Comparing measurements and simulations using an adjustable high-alpine photovoltaic array

We report on the design, commissioning, validation, and operation of a highly adjustable, fully automatic miniaturized multi-row high-alpine photovoltaic array, installed at an altitude of around 2’500 m. asl. in Davos, Switzerland. The 1:12-scaled field consists of three rows of seven back-to-back monofacial panels each (virtually bifacial), capable of independently and quickly varying row spacing, module angle, and ground slope angle within considerable boundaries. This allows to simultaneously record the real-world performance of a wide range of plant configurations at decently short intervals. A co-located full-size static PV installation featuring mono- and bifacial modules at differing inclinations is used to validate the measurement accuracy. The results are compared to state-of-the-art yield estimate simulations using the commercial software PVsyst. During the first experimental campaign in the winter half-year 2023/24, we observed higher than expected real-world yields (by 7 to 16%), likely caused by an underestimation of the Albedo in snow-covered surrounding. •An automatic miniature multi-row PV plant was built and operated at 2’500 m. asl.•Measured yields of high-alpine PV installations are mostly in line with simulations.•The high importance of correctly assessing Albedo values was experimentally confirmed.