen position-dependent cost function is presented. This approach can be used for design of large arrays of two-axis sun-tracking collectors where collector position and costs proportional to land use affect levelised plant cost.