Solar Panel Tracking Systems

Tracking systems are designed to orient your solar panels toward the Sun. They will add an extra level of performance to your solar power system, for a little bit of expense and complexity.

As the Sun tracks its course through the seasons, the best solar panel operating angle will change. The more directly the solar panels can face the Sun, then the more beam radiation they will receive. Tracking systems, by adjusting this operating angle, help maximize this beam radiation received.

When analyzing solar energy data, one can quickly see the advantage of a tracking system. We studied the State of Montana and found that summer time increases of 50% can be obtained. Spring and Fall months showed strong gains possible at 25% to 30%. Winter months showed an improvement of approximately 15%. The exact value of these numbers will depend on the type of system used and the installed location.

The most cost effective tracking for solar panels is a manually adjustable one axis system. The adjustability is on the horizontal axis, so the solar panels can rotate toward the southern horizon. By making seasonal adjustments to our solar panels we increased our performance by 20% in the summer and winter months.

To further boost performance we can add a control system to our one axis tracking. This is called active solar tracking, where the solar panels automatically rotate throughout the day. These systems provide the largest gains, up to 50% in the summer months. Performance remains good throughout the year as well, so for a little more cost they are worth investigation.

Two axis tracking systems are the most complex and most accurate installations available. With these systems, your solar panels have additional flexibility on their vertical axis (East to West). These systems are the most exact when it comes to following the Sun.

Two axis tracking is used with systems requiring high temperatures on the receiving unit. Usually these are systems with solar collectors designed for beam magnification. The most dominant applications for solar concentrators are currently thermal generating stations and stirling engines.

Two axis tracking is not ideal with photovoltaic solar panels. In reviewing the energy tables, a two axis tracker will gain only 5% more energy over the one axis system. The greatest gains are realized, then, with the one axis system. For the cost, complexity, and convenience most users are better off with a one axis system.

Solar power systems are developed for two primary purposes: heat and electricity. Adding a solar tracking system to your design is useful for either case. When it comes to making electricity with solar panels, a solar power tracking system will increase the production of electrical energy. When it comes to acquiring and storing thermal heat, it will help your system obtain higher temperatures.

If you desire an extra level of performance with your solar panels, a one axis tracking system is recommended. A manually adjustable system, such as Rotek, is a low cost solution and will provide modest gains. An actively controlled tracking system at moderate cost will provide very good gains. You will have to make a compromise between the upfront costs and desired performance when making this decision.

Related posts:

1. Solar Power Tracking Systems
2. Solar Panel Mounting Systems
3. How to Create Your Own Solar Panel
4. The Benefit Of A DIY Guide When Learning To Build A Solar Panel
5. Is Solar Energy Right For You?