Sun Tracking Solar Panels: The Most Advanced Solar Trackers

Sun tracking systems, fixed with PV panels, enable the panels to precisely track the solar path across the sky and can enhance the solar power installations’ output by up to 40% in comparison with the stationary panels. Since 1980, the sun tracking devices are in the market; however, their advanced use in both domestic and commercial solar power projects has proved their enhanced capacity of capturing sunray. This advancement, although highly driven by commercial-scale solar installations, has transformed into reduced expenses and more genuine sun tracking solar panels for both householders and small businesses.

Stationary PV panels are mounted, either by the householder or the installer, at the ultimate angle for sun-based exposure. At southern regions, the sun declines from 78.5-degree in the summer to 31.5-degree in the winter; however, many rooftop systems depend on an around 52.3-degree declination, enabling for a 22.6-degree roof tilt angle. Sadly, in the northern regions, sunrays’ angle in summer differs from winter by over 60 degree, which implies focusing summer sunray makes winter solar power production slightly uncertain.

Sun-tracking solar panels solve this issue. A single-axis horizontal tracker follows the sunray from morning to evening, enhancing solar functionality amid the days of summer and spring when the sun is higher in the sky. However, this doesn’t work well in the northern regions, and so every setting along the horizontal declines the functionality the other 60% of the year.

Vertical axis trackers work well at higher climes, allowing solar arrays to track the sunray both at winter and summer declinations. Dual-axis trackers solve both the issues at a time, yet can be very costly including $3,500-$6,500 to the solar installation cost, with the smaller amount adaptable about 125 sq. ft. panels and the bigger helping 225 sq. ft.

Some dual-axis trackers depend on both vertical and horizontal pivots followed by a solar controller, same as that utilized for solar telescopes. These are so costly that they are basically used for commercial solar power systems which depend on a parabolic dish with a Stirling engine which generates power onsite, instead of being grid-tied. This exact tracking is also utilized in concentrated solar applications which need perfections for being efficient, in that the focal point on which sunray is controlled in near the reflector’s centre.

Solar Trackers can also be classified into active and passive solar trackers. The active one is operated by an electric motor that is activated by a solar controller and the passive one uses compressed gas which creates an imbalance in a chamber while heated by sunray and leads the tracker to tilt.

Previously, advancing technology was more important than prolonging outputs. However, now solar installations are profitable in growing the number of KWH supplied to the utility grid. But the advantages result in enhanced technologies in just cost-effectiveness.

The requirement of enhanced solar output has driven the solar tracking market from nearly 2%-25% in. In fact, the projections suggest installing more Solar tracking solar panels.

This growing dependence on sun tracking solar panels will also cause in advanced tracking technology, as the developers are still trying to get better ways of improvement.

Solar Tracking System

Solar Tracking System is a device for orienting a solar panel or concentrating a solar reflector or lens towards the sun. Concentrators, especially in solar cell applications, require a high degree of accuracy to ensure that the concentrated sunlight is directed precisely to the powered device. Precise tracking of the sun is achieved through systems with single or dual axis tracking.

These Solar Tracking Systems have an advanced technology which has importance in mounting photovoltaic panels. Stationary mounts, which hold panels in a fixed position, can have their productivity compromised when the sun passes to a less-than-optimal angle. Compensating for this, solar trackers automatically move to “track” the progress of the sun across the sky, thereby maximizing output.

But before we discuss further about solar tracking systems, we need to know; what exactly solar tracking is about.

Solar Tracking is an obvious way to improve the efficiency of solar power plants. As the sun moves across the sky an electric actuator system makes sure that the solar panels automatically follow and maintain the optimum angle in order to make the most of the sunbeams. Tracking the sun from east in the morning to west in the evening will increase the efficiency of the solar panel up to 45%. With almost no maintenance cost you can expect full return on your investment. That is why; solar tracking is a good way to increase and to produce solar energies than the other ways of doing it.

The various types of solar tracking

There are different ways in which one can do solar tracking. There are variations in solar panels or solar trackers. Before using them, one needs to know about the variations of the trackers.

There is a single axis solar tracking system, where the panels can turn around the center of the axis and can face the sun throughout the day to consume energy.

