As subject matter experts, we provide only objective information. We design every article to provide you with deeply-researched, factual, useful information so that you can make informed home electrification and financial decisions. We have:
Incorporated third-party data and information from primary sources, government agencies, educational institutions, peer-reviewed research, or well-researched nonprofit organizations.
We won''t charge you anything to get quotes through our marketplace. Instead, installers and other service providers pay us a small fee to participate after we vet them for reliability and suitability. To learn more, read about how we make money, our Dispute Resolution Service, and our Editorial Guidelines.
There are many unique ways to design and install a solar energy system for your property to power your home with solar power. If you''re considering a ground-mounted solar panel installation, you might be considering a solar tracking system so that your panels follow the sun across the sky. In this article, we''ll explain what a solar tracker is, the different types available, and how to decide if a tracking system is right for you.
A solar tracking system (also called a sun tracker or sun tracking system) maximizes your solar system''s electricity production by moving your panels to follow the sun throughout the day, optimizing the angle at which your panels receive solar radiation. Solar trackers are typically used for ground-mounted solar panels and large, free-standing solar installations like solar trees – they''re not used in most residential solar projects.
When solar panels are exposed to sunlight, the angle at which the sun''s rays meet the surface of the solar panel (known as the "angle of incidence") determines how well the panel can convert the incoming light into electricity. The narrower the angle of incidence, the more energy a photovoltaic panel can produce. Solar trackers help to minimize this angle by working to orient panels so that light strikes them perpendicular to their surface.
A single-axis tracker moves your panels on one axis of movement, usually aligned with north and south. These setups allow your panels to arc from east to west and track the sun as it rises and sets, increasing the output of your system without adding more solar panels.
Despite their high upfront installation costs and recurring maintenance costs, single-axis solar trackers can increase your solar system''s efficiency enough to make up for these expenses quickly. It''s important to install a single-axis tracking system on flat land in a generally warm and dry area.
A dual-axis tracker allows your panels to move on two axes, aligned both north-south and east-west. This type of system is designed to maximize your solar energy collection throughout the year by using algorithms and sensors that track seasonal variations in the height of the sun in addition to normal daily motion. Typically, dual-axis trackers (made by companies like AllEarth Renewables) are a much less popular option for solar installations, even among large, utility-scale projects.
Dual-axis trackers might be appropriate for some commercial properties – they can produce up to 45 percent more energy than typical static panels, helping businesses produce enough power to fuel their operations despite limited rooftop space for solar panels. Utility-scale installations usually don''t need dual-axis setups because they''re located on large plots of land without the tight space constraints of a commercial roof space.
Aside from single-axis and dual-axis solar tracking, we can categorize solar trackers based on whether they''re active, manual, or passive. The key takeaways: active solar trackers use a motor to move, manual solar trackers require manually moving them, and passive solar trackers use the sun to move.
Most tracking systems are active, meaning they use energy to run a motor or other mechanical device that tilts the attached solar panels the right way. Active solar trackers are generally more well-suited for large and complex installations.
Manual solar trackers allow you to physically adjust your panels throughout the day in line with how the sun moves. This type of tracker can be beneficial as they have lower maintenance costs than active or passive trackers. However, they usually aren''t very practical since they require someone to regularly move the panels to align with the sun''s movement throughout the day.
Given their lower accuracy, you can use passive trackers for simple PV systems – but not for much else. Passive solar trackers are also not as efficient in cold temperatures because the liquid inside the tracker usually takes time to heat up.
Solar trackers have various other components that help them operate, including an actuator, which is the motor that controls the solar tracking system. In addition to the solar tracking equipment, you''ll also need the photovoltaic (PV) equipment, which includes inverters, racking, and frames (which your solar tracker attaches to), and the PV panels with solar cells that drive energy production.
The biggest benefit of a solar tracking system is that it offers a boost in electricity production. Generally, a solar panel system with a single-axis solar tracker installed sees a performance gain of 25 to 35 percent. A dual-axis tracker bumps performance up by another five to 10 percent.
If you live in a high latitude where the sun''s position in the sky varies dramatically between summer and winter, a dual-axis tracking system may be a good way to maximize your solar production and collect enough power for your home or property. The best orientation and angle for your solar panels depend entirely on where you are on the globe. Learn more about your location and the best angle for your solar panels.
Solar tracking systems cost more money than standard fixed solar panel systems. This is because of both the additional parts needed and added labor to prepare a site for trackers.
About Rotating solar panels
As the photovoltaic (PV) industry continues to evolve, advancements in Rotating solar panels have become critical to optimizing the utilization of renewable energy sources. From innovative battery technologies to intelligent energy management systems, these solutions are transforming the way we store and distribute solar-generated electricity.
When you're looking for the latest and most efficient Rotating solar panels for your PV project, our website offers a comprehensive selection of cutting-edge products designed to meet your specific requirements. Whether you're a renewable energy developer, utility company, or commercial enterprise looking to reduce your carbon footprint, we have the solutions to help you harness the full potential of solar energy.
By interacting with our online customer service, you'll gain a deep understanding of the various Rotating solar panels featured in our extensive catalog, such as high-efficiency storage batteries and intelligent energy management systems, and how they work together to provide a stable and reliable power supply for your PV projects.
Related Contents
