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Solar TrackersSolar Panel Tracking System OverviewSolar trackers are devices that automatically orient solar panel arrays and other solar payloads toward the sun or the brightest source of light to increase electricity production significantly. Solar panel tracking is perhaps the most common tracking system in use, but solar reflector mirrors (heliostats) and optical lenses can also be tracked. Heliostats, for instance, can reflect sunlight in a constant direction to a fixed target such as an array of solar panels. When installing solar panel modules, the common practice has been to install them in a fixed position tilted at the optimum angle of incidence for their point of latitude. However, the calculated angle has of necessity been optimized over the course of a year, and depending on your location (latitude) can vary 30° or more, as the sun traverses its east to west path higher or lower in the sky. Even so, when compared to laying the solar modules flat, fixing panels at the optimum angle can yield an approximate 15% increase in power output efficiency. Watch DEGERenergy Solar Trackers In Action Trackers are used in solar power systems to minimize the angle of incidence between the sun's rays and a photovoltaic panel; they can adapt to both the daily passage of the sun and the changing seasons. By pointing the solar panel array directly at the brightest light source, most often the sun, energy produced from the solar panels is greatly increased. Their annual electrical power output can be increased by up to 30% or more. This represents a significant increase in energy savings and/or revenue earned compared to fixed angle modules. For instance, a solar panel tracker can offer a much quicker payoff period for a solar power installation. Under a high Feed-in Tariff program like Ontario's microFIT program that rewards PV producers per kWh delivered to the grid, trackers can help generate significant income to offset solar panel installation costs, especially in northern climates. Maximizing system power output simply makes economic sense. The patented DEGER Tracker is German engineered and manufactured by DEGERenergie of Germany. It's the perfect example of a duel axis tracker designed to increase the electrical yield of a standard solar power installation up to 45%. If you need a quality solar panel pole mount tracker, the Deger trackers offer a superb solution for both residential and commercial installations. Types Of Solar TrackersTracking systems are classified by the number and orientation of their axes. There are two basic tracker types: single axis and two axis (also called duel or double axis). Photovoltaic trackers that operate with a single axis can increase solar power output by approximately 30%, while a two axis tracker can further increase output by up to 6% and possibly more when compared to a fixed solar panel system.†Considering that the solar PV industry continually strives to improve solar cell conversion performance by a single percentage point, or less, an increase of 36% over fixed panel performance is impressive. Solar trackers can boost daily energy production significantly. Choosing what solar tracker to install simply comes down to comparing the extra investment and cost of maintenance over time against the increased solar energy and financial yield delivered by the unit. Single Axis Solar TrackerThe single axis tracker typically has one degree of freedom that acts as an axis of rotation typically aligned along a true North meridian. Most are programmed to automatically follow the sun throughout the course of the day while compensating for the seasons of the year. Some units permit manual adjustment of the tilt on the polar axis in response to seasonal changes in the sun's orbit.There are several common types of single axis trackers:
Dual Axis Solar TrackerTwo axis trackers typically have two degrees of freedom that acts as axes of rotation typically normal to one another. The axis that's fixed with respect to the ground is its primary axis, while the axis that's referenced to the primary axis is its secondary axis. Most dual axis solar trackers are programmed to automatically follow the sun throughout the course of the day while compensating for the seasons of the year.There are two common types of dual axis trackers:
Solar Tracker Drive TypesThere are two tracker drive systems in common use:
Choosing Solar TrackersSingle axis tracking systems can be more cost-effective for large commercial power installations. Their relatively simpler components result in less maintenance and installation costs, and their lower profile creates less shadow thereby permitting closer positioning of solar modules. They offer a definite energy yield advantage over fixed angle solar installations.Double axis trackers are more cost-effective for smaller, residential solar power installations when coupled with high Feed-in Tariff programs. Their greater number of moving parts results in additional installation and maintenance costs, and their higher profile requires greater space between units, but this can be offset by the increased efficiency they offer, especially in northern climates. Unfortunately, not all solar panel installers promote the benefits of solar tracking systems claiming they are prone to breakdowns and over expensive. Neither is the case! Today's tracker technology ensures near trouble free operation, and the significant increase in energy they produce results in a quicker system payback. Some solar installation companies that discourage tracking don't have the know-how to install trackers, or they cannot supply them, or they opt for quick profits by hurrying to their next job not willing to spend the extra time connecting them. If you live in a northern climate and the installer won't recommend solar trackers, dump him and find one that's better-qualified who will. You'll benefit in the long run. The benefit of solar trackers like DEGERenergie Tracking Systems can no longer be ignored, as the gain in solar energy production results in less payback time and greater profits. † Reference: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_tracker TOP of Solar Trackers HOME to Solar Power Systems |
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My name is Don, and my goal with this site is to introduce solar power as the best available option for alternative, renewable energy.
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Solar Power Ontario
Heiko Liebethal, Flagstone CEO
If you live in Ontario, Canada, and qualify for the Ontario Power Authority (OPA) microFIT program, you could sell all the electrical power that your solar panels produce back to the OPA, and they will pay you up to 80.2 cents per kWh. Guaranteed.
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