Then there is dual axis solar tracking system. Dual axis tracking is typically used to orient a mirror and redirect sunlight along a fixed axis towards a stationary receiver. But the system can also gain additional yield on the PV cells.

What is the point of using solar tracking?

There are many vantage points of using the solar tracking system.

Solar trackers generate more electricity than their stationary counterparts due to an increased direct exposure to solar rays.

There are many different kinds of Solar Tracker, such as single-axis and dual-axis trackers, which can help you find the perfect fit for your unique job site. Installation size, local weather, degree of latitude, and electrical requirements are all important considerations that can influence the type of solar tracker that’s best for you.

Solar trackers generate more electricity in roughly the same amount of space needed for fixed tilt systems, making them ideal optimizing land usage.

Though the maintenance cost is low, the maintenance function has to be authenticated on a regular interval, so that it can run smoothly. These are a bit complicated to handle. So one needs to learn how to handle them properly.

The Uses of Solar Trackers

A solar tracker is something which directs solar panels towards the direction of the sun. This is a special device which helps in changing the orientation of the panel and helps them to face the sun as it changes direction throughout the day; it helps them to follow the sun’s path.  There are single axis solar trackers and then there are dual axis solar trackers which has different uses and different advantages. But they all have to be directed towards the sun to preserve energy.

The Basic Advantages One Gets By Using Solar Tracking

• These trackers generate more electricity than the other stationery counterparts as it has a direct and increased exposure to the solar rays or the rays of the sun. As a result to this, these solar tracking systems have a ten to fifteen percent increase in the energy saving capacity depending on what exactly is the geographical location of the tracking system.
• In case of Solar Tracking systems, the utility of power which is generated is high during the day time than that of night. That is why; it is more efficient in gathering more energy during the peak times of the day. Using a tracking system actually means, you are maximizing the energy gain at the peak time of the day.
• Solar trackers always generate more electricity and energy but at the same time it takes the same amount of space needed for fixing a tilt system or any other energy trackers. It gives you the way to optimum land usage.
• There are different kinds of solar trackers. The most common among them are single-axis and dual-axis trackers, all of which can be the perfect fit for a unique jobsite. Installation size, local weather, degree of latitude and electrical requirements are all important considerations that can influence the type of solar tracker best suited for a specific solar installation.
• They are easy to maintain. Due to advancement of technologies and due to the durability power of electronics these solar trackers have higher longevity and it has a low maintenance cost as well.

But, there are also some disadvantages too in the crowd of too many advantages. It is always better to know the not so strong points of solar tracking systems before one starts using them.

• The primary thing among them is that, the Solar Tracking Systems are a bit expensive than the stationery counterparts. But this thing is also negotiable. If one wants a good and reliable source of energy, then one has to spend more.
• These are a bit complicated to handle. So one needs to learn how to handle them properly.
• Though the maintenance cost is not very high, the maintenance function has to be authenticated on a regular interval, so that it can run smoothly.

Solar Tracking is a very new thing in this arena. So it is always a good idea to know all the plus points and the negative aspects as well before they start using these trackers as providing goods.

Get All The Benefits From A Solar Tracker

Solar PV panels are commonly and elaborately known as Solar Photo Voltaic Panels which are mainly used to gather and save solar energies. These PV panels are used in preserving solar energies in such a way that if it can preserve energies for at least an hour then it can provide solar electricity for a whole year.

In photovoltaic systems, trackers help minimize the angle of incidence (the angle that a ray of light makes with a line perpendicular to the surface) between the incoming light and the panel, which increases the amount of energy the installation produces. Concentrated solar photovoltaic’s and concentrated solar thermal have optics that directly accepts sunlight, so solar trackers must be angled correctly to collect energy. All concentrated Solar Tracking systems have trackers because the systems do not produce energy unless directed correctly toward the sun.

There are too many advantages of using Solar PV Panels. The basic advantages are as follows.

