Outline of the problem
It’s not a secret that PV designers have to consider the long-term costs of all components in the PV installation. Everything from groundwork to cabling and even shading has to be considered before the work starts because any alterations to a large-scale project will cost both time and money. Additionally, there’s the problem of upkeep; if the various components of the PV park are not considered beforehand, the maintenance costs could rise exponentially, making expenses outweigh any possible savings. But with sufficient energy production as the goal of any PV system, one of the important elements of a PV project is the solar trackers. Essentially, they can affect the overall efficiency of the park by tracking the sun’s movements, which increases the energy yield.
What are solar trackers?
- Single-axis
As the name suggests, single-axis trackers move on one axis only; it can be east-west or north-south oriented. The trackers are usually automated, meaning the tracker has a structure in place that moves the panel based on the sun’s direction, ensuring prolonged exposure to direct sunlight. In general, a single-axis tracking system could be about 20% more efficient than a fixed-tilt system. Single-axis trackers can be decentralized or centralized. Decentralized trackers work on a single PV module, while centralized ones can move the entire row. Single-axis trackers are commonly used in large-scale projects such as PV parks.
- Dual-axis
Dual trackers do much of the same as the single-axis ones, but they have one additional axis they can move on. This ensures the panel is always facing the sun, regardless of the direction it’s coming from. It’s worth noting that dual-axis trackers are more expensive than single-axis. However, looking at a long-term investment, dual-axis trackers ensure the PV system produces more energy than other types of trackers. Dual-axis trackers are usually used in smaller-scale projects due to installation and maintenance costs; they also have a shorter lifespan than single-axis trackers.
When to consider solar trackers?
- Limited space
If the PV project needs to be designed with limited space in mind, solar trackers could increase the efficiency and yield without requiring extensive alterations. For example, if the park relies only on a fixed-tilt system, it will need more space, and more groundwork, to place the modules to match the output of the one with solar trackers that can capitalize on the prolonged exposure to the sun.
- Costs
When it comes to solar trackers, you need to consider short-term and long-term expenses and income. Panels with solar tracking will cost more than a fixed-tilt system both in terms of initial purchase and maintenance. However, they will generate more energy, which can outweigh the introductory costs.
- Obstructions
Solar trackers can counter the shading issue, especially in locations where it’s impossible to remove the source of the shade. Trackers increase the efficiency of solar panels even in areas that are often cloudy.
Advantages of solar trackers
Solar trackers fully utilize the sun peak hours and, in turn, increase the efficiency of the PV project. Trackers can overcome the shading problem and help to better utilize the land, which all adds to increased yield.
Trackers can make solar energy viable in locations that otherwise would be poorly suited for it. PV projects with solar trackers need fewer panels to be efficient and are more reliable compared to fixed-tilt.
Disadvantages of solar trackers
Trackers are expensive. When designing a project, you need to consider if the subsequent yield will pay for the initial costs.
Not all projects can support the trackers. For example, residential PV systems will not benefit from the trackers as much as solar parks.
Maintenance of solar trackers costs more than that of a regular system. According to experts, trackers are especially susceptible to weather conditions, so the climate of the locale for the PV project can become a limiting factor.
When to consider fixed-tilt systems?
While solar tracking can increase the efficiency of a PV system, it’s not always viable. For instance, if the locale of the PV project is on undulating terrain, specialists need to evaluate the geotechnical conditions and decide if the project would benefit from the trackers or if the fixed-tilt is a better fit. The same goes when the site is on steep slopes, there’s limited space for panel movement, or when there are obstacles that cannot be removed. A mix of fixed tilt and tracker systems could provide a solution, but overall, any PV project needs to be inspected individually to determine which system to use.
Conclusion: which trackers should you choose?
When deciding what system to use, you should consider variables that are unique to your project. Solar trackers are more susceptible to weather-related events, which increases the maintenance costs, so they work best in regions with sufficient irradiation; and while the same goes for fixed-tilt, the tracker system can be more efficient with less land availability. On the other hand, in locales that are cloudy, fixed-tilt systems might be less efficient than trackers because they maximize energy production.
