Solutions/Lusim

Vertical PV

Vertical photovoltaic systems represent a distinct class of PV installations, whose performance and relevance cannot be assessed using the same assumptions as conventional tilted or tracking systems. LuciSun provides technical advisory and advanced modelling services for vertical PV projects, supporting feasibility studies, comparative design assessments, and decision-making for non-standard PV concepts where geometry and surroundings play a dominant role.

Technical advisory and modelling services for vertical PV projects

LuciSun delivers dedicated simulation studies for vertical PV systems, addressing questions related to system relevance, layout design, performance assessment, and robustness under uncertainty. These services are applied across different regulatory and project contexts, including vertical PV installations developed on agricultural land and other constrained environments, and are based on explicit 3D modelling using LuSim as a core simulation tool. The approach has been applied across multiple vertical PV projects, including utility scale installations and systems deployed on agricultural land.

Vertical PV as a geometry driven photovoltaic system

In vertical PV systems, module orientation departs fundamentally from conventional south facing or tracking configurations. Energy production is highly sensitive to row spacing, module height, orientation, and the surrounding environment. Simplified plane of array approaches or generic transposition models are often insufficient to capture these effects. LuciSun studies explicitly represent system geometry in 3D to assess spatial variability and local interactions that strongly influence vertical PV performance.

Role of bifacial modules and rear side irradiance

Vertical PV installations are most often implemented using bifacial photovoltaic modules. In these configurations, diffuse and reflected irradiance contribute a significant share of the total energy yield, and rear side exposure becomes a first order performance driver. LuciSun modelling explicitly accounts for front and rear irradiance components, ground reflections, surface albedo, and environmental contributions, enabling consistent assessment of bifacial gains and their sensitivity to layout and site characteristics.

Land use constraints and agricultural integration

Vertical PV systems are frequently deployed on agricultural land, where land use compatibility, machinery access, and light distribution at ground level are important constraints. These systems are often considered in contexts similar to agrivoltaic applications, although with different objectives and design logics. LuciSun studies evaluate vertical PV layouts in relation to land use constraints and spatial light patterns, supporting comparison with alternative configurations such as elevated or tilted systems.

Sensitivity to horizon profiles, irregular terrain, and complex environments

Because of their orientation and production profile, vertical PV systems are particularly sensitive to horizon effects, irregular terrain, and surrounding objects. Low sun angles, seasonal shifts, and rear side exposure amplify the influence of terrain variability, vegetation, and nearby infrastructure. LuSim treats irregular terrain explicitly within its 3D representation, allowing LuciSun studies to capture complex horizon profiles and ground geometry consistently, including the use of LiDAR based representations when available.

Comparative assessment of layouts and production profiles

Vertical PV systems exhibit non intuitive daily and seasonal production profiles, often characterised by pronounced morning and evening generation and enhanced winter contributions. Annual energy yield alone is therefore not sufficient to characterise their relevance. LuciSun provides comparative assessments of alternative layouts and orientations, analysing energy production profiles, spatial variability, and sensitivity to design parameters in a consistent framework.

Validation and application in research projects

The modelling approaches applied by LuciSun for vertical PV systems have been exercised and compared within European research projects, including SERENDI-PV. In this context, LuSim was used for high resolution assessments of vertical bifacial PV plants, supporting comparative analysis and discussion of modelling uncertainties under real project conditions.

From simulation results to decision support

The outcomes of LuciSun’s vertical PV advisory services include comparative performance analyses, identification of key sensitivities, and inputs for uncertainty and risk assessment. These results support informed decision-making on the relevance of vertical PV concepts, their integration within specific sites, and their comparison with alternative photovoltaic solutions in complex environments.