Benefits of Single Axis Solar Trackers
Single Axis Solar Tracker (SAT) systems are usually used for tracking a PV system during the day and at night. The PV module is rotated on an axis, typically a vertical axis, which allows the solar panels to track the sun during the day and face away from it at night. The most common rotation speed of the PV panel is 12 degrees per hour or about 4.5 degrees per minute.
PV surface movement occurs in two directions when you use a dual axis tracker.
What Are Single Axis Solar Trackers?
Single axis solar trackers are a technology that allows a solar panel to be adjusted to track the sun’s position throughout the day and year. The panel is tilted so that it faces the side of the building that gets the most sunlight. The trackers are constructed using a single axis to ensure they always point toward the sun at the optimal angle during each rotation. Passive trackers are solar-powered and do not require power from batteries.Â
They use heated air to tilt and switch solar panels, causing them to rotate around a central axis. Additionally, trackers can be kept aligned by either concluding an ideal panel angle based on GPS data or moving the panels in the opposite direction of the earth’s rotation.
Several important factors must be considered when deciding whether or not to add a single-axis tracker to your solar project. As a general rule, single axis solar trackers perform well in ground-based projects on flat, level ground. Rain and snow can harm single axis trackers. Generally, they work best in warmer and drier environments.
Types of Single axis Solar Tracker
There are two main types of Single axis solar tracker
Horizontal Single Axis Solar Tracker (HSAT)
When the sun shines directly onto solar panels, it heats up and causes them to generate power. An HSAT structure is placed on many supports along the rotating axis, requires less construction material, and its horizontal configuration is preferred compared to other tracking geometries.
Vertical Single Axis Solar Tracker (VSAT)
The best solar panels are made to sit vertically in the northern/southern hemisphere to follow the sun throughout the day. You’ll often find these in high altitude/mountainous locations or more extreme latitudes.
Benefits of Single Axis Solar Trackers
These solar trackers can potentially be an asset to your next solar project. Benefits like increased energy production, cost-effectiveness and increased sustainability are just a few reasons why single axis trackers can help increase the success of your next solar project.
Increase Energy Production
Single axis solar tracker technology increases the energy production of solar panels by up to a third compared to a fixed solar system. If you’re building an energy-producing solar or wind farm, this means you can put more panels in the same area.
These axis solar trackers follow the Sun from East to West, providing consistent power output daily. Trackers generate about 16% higher annual power than the static station of the same installed capacity. Single-axis tracking systems are designed to track a single axis. Solar energy is an excellent way to make money from the sun. But only if you have the cash to invest in the right solar project. Solar energy can be an expensive investment to recover over time.
Cost-effectiveness
A single axis solar tracker is cheaper than a dual-axis tracker because it has a simple mechanism and operates at a low cost. For low-budget companies, single-axis tracking is the perfect solution. Single-axis trackers are nearly 32.17% more efficient than fixed solar tracker mount panels.Â
If you’re implementing solar panels in your next solar project, it can be a good idea to consider whether it makes sense financially to install tracker systems. If the trackers are installed in ideal conditions, they will add value to the solar system, boosting energy production and making up for these initial costs. A more efficient system can also lead to a more productive system, giving producers an added source of income.
Sustainability
A single-axis tracker allows a solar system to generate more electricity and reduce land use. Single-axis tracker systems for solar panel projects allow for more accurate and higher power generation yields. This will decrease your company’s reliance on the local grid so that your use of renewable energy will increase. Demonstrating a commitment to renewable energy will attract like-minded people to your company, whether they are potential employees or customers.
Single-axis trackers have one degree of freedom, generally aligned along a north-south path. When you use a single-axis tracker to track a moving object, you are more likely to get a suitable measurement. Single-axis solar is because the moving object keeps a constant distance from the sensor. Dual-axis have a longer lifespan than single-axis trackers.
Disadvantages of Single-Axis Solar Tracking System
Energy output is lower when using a single-axis tracking system compared to dual-axis tracking systems Limited technological upgrade.
Conclusion:
The solar tracker industry is an exciting new field, and Solar Earth Inc’s experts have the experience and capability to walk you through every step of the way. Our team members are experts in renewable energy projects’ design, build, and funding stages. They’ll ensure your next renewable energy project is designed, built, and funded to suit your specific facility needs. Solar power will provide a significant portion of the energy needs for the world’s growing population. To speak with a Solar Earth team member, please call (805) 691-8000Â