Poster Spotlight: What is Ray Tracing and why is it the future of yield modeling

Proposal information to include, objective, methods, results, and conclusion: Aim/

Objective:
Explore how 3D ray-tracing based yield simulation technology can improve the accuracy of PV project modeling. Learn how it differs from traditional 2D view factor-based modeling especially when assessing plants with terrain following technology and bifacial models.

Methods:
Ray tracing is a lighting simulation technique that relies on following individual light rays between the sky and the solar cell surfaces, taking interactions with the detailed 3D scene into account.

Results:
Ray-tracing based yield simulations take into account hilly terrain without limitations, speed is unaffected by geometry complexity, and is capable of taking in 3D models as provided by designers.

Conclusion:
Applying ray-tracing technology to yield simulation tools will revolutionize the way the industry solar projects by increasing the speed and accuracy of models. This improved information will serve all stakeholders from asset owners, financiers, technical advisors, and developers.