Tracking Systems For Solar Panels
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.
As the Sun tracks its course through the seasons, the best solar panel operating angle will change. The more directly the solar panels can face the Sun, then the more beam radiation they will receive. Tracking systems, by adjusting this operating angle, help maximize this beam radiation received.
The amount of energy gained will depend on your location and the type of tracking system used. We looked up the solar energy tables for the state of Washington, and the difference between a fixed solar panel system and one with tracking was ~40% more in the summer months. The spring months showed a 25% increase, and winter about 10%.
One of the first tracking units one might consider is a manually adjustable one axis system. With a simple adjustment, the solar panels can be rotated on their horizontal axis to any angle. Each season will have an optimal tilt angle for maximizing the Sun. By adjusting our solar panels to that angle, we experienced summertime gains of 25% compared to a fixed solar panel installation. In the winter months this improvement was ~15%.
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.
The highest upgrade with solar power tracking is an actively controlled two axis system. The solar panels will rotate on their horizontal and vertical axes, which gives us two modes of adjustability. The cost and complexity of a two axis system makes them more of a specialty, but they are the most accurate units available for tracking 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.
When it comes to using solar panels to generate electricity, a two axis system is not the way to go. They will yield a very modest 5% gain over an actively tracking one axis system. For the cost and simplicity, we recommend a manually adjustable or actively tracking one axis system.
Solar power systems are developed for two primary purposes: heat and electricity. Adding a solar tracking system to your design is useful for either case. When it comes to making electricity with solar panels, a solar power tracking system will increase the production of electrical energy. When it comes to acquiring and storing thermal heat, it will help your system obtain higher temperatures.
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.
As the Sun tracks its course through the seasons, the best solar panel operating angle will change. The more directly the solar panels can face the Sun, then the more beam radiation they will receive. Tracking systems, by adjusting this operating angle, help maximize this beam radiation received.
The amount of energy gained will depend on your location and the type of tracking system used. We looked up the solar energy tables for the state of Washington, and the difference between a fixed solar panel system and one with tracking was ~40% more in the summer months. The spring months showed a 25% increase, and winter about 10%.
One of the first tracking units one might consider is a manually adjustable one axis system. With a simple adjustment, the solar panels can be rotated on their horizontal axis to any angle. Each season will have an optimal tilt angle for maximizing the Sun. By adjusting our solar panels to that angle, we experienced summertime gains of 25% compared to a fixed solar panel installation. In the winter months this improvement was ~15%.
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.
The highest upgrade with solar power tracking is an actively controlled two axis system. The solar panels will rotate on their horizontal and vertical axes, which gives us two modes of adjustability. The cost and complexity of a two axis system makes them more of a specialty, but they are the most accurate units available for tracking 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.
When it comes to using solar panels to generate electricity, a two axis system is not the way to go. They will yield a very modest 5% gain over an actively tracking one axis system. For the cost and simplicity, we recommend a manually adjustable or actively tracking one axis system.
Solar power systems are developed for two primary purposes: heat and electricity. Adding a solar tracking system to your design is useful for either case. When it comes to making electricity with solar panels, a solar power tracking system will increase the production of electrical energy. When it comes to acquiring and storing thermal heat, it will help your system obtain higher temperatures.
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.
About the 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 backyard.
You like it? Share it!
posted by SolveItQuick at
1:12 PM
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home