• Solar energy is energy supplied by nature – it is thus free and abundant!
• Solar energy is especially appropriate for smart energy networks with distributed power generation – DPG is indeed the next generation power network structure!
• Solar energy can be made available almost anywhere there is sunlight.
• Operating and maintenance costs for PV panels are considered to be low, almost negligible, compared to costs of other renewable energy systems.
• PV panels provide clean – green energy. During electricity generation with PV panels there is no harmful greenhouse gas emissions thus solar PV is environmentally friendly.
• Photovoltaic panels, through photoelectric phenomenon, produce electricity in a direct electricity generation way.
• PV panels are totally silent, producing no noise at all; consequently, they are a perfect solution for urban areas and for residential applications because solar energy coincides with energy needs for cooling PV panels can provide an effective solution to energy demand peaks – especially in hot summer months where energy demand is high.
• Solar Panels cost is currently on a fast reducing track and is expected to continue reducing for the next years – consequently solar PV panels has indeed a highly promising future both for economical viability and environmental sustainability.
• Residential solar panels are easy to install on rooftops or on the ground without any interference to residential lifestyle.
• Though solar energy panels’ prices have seen a drastic reduction in the past years, and are still falling, nonetheless, solar photovoltaic panels are one of major renewable energy systems that are promoted through government subsidy funding (FITs, tax credits etc.); thus financial incentive for PV panels make solar energy panels an attractive investment alternative.
• PV panels have no mechanically moving parts, except in cases of –sun-tracking mechanical bases; consequently they have far less breakages or require less maintenance than other renewable energy systems.

Choosing a Solar Tracker completely depends on the size of the system, the constraint of the land, the electric rates and of course the most important things are the latitude and weather. So, before buying a solar tracker one should be attentive enough to choose the right one.

Solar Tracking Mount – 5 Types to Choose From

PV Panel or Solar Tracking Panel mountings come in varied sizes and shapes, which depend on the purpose. Some of these can be mounted over a pole for ease of tracking the sun all through the day. Read on to know about 5 of the main types of solar tracking mounts, and which one is ideal for your solar panel system.

Solar Mount Rail System

These can be used for tilted mounts or for flat roof mounts. Tilt mounts can be placed in the horizontal mode or in a horizontal posture, or in a vertical posture known as the landscape mode. This type of rail system is easy and versatile, and offers plenty of choices. Most of the common rail mounts are first attached onto roofs.

Side-of-Pole Mounts

These are designed for holding anywhere between 1 and 4 modules. Either U-bolts or hose clamps are used to mount these to the pole. Poles of varied sizes can be accommodated to the racks, which can be adjusted for optimal angle of exposure to the sun in 10 ° increments from 15 – 65 °. The size of pole is decided by the number of modules which have to be mounted.

Ground Mounts

These are possibly the most convenient way to have solar panels mounted. This type of mount looks like an A-frame. It is safest to get this type of structure attached to a slab of cement to keep it secure in position. These types of mounts have been designed to handle anywhere between 1 and 8 solar modules. Such kinds of mounts can be utilized for fixing solar panels to a vertical surface, a roof or to the ground. Some of these mounts are fixed while others have legs which can be adjusted or tilted. There are optional tilt legs of adjustable variety, which area available for panels of varied styles.

Vehicle mounted racks

These are also referred to as Boat Mounts or RV mounts, and can help you to attach your solar panels to places where and when you require them.

Pole Top Mount

These can easily be set up atop a strong pole, and are usually recommended for home solar arrays. Pole top mounts can easily be set up, and can keep solar panels off the surface of the ground and out of danger. These can easily be adjusted and can allow convenient removal of snow. But once snowing stops and the sun peeps through again, you will have to sweep snow from the panels. Naturally, you should consider you should have them placed and how high from the ground and how far from your home you would like to get them placed.

Roof mounts

These are great in appearance, but it is difficult to reach them for the adjustment of the angle. You have to consider whether your roof is sloped enough to allow maximum efficiency of the solar panels. You should also consider whether you need to tilt the legs in order to make your panels face the sun in a more perpendicular posture.

Two Major Types of Solar Tracker Systems

Solar trackers are special devices which consist of PV panels, which allow accurate tracking of the path of sun across the sky. These help raise the output of solar energy installations by up to 40% than stationary panels. Since 1980, these have been there. The increasing use of solar trackers in residential as well as commercial-grade solar energy products is due to improved and more efficient solar trapping technology. The rise is mainly pushed by solar energy installations of commercial-scale, but has helped lower expenses and made tracking systems more dependable for small businesses as well as home owners. Find out about the two types of solar trackers.

