Many solar systems fail to deliver. Yes, even on sunny days.
I’ve worked in the solar industry for years, and let me tell you, solar systems are NOT aligned to take full advantage of the sun’s movement.
What’s more interesting is many people are going solar, but they’re still figuring out and missing ways to “track” the sun’s maximum energy.
Are you missing out too? Can solar tracking systems help? Are they really worth giving a shot?
Read the blog and get all your answers.
What are Solar Tracking Systems?
A solar tracking system is a device that ensures that your solar system follows the sun’s path throughout the day for maximum sunlight exposure. Think of the tracking systems as the ‘eyes’ of your panels, guiding them to capture the maximum amount of sunlight.
Why Does That Matter?
Yes, sunlight is abundant in India, but its availability can still be inconsistent. It depends on the time of day and even on the seasons. As the sun moves, your panels might not be able to completely optimize the sun’s rays.
Without a tracking system, your panels stay in one constant position, making them unsuitable for capturing maximum energy. Unlike fixed panels, trackers move across the sky by constantly adjusting the angle of your panels.
From Sunrise -> Sunset, the trackers help your panels adjust the perfect angle and boost the energy output.
The Science
The most common tracking systems work by positioning your panels directly in line (perpendicular) with the sun’s rays. The result? More sunlight, reduced reflection and more energy.
Moreover, I would recommend that you use a solar monitoring system to ensure that your panels are always in the best position.
Getting back to the science behind the tracking systems, let’s see how they work.
Solar Tracking System: The Working Principle and Types
Every solar panel deserves to work at its best.
Hence, it’s important to know how solar tracking systems work. Knowing how they operate also lets you optimize your solar panel monitoring systems for their best performance.
Typically, trackers are used with ground-mounting systems, but roof-mounted systems have become popular lately.
Basic Working of Solar Trackers
- Detection: Light sensors in the trackers monitor the sun’s position.
- Controller: The onboard controller calculates the optimal tilt and angle to send commands to the motor to adjust the panels.
- Energy: The tracker aligns the photovoltaic panel to maintain a perpendicular angle to the sun’s rays for maximum sunlight absorption.
The solar tracking equipment is attached to the racking (the foundation on which your panels are mounted, like a roof or the ground) of your solar panel. This setup allows your panel to adjust and follow the sun’s movement from dusk to dawn.
What are the Types of Solar Tracking Systems?
There are different types of trackers, and their working depends on their ability to adapt to the changing position of the sun.
- Manual Tracking
You need to manually adjust your panels based on the sun’s location. Someone should be on a watch to nudge them occasionally. Usually re-oriented twice a day, multiple times a year and changed on a seasonal basis, manual trackers are for areas with lower labor costs.
| Pros | Cons |
| Low initial cost | Needs regular adjustments |
| Minimal investment | Labor intensive |
| Simple setup and maintenance | Performance depends on human accuracy |
| Good for small-scale setups | Not really efficient or precise |
- Passive Trackers
Have you ever seen a sunbathing sunflower turning towards the sun’s warmth? Passive trackers are the same. They contain a liquid with a low boiling temperature that evaporates when exposed to the sun.
As the liquid evaporates, the tilting system loses its balance, and the panels forcefully tilt toward the sun’s rays. These systems are great for simple PV systems but not for concentrated PV systems that need precise pointing.
| Pros | Cons |
| No electricity is required, uses a thermal system | Less precise than active trackers |
| Low maintenance | Slower response to sun movements |
| Cost-effective for medium-scale setups | Affected by weather conditions and less effective for large installment |
- Active Trackers
These are like automatic high-tech robots, moving with the sun. These trackers use motors and hydraulic cylinders to rotate the PV panels. Active trackers use electricity to move their actuators, which can be generated from the PV system itself. They are convenient and simple to use.
| Pros | Cons |
| Maximum solar energy capture | High initial costs |
| Reduces the need for manual labor | Increased dependency on power |
| Suitable for large-scale setups | Complex maintenance due to different components |
Based on their direction, the active trackers are divided into two types of solar tracking systems: single and dual-axis trackers.
- Single-Axis Tracker
A single-axis tracker allows the movement of PV panels in one direction from east to west, i.e. the sun’s direction from sunrise to sunset.
Single trackers boost energy production by 25% to 30% and are usually used in utility-scale solar projects. They are a cost-effective option if you own a large-scale solar farm and are looking for simplicity and efficiency.
- Dual-Axis Tracker
As the name suggests, dual-axis trackers move along two axes. The PV panels of the solar system adjust vertically and horizontally to track the sun’s daily and seasonal movements.
They move from east to west and also north to south.
Just like acrobats, they adjust to capture the sun’s energy optimally for all 365/6 days. Expensive than single-axis trackers, they are common in small business and residential solar projects.
Here is a quick recap on the difference between single-axis and dual-axis trackers.
| Factor | Single-Axis Tracker | Dual-Axis Tracker |
| Movement | Move East to West | Moves East to West and North to South |
| Efficiency | 25% to 30% increase in energy output | 30% to 40% increase in the energy output |
| Cost | Less installation and maintenance costs | High installation and maintenance costs |
| Complexity | Simple design and operation | Complex with additional components |
| Use Case | Large-scale flat installations, like solar farms | Ideal for uneven terrains, small businesses and residential solar projects |
Moreover, there are more advanced trackers now available in the market. Yes, it does not end here.
