Tracking Systems For Solar Panels
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.
The amount of energy gained will depend on your location and the type of tracking system used. We looked up the solar energy tables for the state of Washington, and the difference between a fixed solar panel system and one with tracking was ~40% more in the summer months. The spring months showed a 25% increase, and winter about 10%.
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 often used with concentrating solar collection systems. Solar concentration is necessary when higher operating temperatures are desired. Thermal steam generators, pebble bed transfer systems, and modern Stirling engines are two such examples. If the concentrating collectors are not perfectly oriented with respect to the Sun, then their performance will greatly suffer. Concentrating solar collection designs, then, benefit most from the two axis systems.
Two axis systems are not so practical with photovoltaic solar panels. The tracking on the second axis provides only 5% additional energy when compared with the one axis system. For solar panel installations, then, it is more convenient to stay with a one axis system for most applications.
The primary applications for solar power are with generating heat and electricity. A solar power tracking system is useful in either case. The more energy we receive, the more heat and electricity we can manufacture. It’s that simple.
Solar power tracking systems are useful for anybody who wants to enhance their system performance. There is a tradeoff, however, with the additional cost and installation. For those who like simplicity but want a little extra performance, then a manual one axis system is a good way to go. For those looking for maximum energy production, then active tracking systems should be explored.