Solar Tracker: How It Works and Why You Need It
Solar energy is one of the most abundant and clean sources of renewable energy in the world.
However, to harness the full potential of solar energy, you need
to have a solar system that can capture as much sunlight as
possible throughout the day.
That’s where a solar tracker comes in.
Solar energy is one of the most abundant and clean sources of renewable energy in the world.
However, to harness the full potential of solar energy, you need
to have a solar system that can capture as much sunlight as
possible throughout the day. That’s where a solar tracker comes in.
In this blog, we will explain how a solar tracker works,
what are the different types of solar trackers,
and what are the benefits and challenges of using a solar tracker.
How a Solar Tracker Works
A solar tracker works by using sensors, motors, and controllers to adjust the angle and orientation of a solar panel or a solar collector
according to the position of the sun.
The sensors detect the direction and intensity of the sunlight, and send signals to the controllers.
The controllers then activate the motors, which move the solar panel or the solar collector to the optimal position.
There are two main methods of tracking the sun: passive and active.
1• Passive tracking: This method uses a low-boiling-point fluid that expands and contracts due to the heat of the sun.
The fluid acts as a hydraulic actuator that moves the solar panel or the solar collector to the sunnier side.
Passive tracking does not require electricity, but it has limited accuracy and reliability.
2• Active tracking: This method uses an electric motor that is powered by a battery or a solar panel.
The motor is controlled by a microprocessor that uses a software algorithm or a GPS system to calculate the position of the sun.
Active tracking requires electricity, but it has higher accuracy and reliability.
The Different Types of Solar Trackers
There are two main types of solar trackers: single-axis and dual-axis.
1• Single-axis tracker: This type of tracker rotates the solar panel or the solar collector around one axis, usually horizontal or vertical.
A single-axis tracker can increase the solar energy output by up to 25%, depending on the latitude and the season.
2• Dual-axis tracker: This type of tracker rotates the solar panel or the solar collector around two axes, usually horizontal and vertical.
A dual-axis tracker can increase the solar energy output by up to 40%, as it can follow the sun more precisely throughout the day and the year.
The type of solar tracker that is suitable for a solar system depends on several factors, such as the location, the climate, the cost, and the design of the system.
The Benefits and Challenges of Using a Solar Tracker
Using a solar tracker can have many benefits, such as:
• Increased energy production: A solar tracker can maximize the amount of sunlight that a solar system can capture, resulting in higher energy output and lower cost per watt.
• Reduced land use: A solar tracker can reduce the land area required for a solar system, as it can produce more energy with fewer panels or collectors.
• Improved performance: A solar tracker can improve the performance and efficiency of a solar system, as it can reduce the losses due to the angle of incidence, the temperature, and the shading.
However, using a solar tracker can also have some challenges, such as:
• Higher initial cost: A solar tracker can increase the initial cost of a solar system, as it requires additional components and installation.
• Higher maintenance: A solar tracker can increase the maintenance of a solar system, as it has more moving parts and electronics that can wear out or malfunction.
• Higher environmental impact: A solar tracker can increase the environmental impact of a solar system, as it consumes more materials and energy, and may cause more noise and visual pollution.
Therefore, using a solar tracker requires a careful analysis of the costs and benefits, as well as the technical and environmental factors, of each solar system.
Conclusion
A solar tracker is a device that orients a solar panel or a solar collector toward the sun as it moves across the sky.
A solar tracker can increase the amount of solar energy that a solar system can produce, compared to a fixed system that does not follow the sun.
However, a solar tracker also has some drawbacks,
such as higher cost, higher maintenance, and higher environmental impact.
To choose the best solar tracker for your solar system, you need to consider your location, your climate, your budget, and your design preferences.
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