What is a Solar Tracker?
A solar tracker is a device. It moves solar panels all day. Its job is to keep them facing the sun. Fixed solar panels stay in one spot. But a solar tracker follows the sun’s path. This simple change helps panels get more sunlight. This makes them create more electricity.
A solar tracker system has a few important parts. The most important parts are the motorized mount and the control system. The mount holds the panels. The control system knows where the sun is. Software tells the system how to move. These parts work together. They make sure the panels are always at the best angle. This helps them make the most energy.
Most rooftop solar systems use fixed panels. But solar trackers are now the standard for large projects. In the U.S., large solar farms are using more solar trackers. They can increase energy output by up to 25%. This extra energy is worth the higher cost and complexity. This technology is a big reason why large solar farms are growing fast in the U.S.
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How Do Solar Tracker Systems Work?
Solar trackers help panels make the most energy. They do this by keeping them pointed at the sun. This is a step-by-step process.
First, the system has sensors. These sensors find the sun’s position. They send this information to a central computer. The computer tells a motor how to move the panels. The goal is to keep the panels facing the sun directly. This happens all day long.
New trackers are very smart. They use special software and AI. They do not just follow a pre-set path. Many can use weather data in real time. They can adjust for clouds or wind. They can also move to avoid shadows. This makes sure the panels are always at the best angle. It helps them make more power.
This smart movement creates much more energy. Studies from big solar farms show a 20-30% increase. These farms are in states like California, Texas, and Arizona. Solar trackers are a key tool. They help large solar projects be more efficient and profitable.
Types of Solar Tracker Systems
Solar trackers are classified in two groups based on their movement and working type.
Types Based on Movement
On the basis of movement, there are two types of solar tracker: Single-Axis Trackers and Dual-Axis Trackers. Lets discuss them in detail!
Single-Axis Trackers (SAT)
These trackers are the most common type on large U.S. solar farms. They move the panels on one axis. This is usually from east to west. They follow the sun’s path all day. A long pole holds the panels. The pole slowly turns to track the sun.
Their design is simple. This makes them affordable and very reliable. They are also easier to install and care for. They are a top choice for large, flat, sunny areas. Examples are the deserts in California, Arizona, and Texas. They can increase energy production by 15-25%. This makes them a great investment.
Dual-Axis Trackers (DAT)
Dual-axis trackers are more advanced. They can move in two directions. They follow the sun from east to west. They also adjust for the sun’s height in the sky. This allows the panels to be aimed at the sun perfectly all year long.
This precise movement captures the most energy. Some systems see a 30-45% increase. But this better performance costs more. Dual-axis trackers are more complex to build. They have more parts, so they need more maintenance. Because of this, they are often used in smaller projects. They are used where getting the most energy from a small space is the most important thing.
Types Based on Mode of Working
On the basis of working principle, There are four types of Solar Trackers:
Passive Solar Trackers
Solar trackers can be classified based on how they work. Passive solar trackers work without needing extra energy. They move by using the sun’s heat. This heat expands a gas inside the system. This expansion creates mechanical movement in the PV panels. For example, the sun heats up one side of the tracker, and the gas expands. This causes a piston to rise, and the panel tilts toward the sunny side. When the sun sets, the gas cools and compresses again. This allows the panels to rotate back to their starting position.
Active Solar Tracker
Most solar tracking systems are active solar trackers. These systems have their own energy supply. This power operates a motor or a mechanical device. This allows them to tilt the attached solar panels directly. Active solar trackers use light sensors. The sensors determine the sunlight intensity. The system then calculates the best position for the solar modules. These trackers work best for large and complex solar arrays.
Open Loop Trackers
Open loop trackers use controlled algorithms or simple timing systems. These are further divided into two types.
Timed Open Loop Sun Trackers
Timed open loop sun trackers adjust the position of solar panels. They use a preset schedule instead of real-time sensor feedback. They use a clock or timer to trigger movements. These movements happen at specific times. They follow a pre-calculated path. This path aligns with the sun’s position during the day. This type of tracker is simpler, more reliable, and cost-effective than closed loop systems. However, it may be less accurate when environmental conditions change. They are ideal for budget-conscious projects. They work well in areas with consistent sunlight. They balance better energy capture with simple system design.
