Do you know how to position your solar PV panels for optimal sunlight exposure? That’s all thanks to solar trackers that follow the sun’s path throughout the day! Solar tracking systems adjust the orientation so that the solar panel is always aligned with the position of the sun. Surprisingly, placing the panel perpendicular to the sun allows it to receive more sunlight. The panel can capture more solar energy because less light is reflected. The narrower the panel, the more solar energy it absorbs. The angle of incidence, the more electricity a solar PV panel produces. The most common use of a solar tracking system is to align solar PV panels perpendicular to the sun. It also helps position space telescopes.
Solar tracking systems (solar trackers or solar tracking systems) increase the power generation of a solar system by repositioning the solar panel so that it follows the sun throughout the day, optimizing the angle at which the solar panel collects solar radiation. Solar trackers are commonly used for ground-mounted solar panels and large, free-standing solar installations, such as solar trees; they are not commonly used in domestic solar projects.
Let’s look at the different types of solar trackers and see how they each work to maximize energy yield:
Single-Axis Solar Tracker: Imagine your solar panel following the sun like a sunflower, from the first light of dawn to the last rays of dusk. Single-axis solar trackers do just that, moving your solar panels from east to west as the day progresses. This simple yet effective move significantly increases the amount of solar energy captured throughout the day, ensuring you get the most out of your solar installation.
Dual-Axis Solar Tracker: Dual-axis solar trackers take solar tracking to the next level, providing 360-degree flexibility by moving in both east-west and north-south directions. This allows your solar panels to track the sun’s path across the sky all year round, adapting to seasonal changes and optimizing energy output no matter where you are. It’s like having a solar system that’s always in the perfect position to ensure consistent, reliable performance in any climate.
Active Solar Tracking Systems: Active solar trackers are like smart assistants in the solar world. They use small amounts of energy to power motors that precisely tilt the solar panels to always find the sunniest spot in the sky. Equipped with light sensors, these systems automatically adjust to the optimal angle, making them ideal for large, complex solar arrays where maximizing energy yield is critical.
Passive Solar Tracking System: A passive solar tracker is a type of solar tracker that works without the need for additional energy. They cleverly use the sun’s heat to warm the gas inside, which expands and moves the panel toward the light. As the temperature drops during the day, the gas contracts and the panels gently reset themselves, ready to capture the first rays of the next sunrise. Ideal for small or remote installations, these trackers are a low-maintenance, energy-efficient solution for tracking solar energy.
Are Solar Tracking Systems Worth It?
Solar tracking systems are very useful for installations in areas where solar energy accessibility is acceptable. You should consider installing solar trackers so that your solar panels can receive sunlight throughout the day. Solar tracking can significantly increase the power output of both ground-mounted and roof-mounted installations. However, these devices only work with certain solar panel installations. Before deciding on solar tracking, consider climate, space, and shading.
Solar tracker devices are ideal for facilities where space is limited and energy demands are high. Since the sun moves throughout the year, these tracking systems are best suited for facilities at high latitudes. Solar tracking systems are also often used in large commercial projects. Depending on the climate and location of your facility, solar trackers can be very useful.
What are some methods for tracking the sun?
When a solar panel is exposed to sunlight, the angle at which the sun’s rays strike the solar panel’s surface (called the “angle of incidence”) affects how efficiently the solar panel converts the incoming sunlight into electricity. The smaller the angle of incidence, the more energy the solar panel produces. Solar trackers attempt to reduce the angle of incidence by adjusting the orientation of the solar panels so that the light hits the panels perpendicular to the surface of the solar panels.
Passive trackers rely solely on the sun’s heat to guide and move the tracker. The tracker moves in response to the sun’s heat imbalance via a low boiling point compressed gas fluid. Active trackers use a controller to direct the movement of a motor based on the position of the sun. As a sensor component, light dependent resistors (LDRs) are used in active solar trackers. The output difference is used to generate an error signal. The processor uses the time/date and geographic information to calculate the sun’s position and send a signal to the motor direction.
High-end solar trackers also include a feedback system that sends output signals from various processes as inputs back to the controlled system. In this way, faults can be corrected and system interruptions can be compensated.
What sensors are used for solar tracking?
Solar tracking systems are designed to adjust the orientation of solar panels so that they follow the movement of the sun across the sky, thereby maximizing the amount of energy captured. Below is a detailed look at how these systems work and the sensors involved in the different tracking mechanisms.
Single-axis trackers
Single-axis trackers are used to align solar panels, trough panels, or linear Fresnel collectors in a north-south direction from east to west. Depending on the tracking accuracy required, a variety of sensors can be used:
1. Inductive sensors
• Function: These sensors are often mounted on electric linear actuators to provide position feedback.
• Why choose: They are low cost and often come as a standard component of the actuator.
2. Tilt sensors
• Function: These sensors are placed directly on the rotating shaft, providing angular feedback (commonly used in linear Fresnel plants).
• Challenges: Since the inclinometer cable is mounted on a moving part, the cable can wear over time, which can lead to failure.
3. Magnetic tape systems
• Function: Used as a rotary encoder in trough plants, the magnetic tape is wrapped around the shaft and the sensor head is mounted on the frame of the tracker.
• Why choose: The system provides precise position feedback, is wear-free, and ensures high-end tracking capabilities.
Dual-axis trackers
Dual-axis trackers are used to position concentrated photovoltaic (CPV) solar power systems, which consist of solar panels, parabolic reflectors (dish antennas), and mirrors (heliostats). These systems are critical for applications that require high accuracy, such as central receiver plants.
1. High Accuracy Requirements
Central Receiver Plants: These power plants require high temperatures and must focus a large amount of sunlight onto a central receiver located atop a tower in the middle of a heliostat field.
2. Position Feedback Systems
Elevation and Azimuth Axis: Since dual-axis trackers have an azimuth (horizontal rotation) axis and an elevation (vertical rotation) axis, two feedback systems are required.
Tilt: These sensors can calculate elevation, but not azimuth.
Rotary Encoders: Rotary encoders embedded directly on the drive can be used for position determination, but backlash may affect accuracy.
Magnetic Encoded Measurement Systems: These systems are mounted on the azimuth and elevation axes and provide the most accurate direct position feedback, which is critical when the heliostats are located far from the central receiver.
In short, a solar tracker angles a solar panel to the sun. It is an innovative sun-tracking device that utilizes rotating solar panels to follow the sun’s movement across the sky. It allows the solar panel system to capture the most sunlight and maximize energy output.
Integrating solar trackers into photovoltaic systems improves energy production. These trackers adjust to sunlight, which improves performance. As a result, the solar panels capture more light. Despite the high initial cost, solar trackers are a good option. They increase energy autonomy and are ideal for areas with high energy demand. Proper installation and maintenance are very important for performance. Solar trackers are expected to increase the viability of solar energy. They reduce the dependence on traditional fuels. Technological developments bode a bright future path for photovoltaics.
