Solar array with reference solar power plant for improved management

A method for managing a solar array comprising solar modules supported by single-axis solar trackers and arranged in parallel rows, the method comprising:

• calculating an initial orientation setpoint;
• controlling an angular orientation of a first reference solar module according to a first reference orientation setpoint corresponding to the initial orientation setpoint;
• controlling an angular orientation of a second reference solar module according to a second reference orientation setpoint corresponding to the initial orientation setpoint shifted by a non-zero offset angle associated with the second reference solar module;
• receiving a solar energy production value from each of the first and second reference solar modules;
• and
• controlling angular orientations of the solar modules other than the first and second reference solar modules according to a reference orientation setpoint associated with a reference solar module of the first and second reference solar modules having the highest solar energy production value.