Altitude/Azimuth Open Loop Sun Trackers
Altitude/Azimuth open loop sun trackers adjust the horizontal angle of the panels. This is called the azimuth angle. This movement follows the sun’s east-to-west path all day. They work based on pre-programmed algorithms or schedules. They do not use real-time sensors. These trackers are simpler and more cost-effective than sensor-based systems. They provide moderate improvements in efficiency. They are easier to maintain. They are ideal for residential and commercial solar installations. They offer a balance between better energy capture and simple system design.
Benefits of Solar Trackers
Solar trackers are changing large solar projects. Their benefits are more than just making more power. They are helping to change the way solar energy works in the U.S.
Higher Energy Production
The most clear benefit is that they produce more energy. They keep panels pointed at the sun all day. Single-axis trackers can increase a solar farm’s output by 20-25%. Dual-axis trackers can boost it even more, by 30-45%. This big increase means more electricity can be sold.
Better ROI
This higher output gives a better return on investment (ROI). Trackers cost more at first. But they pay for themselves over time. They make extra electricity. They shorten the time it takes to get your money back from a project. They also make the system more profitable over its life.
Optimized Land Use
Solar trackers also help use land better. They let a solar farm make more energy from the same amount of land. This is very important where land is expensive or limited.
These benefits are why solar trackers are a key part of the U.S. clean energy plan. They help power companies reach their goals more easily. The Topaz Solar Farm in California is a good example. The original farm used fixed panels. But newer farms, especially in sunny states, are now using single-axis trackers. This is done to get the most power and profit.
Challenges and Considerations
Solar trackers have good benefits. But they also have some problems. These issues help decide if a tracker is the right choice.
Cost Factor
The biggest problem is the higher cost at first. Solar trackers are more complex than fixed systems. They have motors, sensors, and a more complex frame. This extra hardware and labor raises the initial cost. This can be a problem for some projects.
Maintenance Needs
Another big factor is maintenance. Tracker systems have moving parts. They need more upkeep than fixed systems. Fixed systems have almost no moving parts. The motors and gears in a tracker need regular checks and oil. If a part breaks, the system stops. This means you lose energy production.
Land and Weather Concerns
Land and weather are also important. Trackers need more space between panel rows. This stops them from blocking the sun from each other. This can be an issue where land is limited or costly. Trackers are also more likely to be affected by strong winds and heavy snow. This can damage the system.
Because of this, solar trackers are best for large solar farms. These farms have a lot of open land. They are also in sunny places, like the U.S. Southwest. For home rooftops, the extra cost and maintenance are usually not worth it. For homes, it is often cheaper to add more fixed panels. Or you can add a battery. A battery can give you benefits similar to a tracker, but for less money.
FAQs About Solar Trackers
What is a solar tracker?
A solar tracker is a system that moves solar panels. It makes the panels follow the sun all day. Fixed panels stay in one spot. A tracker keeps panels at the best angle. This helps them capture more sunlight. It also makes them produce more electricity.
How do solar trackers work?
Solar trackers use sensors to find the sun. Motors then move the panels to face it. Modern trackers use software and AI. They can react to clouds, wind, and shadows. This smart movement boosts energy output by 20–30%.
What are the main types of solar trackers?
There are two main types of trackers. Single-axis trackers move panels from east to west. Dual-axis trackers move in two ways. They follow the sun east to west. They also adjust up and down. Single-axis trackers are common in U.S. solar farms. Dual-axis trackers capture more energy but cost more.
What benefits do solar trackers provide?
Solar trackers can increase energy production by up to 45%. They also improve return on investment. They help make better use of land. Many large U.S. solar farms use trackers. One example is the Topaz Solar Farm in California. Trackers help them get maximum power.
Are solar trackers right for homes?
Solar trackers work best for large solar farms. These farms have more open land. For most U.S. homes, fixed panels are cheaper. They are also easier to maintain. Adding a battery is often a better choice. A battery boosts efficiency at a lower cost.