Single Axis Trackers

These devices are classified as single axis or dual axis. Single axis trackers generally move to the west from the east, and these follow the sun’s direction. These have only one angle which is used as the axis of rotation. Such kinds of trackers are able to raise electricity production by over 30%. These offer an efficient, simple and low-cost way to improve the functioning of solar installations.

Single axis horizontal trackers can follow the sun’s movement from morning to evening across the sky. These can optimize the performance of the sun during summer and spring seasons, when the sun is in a higher position in the sky. But their usefulness drops the farther one moves northwards, given that the variance of the solar angle is higher between the summer and winter seasons. The performance is diminished during the other times of the year by setting of the sun along the horizontal. At higher latitudes, vertical axis trackers operate better. These allow solar arrays or panels to track the position of the sun during winter as well as summer.

Dual Axis Trackers

Dual trackers consist of two rotation axis degrees, referred to as the primary axis and the secondary axis. These can move downwards or upwards to cater to the angles of the sun during winter and summer seasons. These also help in additional rise in the output of energy. The designs and angles of both kinds of trackers can be adjusted by engineers.

Azimuth trackers or Dual axis trackers can solve simultaneously both issues. However, these can be quite costly and add 3,500 – 6,500 USD to the solar installation cost. Those at the lower end of the price range can accommodate Solar PV Panels of around 125 sq. ft and those at the higher can support 225 sq. ft.

Dual axis trackers depend on vertical and horizontal pivots which are controller-guided, just like in solar telescopes. These are very costly and their usage is generally limited to solar energy systems of commercial grade which make use of a parabolic dish along with a Stirling engine which can produce energy in the site itself. This kind of accurate tracking is also utilized in focused solar application, such as mirrors which direct sunlight receivers and transform sun rays into heat. This needs the smallest amount of accuracy in order to be effectual.

The Advantages And Disadvantages Of Using Photo Voltaic Panels

Solar photo voltaic panels which are commonly known as the solar pv panels are the best way to gather solar energies. These panels actually help to preserve solar energy in an hour to a certain amount which can provide the necessity of solar electricity for a year.

Before using Solar PV Panels, an individual should be aware of the advantages and disadvantages it has.

There are various advantages of using Solar PV Panels.

• Solar energy is energy supplied by nature – it is thus free and abundant!
• PV panels provide clean – green energy. During electricity generation with PV panels there is no harmful greenhouse gas emissions thus solar PV is environmentally friendly.
• Solar energy is especially appropriate for smart energy networks with distributed power generation – DPG is indeed the next generation power network structure!
• Solar energy can be made available almost anywhere there is sunlight
• Photovoltaic panels, through photoelectric phenomenon, produce electricity in a direct electricity generation way
• Operating and maintenance costs for PV panels are considered to be low, almost negligible, compared to costs of other renewable energy systems
• Solar Panels cost is currently on a fast reducing track and is expected to continue reducing for the next years – consequently solar PV panels has indeed a highly promising future both for economical viability and environmental sustainability.
• PV panels are totally silent, producing no noise at all; consequently, they are a perfect solution for urban areas and for residential applications because solar energy coincides with energy needs for cooling PV panels can provide an effective solution to energy demand peaks – especially in hot summer months where energy demand is high.
• PV panels have no mechanically moving parts, except in cases of –sun-tracking mechanical bases; consequently they have far less breakages or require less maintenance than other renewable energy systems.
• Residential solar panels are easy to install on rooftops or on the ground without any interference to residential lifestyle.
• Though solar energy panels’ prices have seen a drastic reduction in the past years, and are still falling, nonetheless, solar photovoltaic panels are one of major renewable energy systems that are promoted through government subsidy funding (FITs, tax credits etc.); thus financial incentive for PV panels make solar energy panels an attractive investment alternative.

These Solar PV Panels have a few disadvantages too.

• Consequently, intermittency and unpredictability of solar energy makes solar energy panels less reliable a solution.
• For a continuous supply of electric power, especially for on-grid connections, Photovoltaic panels require not only Inverters but also storage batteries; thus increasing the investment cost for PV panels considerably
• As in all renewable energy sources, solar energy has intermittency issues; not shining at night but also during daytime there may be cloudy or rainy weather.

In case of land-mounted PV panel installations, they require relatively large areas for deployment; usually the land space is committed for this purpose for a time period of 15 to 20 years or may be longer.