Modern trackers offer additional features, such as panels that automatically tilt themselves to adapt to the sun on gloomy days. Some sensors also detect high winds to adjust the panels according to the speed of the wind.
The type of tracker you choose depends on various factors, such as the size of your system, electrical rates, land availability and weather conditions. However, the return on investment (ROI) should be the umbrella factor.
Ready to buy a solar tracker? Wait. Before you make a decision, it’s important to understand the benefits and disadvantages of a solar tracker. I have them handy.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Solar Tracking Systems
Are solar trackers really worth your investment? What about the return on investment? Are they really reliable?
The answer to these questions relies on understanding that just like everything else, a solar panel tracker also has its advantages and disadvantages.
You decide what weighs more: the advantages of solar tracker or the cons?
Advantages of Solar Tracker
- They generate significantly more energy in the peak energy hours.
- Produces more energy than fixed solar panels.
- Beneficial in locations with low use of power supply.
- Long-term energy savings and improved financial returns outweigh the upfront cost.
- Produces more energy per unit and efficiently utilizes the land.
- From residential to farms, they are adaptable and scalable for varied projects.
Disadvantages of Solar Tracker
- High initial investment compared to fixed panels.
- Requires more frequent inspections and maintenance than fixed panels.
- Trackers are likely to break due to their moving elements.
- The efficiency gain may not justify the added expenses in regions with overcast weather conditions or limited sunshine.
- They need flat or obsolete land to operate at their best.
- You need additional planning and preparation before the installation of solar trackers.
I’m not saying that solar trackers are right for everyone. All I’m saying is that this could be the right step towards your energy goals. Why?
Because, the solar trackers are clearly making waves in the solar market. The numbers speak for themselves.
“The global solar tracker market is projected to skyrocket to USD 30.53 billion by 2033 with a growing CAGR of 20.13%.”
This clearly indicates a shift towards a sustainable energy solution. But could this be your path to energy independence?
If Yes, How do you know if they are right for you?
Are Solar Tracking Systems Right for You?
Whether they are the right choice for you or not depends on what you value the most.
- Do you prioritize the efficiency of your solar system?
- Is it the return on your investment, your primary goal? or
- Is simplicity the key factor for you?
While they offer notable benefits, don’t unthinkingly follow the trend. Instead, consider making a difference in the environment for future generations. Other considerations include:
- The initial costs: Are you ready for the upfront costs?
- Maintenance needs: Are you ready for potential upkeep?
- Suitable ground conditions: Do you have suitable terrain?
- Space: Do you have a suitable space and enough room for them?
- Climate: What is the climate like? Enough sunlight to justify the system?
- Available shading: Are there obstacles that might block the sun’s rays?
- Your need: Are you looking for residential or commercial requirements?
Yes, the increased energy production will justify the initial costs and may seem significant. A solar remote monitoring system will give you all the real-time updates. Plus, you’ll have answers to questions like, “Is my solar system doing enough?”
However, making the right choice starts with understanding what you value and what aligns with your solar goals.
Are Solar Trackers REALLY Worth the Investment?
In most cases, No.
They are worth it if you want to maximize your solar energy output, have sufficient space to do so and are willing to invest initially.
They are not for everyone or every location. In fact, given the declining costs of solar panels and government schemes, I suggest you install six more solar panels rather than having a solar tracker.
They are more economical than a tracking system. I also suggest you combine them with a solar remote monitoring system to maximize energy efficiency while keeping your investment practical.
Conclusion
The question isn’t whether solar trackers work for you or not because they do, but whether they are the right choice for you.
If you ask me, they are not a good fit for every solar installation. Yes, they are interesting and enhance energy production, but they also present their own set of challenges.
However, no matter whether you choose a tracker or not, I have something for you.
A solar remote monitoring system. It can always help you get the most out of your panels. How? [Contact us here.]
Not that you have all the insights on solar trackers; I would leave the final decision to you.
Happy ‘sun-tracking!’
FAQs:
- Are solar tracking systems worth it?
Yes, solar tracking systems are worth it for many solar installations. Depending on your location, they can generate up to 60% more energy than fixed systems.
The extra cost of trackers is often overweighed by the increased energy output, improving overall return on investment.
- How much does a solar tracker system cost per MW?
The costs of solar tracker systems vary depending on the type of tracker (single-axis or dual-axis), project size, and installation specifics. Local factors, government incentives, and the choice of technology also significantly influence the final price.
- Why do we need solar trackers?
Solar trackers are vital for maximizing solar energy capture. Unlike fixed panels, which can only collect sunlight at specific times, trackers adjust the panel positions in real time to follow the sun.
This ensures optimal light exposure, leading to greater energy output and making solar power more efficient and cost-effective, especially in sunny regions.
- How much energy does a solar tracker use?
While solar trackers do use a small amount of energy to operate, the amount is minimal compared to the energy they help generate.
On average, a solar tracker consumes around 1-2% of the energy it produces. This small energy consumption is primarily for the motors and sensors that move the panels.
- Why does solar need WiFi?
Solar systems, especially those with monitoring capabilities, often require WiFi or internet connectivity for remote access and real-time data tracking.
WiFi allows you to monitor performance, check energy production, and identify issues remotely through apps or web portals.
WiFi also provides you with updates, diagnostics and optimization.
