You can increase your solar panel’s output by using solar trackers, which allow them to follow the sun’s movement in the sky, exactly like a sunflower does. However, solar tracking systems are rather expensive.
Is the increased expense of a solar tracker worth the additional solar power output that it provides? For the most part, it’s better to just add more solar panels.
What exactly is a solar tracker, and how does it work?
The output of solar panels and solar receivers can be increased with the aid of solar trackers. Tracking the movement of the sun as it moves from east to west every day, a Solar Tracker is a device that does just that. Solar Trackers are devices that follow the sun’s path across the sky, ensuring that solar collectors and solar panels are always pointed directly at the sun. The quantity of solar energy captured by the solar collector and converted into heat or power is increased when Solar Trackers are used. Solar Trackers can enhance the economics of a solar panel installation by 20% to 30% by increasing the production of solar panels.
Single-axis solar trackers and Dual-axis solar trackers are the two most common types of solar trackers available on the market.
Single-axis solar trackers: Single-axis solar trackers follow the sun from east to west, rotating around a single point, and moving in unison, by panel row, or by section, depending on the configuration.
Dual-axis solar trackers: As the sun moves from east to west, this tracker not only measures its progress, but it also tracks its progress as it goes from north to south. Due to the fact that Dual axis trackers are more popular among residential and small commercial solar projects with limited space, they are able to produce enough power to meet their energy requirements.
Industrial Growth Of Solar Tracker
From 2021 to 2027, the Solar Tracker Market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of over 5.3%. By 2027, global exports are predicted to reach 48 GW. The market data for solar tracker devices will grow as more money is invested in renewable energy technologies and as electricity demand rises.
According to the worldwide solar tracker market research report, the top players are Array Technologies Inc., Abengoa Solar, Trina Solar, SOLTEC, Titan Trackers, ArcTech Solar, and NEXTracker.
Using a solar tracker has its advantages and disadvantages.
The advantages of solar trackers are as follows:
- In comparison to stationary solar arrays, tracking systems produce higher amounts of energy output since they are able to track the sun’s movement.
- Due to the wide range of trackers available from manufacturers such as Allearth Solar and First Sunergy, it is possible to choose a device that is ideal for your specific requirements.
- The use of solar trackers is especially advantageous in locations where power costs are based on time of use.
You won’t have to pay for grid electricity when it’s most expensive because you’ll be able to produce more during peak hours, saving you money.
Solar trackers have some disadvantages.
- A solar tracker is an extremely expensive addition to a project that can potentially treble its cost.
- Because solar trackers are composed of moving parts, they are more prone to malfunctioning. Increased maintenance expenditures are a result of this.
- If you decide to install trackers, you may need to do more site planning and preparation, which may include constructing more wiring trenches and grading the ground more extensively.