Overall project costs also need to be considered. Trackers are expensive, dual-axis ones even more so, but if the PV project can financially benefit from the increased energy generation long-term, it might be a worthwhile investment. Alternatively, if you’re designing a smaller scale project, fixed-tilt might be a better fit, as it has lower construction and maintenance costs.
How can PVcase help
With PVcase Ground Mount, you can design a project with both fixed-tilt and single-axis tracker systems. The automated features assist with the placement of the trackers, their alignment, and the calculations involved, so the designers have a clear view of the park’s potential performance. To further increase efficiency, with PVcase Ground Mount you can change the azimuth for the tracker layouts on single-axis and fixed-tilt systems. The software automation also covers additional elements, such as the placement of inverters, to ensure the efficiency of the PV park. Regardless if you’re working with fixed-tilt or trackers, PVcase Ground Mount can aid with the cabling, stringing, shading, or any other.
You might also be interested in:
March 22, 2024
8 ways to invest your money in a sustainable future
From clean energy to green bonds and renewable energy stocks, there are many ways you can invest your money in a sustainable future. Find them out by reading the article.
March 21, 2024
8 business opportunities in renewable energy
There are many potentially lucrative business opportunities in renewable energy. Learn how you can use these opportunities to make money while contributing to the green…
March 20, 2024
The costs of obsolescence in renewable energy
Solar and wind power are key for sustainability, but the technology lifecycle come with hidden economic costs and obsolescence risks. Learn about these challenges related to…
March 19, 2024
How to harness the power of the sun in everyday life
Solar power is a valuable asset for individuals and communities employed for an ever-expanding range of daily applications. While many applications for solar power are well known…
March 15, 2024
10 ways AI is helping solve climate change
Climate change is a growing concern, and as such, there have been many efforts to find ways that technology can help minimize climate change and the damage that it may inflict. AI…
March 13, 2024
11 strategies to make your products greener
Many companies are feeling pressure from consumers and compliance standards to ensure that their products are eco-friendly. Additionally, efforts to increase the sustainability of…
March 12, 2024
Sustainable chic: how the green revolution is shaping art and fashion
As eco-friendliness becomes a growing concern for many around the world, efforts to improve sustainability in different areas of our lives are increasingly common. These shifts…
March 8, 2024
PVcase in the Financial Times list of 1000 Europe’s fastest-growing companies ranking at #104
Far from just making it through, PVcase was recognized, landing the #104 spot on FT1000 — the annual Financial Times list of Europe's 1000 fastest-growing companies.
March 8, 2024
10 technology challenges for the next generation of inventors to solve
An inventor's job is rarely easy in the first place, but the challenges posed by shifts in technology and culture complicate the invention process even further. As such, it’s…
March 7, 2024
Why good design is key to truly sustainable energy
Sustainable energy production relies on efficient, dependable and low-impact systems that balance local needs with global goals. Technological advancement is one means of…
March 5, 2024
What’s the difference between commercial solar design and utility-scale solar design?
Utility-scale solar projects are designed for utility companies, while commercial projects are built to supply corporate organizations. Each type of solar project comes with its…
March 1, 2024
Ethical business practices that can improve the solar industry
Discover how ethical practices can improve the solar industry, benefiting consumers, workers and the environment while producing business benefits for contractors involved with…
February 28, 2024
Renewable energy and grid stability: modern infrastructure challenges and solutions
Renewable energy is crucial for a sustainable future, but presents challenges for today’s electrical infrastructure. Learn about the problems and solutions for integrating…
February 28, 2024
PVcase in the race for the BNEF Pioneers Award
It's with great pride that we announce our nomination for the 2024 BNEF Pioneers Award. PVcase has earned a spot among the top six contenders in the Challenge 1 category, focused…
February 26, 2024
How might future clean energy standards affect businesses?
Explore the potential impact of advancing energy standards on business operations. From stricter regulations on emissions to greater incentives for solar, learn how organizations…