SOLAR-RADIATION ON MARS - TRACKING PHOTOVOLTAIC ARRAY

A photovoltaic power source for surface-based operation on Mars can of fer many advantages. Detailed information on solar radiation character istics on Mars and the insolation on various types of collector surfac es are necessary for effective design of future planned photovoltaic s ystems. In this article we present analytical expressions for solar ra diation calculation and solar radiation data for single-axis (of vario us types) and two-axis tracking surfaces and compare the insolation to horizontal and inclined surfaces. For clear skies (low atmospheric du st load) tracking surfaces result in higher insolation than stationary surfaces, whereas for highly dusty atmospheres, the difference is sma ll. The insolation on the different types of stationary and tracking s urfaces depends on latitude, season, optical depth of the atmosphere, and the duration of system operation. These insolations have to be com pared for each planned mission.