What is a solar tracker?

This device is commonly connected to the racking of the solar panels. It tracks the sun as it moves throughout the day. There are many advantages to this which will be explored in this article.

How so solar trackers work?

Using a solar tracker means your solar panels will always face the sun, at all points of the day. This maximises the sunrays that reach the solar panels, increasing electricity production. Sensors are used to make sure it works to the best extent possible. In most cases, solar trackers are used with ground mounted solar panels. Although less popular due to cost and maintenance, trackers for roof top systems have come into operation in recent times.

They’re popular on solar farms, particularly those which are large scale. Solar farms generate high amounts of energy which are usually used by businesses and individuals. Using a solar tracker increases production which is useful for this kind of operation. Many large businesses install these so they can get the most out of their solar panels.

Types of solar trackers

Active trackers use hydraulic cylinders or motors to change how they’re positioned. These make sure the PV panels are always facing the sun. The way an active solar tracker moves will depend on whether it’s a single axis or a dual axis.

Single axis solar tracker

This type of tracker moves in one direction on a single path. This usually means the tracker will follow the sun from East to West from sunrise to sunset.

Dual axis solar tracker

This tracker can move in two separate directions. These are East to West, as well as North to South. This is even more accurate and can adapt to the different seasons. This allows for a performance that you can rely on all year round, no matter the climate.

You can get manual and passive solar trackers too. Manual trackers need you to adjust them throughout the day to face the sun. This type of tracker doesn’t have any sensors, making it less popular than the others. However, they’re less expensive. Passive solar trackers use a gas fluid to move their direction. When this fluid becomes warmer, it moves the tracker to line up with the sun’s position. These are, however, less accurate than active trackers, but still useful for increasing production.

What are the advantages of solar trackers?

• Compared to solar arrays that are fixed, these have a higher energy output. The more sun a solar panel is exposed to, the more energy it can create. This is particularly good for countries located at high latitudes. For example, Iceland’s hours of daylight are very short in the Winter. A solar tracker would be beneficial in these months to make the most of the sunlight. When summer comes along, and Iceland’s daylight hours become a lot longer, the solar tracker will easily adapt.
• There’s a wide range of trackers available. There are many trusted manufacturers that you can explore until you find what’s right for you.
• More electricity generation means you could require less solar panels. This is useful for those who are limited on space.
• Solar trackers can increase the panels lifespan. This is because stress on the mechanics and thermals are largely reduced. To help with this, the solar panels should be maintained properly.
• Time of use rates mean the price of your electric will change depending on the time of the day. If these apply to you, a solar tracker can be useful as it will generate more energy during peak hours. This means you won’t have to pay for energy from the grid when it’s at its most expensive.

Solar solutions with Mypower

At Mypower, we’ve been dedicated to supplying and installing solar panels across a range of industries since 2010. This includes industrial solar panels, agricultural solar panels and commercial solar panels. We work to secure and futureproof people’s electricity, as well as minimising carbon footprint.

The majority of solar panels that we install are manufactured by Trina or QCells. In their field, both companies are award-winning, with high-quality panels. The technology and designs they use in their panels are based on the latest research. This allows them to deliver incredible performance. Find out more and contact us here.