| Tracking Systems For Solar Panels |
| Written by Walter Hull | |
| Friday, 12 February 2010 | |
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Tracking systems increase the radiation received by a solar power system. This additional radiation turns into increased generation. Anybody who wants to maximize output from their solar panels should consider a tracking system.
Tracking systems increase the radiation received by a solar power system. This additional radiation turns into increased generation. Anybody who wants to maximize output from their solar panels should consider a tracking system. The Sun changes daily, monthly, and seasonally the way it carves its path across the sky. Therefore the angle of beam radiation is constantly changing. The solar panels should be oriented perpendicular to the Sun at all times to best receive this radiation. A solar power tracking systems helps us achieve this. There is the potential for large gains when one uses a solar power tracking system. As an example we studied the solar energy tables for the State of Colorado and found that ~45% additional energy can be obtained when using tracking during the summer months. This increase remains a firm 25% during the spring, and drops to around 15% during winter months. These numbers are maximums and will depend on the tracking system in use. The simplest type of tracking is a manually adjustable one axis system. The solar panels are installed in a south facing direction, with a rotating mechanism on their horizontal axis. One can make seasonal adjustments to maintain the best operating angle for that time of year. A simple system such as this can gain 20% better performance when compared to a fixed solar panel installation. The Rotek design we use is an example of one such system. To further boost performance we can add a control system to our one axis tracking. This is called active solar tracking, where the solar panels automatically rotate throughout the day. These systems provide the largest gains, up to 50% in the summer months. Performance remains good throughout the year as well, so for a little more cost they are worth investigation. Two axis tracking systems are the most complex and most accurate installations available. With these systems, your solar panels have additional flexibility on their vertical axis (East to West). These systems are the most exact when it comes to following the Sun. Two axis tracking is used with systems requiring high temperatures on the receiving unit. Usually these are systems with solar collectors designed for beam magnification. The most dominant applications for solar concentrators are currently thermal generating stations and stirling engines. Two axis systems are not so practical with photovoltaic solar panels. The tracking on the second axis provides only 5% additional energy when compared with the one axis system. For solar panel installations, then, it is more convenient to stay with a one axis system for most applications. There are two general functions in mind when designing for solar energy. These functions are solar power electricity, and thermal storage or heating. No matter what the design purpose is, a good tracking system is an easy way to boost performance from your solar power system. Solar power tracking systems are useful for anybody who wants to enhance their system performance. There is a tradeoff, however, with the additional cost and installation. For those who like simplicity but want a little extra performance, then a manual one axis system is a good way to go. For those looking for maximum energy production, then active tracking systems should be explored. The Article Author: Walter Hull is a recognized expert in solar energy power systems. For a short time you can get his free checklist to solar energy from your own yard. |
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