What is solar tracking?

Solar tracking is a smart way to make solar power systems more efficient. Unlike fixed solar panels that stay in one position, solar tracking systems adjust the angle of the panels to follow the sun throughout the day. This means the panels capture more sunlight, producing more energy.

What are the applications of solar tracking system?

The main application of solar tracking system is to position solar photovoltaic (PV) panels towards the Sun. Most commonly they are used with mirrors to redirect sunlight on the panels. Cross-Reference: Design and Implementation of High Efficiency Tracking System

How do solar trackers work?

Based on how they work, their motion/flexibility, and type of tracker they are classified as follows: Passive tracking devices use natural heat from the sun to move panels. Timed trackers use a set schedule to adjust the panels for the best sunlight at different times of the day.

How much does a solar tracker cost?

Adding solar trackers can significantly raise the price of a PV system installation. For instance, a standard 4-kilowatt ground-mounted solar system costs approximately $13,000. If you opt for a single-axis tracking system on the same array, the total cost would increase to about $20,000.

How much solar power does a double axis solar tracker produce?

The double-axis sun-tracking system may create 30.79% more solar power than the fixed-latitude tilt method. A solar tracking system that follows the sun’s path along two axes can produce 15.07 MWh per year at an energy rate of 19.08 kWh/kWp . The fixed-tilt PV and STS on the double-axis sun tracker produce 15.98 and 11.53 MWh, respectively.

How are solar trackers classified?

Figure 11 shows how the solar trackers are classified based on two types of control strategies, i.e. open loops and closed loops, which are based on tracking strategies, and unit tracking, which has passive and active solar trackers . Figure 11. Classification of solar trackers based on different strategies.