Follow The Sunfollow The Leader
Our innovations power the renewable energy industry. Were leading the way to a brighter, smarter future with relentless reliability and an unparalleled track record.Over its 30-year company history, Array Technologies has expanded from its manufacturing base in the United States to become a global provider of time-proven renewable energy solutions.
In January 2022, Array Technologies acquired one of Europes leading tracker manufacturers, STI Norland. Together, we became the largest solar tracker company in the world with manufacturing capacity, design, and engineering resources on three continents, and establishes Array as a leader in the rapidly growing Brazilian solar market. While our strength lies in utility-scale solar trackers today, we are committed to generating energy with integrity for a sustainable world tomorrow.
Lets See How Does The Code Works
The complete code for this project can be found at the bottom of this page. First step before writing the code is to download the Servo Library. We need a servo library to control the motion of the servo. The step-by-step explanation of the program is given below.
#include < Servo.h> Servo servo
First, I included the servo library and created a servo object and named it as servo.
int eastLDR = 0 int westLDR = 1 int east = 0 int west = 0 int error = 0
Here, I have assigned the analogue pins A0 and A1pins for LDR and declared the variables for sensor values.
int calibration = 0
This variable is for calibrating the system, if you are using exactly same LDRs on both sides then you can leave it as zero. But if you are using different LDRs then you should use this to calibrate. To calibrate, follow the instruction in next paragraph.
Serial print the sensor values and check the reading of each sensor in the noon or place a light source just above the solar panel. If the reading shows the same values, then you can leave this as it is and if it shows any difference, then you have to copy those values here.
int servoposition = 90
This variable is to store the servo position.
void setup
In the section, I have defined the servo pin as pin 9
east = calibration + analogRead west = analogRead
In the loop section, first step is to read the LDR values using the analogue read function of Arduino and store it in east and west variables.
if
error = east - west
if }
else if
What Are The Cons Of A Solar Tracker
- High Cost: Solar tracking devices are a bit more expensive. They have a high initial cost as they have moving parts.
- More Maintenance: Solar tracking systems demand more maintenance. Though, the requirements of maintenance depend on the type & quality of the tracking system.
- Site Preparation Requirements: All types of solar energy tracking systems require significant preparation at the site of installation. It includes additional trenching for wiring and grading, etc.
- Weather Constraints: A solar tracking system is not favourable in snowy weather. Such tracking systems are only beneficial in hot climates.
Don’t Miss: Solar Panel Kit For Shed
How The Wave Of Layoffs Shifts Power Dynamics
In addition to a fixed tilt, two types of solar panel exist that can track the sun: single-axis trackers follow the sun over the course of a day, typically tilting from east to west and dual-axis trackers, which not only tilt from east to west, but also rotate 360° to follow the sun over the course of a year since the suns elevation is higher in summer and lower in winter.
Three types of solar panel are currently in use, fixed-tilt, and single and dual axis trackers
Solar Energy Research Institute of Singapore
While there are a number of pioneering breakthroughs currently being made in solar technology, this innovation is extremely simple. The team analyzed energy generated by different solar panel configurations and together with data from NASAs Clouds and the Earths Radiant Energy System and field data on global sunlight patterns from three different institutes. They found that double-sided panels sometimes called bifacial modules would produce 35 percent more energy when combined with single-axis trackers, and 40 percent more in combination with dual-axis trackers.
The two-sided panels can capture sunlight not just from their sun-facing sides, but also light reflected off the ground onto the underside. A global position system would simultaneously allow them to tilt on an axis to always be pointed at an optimal angle to catch the suns rays.
JP Morgan Chase has a 2.8 MW rooftop bifacial photovoltaic installation in Columbus, Ohio
PV Magazine
New Technology Keeps Birds Off Big Rooftop Solar Arrays
By Heath Waldorf, principal consultant, Bird Control Advisory
Imagine all your calculations for productivity, the value of that energy both in sellable power and Green Energy production credits for the next 15 years. Youve figured the number of panels that fit on the roof, the type of racking to secure it all, the quality of the inverters you plan to use, anticipated maintenance costs everything all compiled as a report to present to an investor. Youve got it? Good. Now imagine a flock of seagulls flying in through the open window and pooping all over that well-contrived document.
Pest birds can cause the following problems for rooftop solar arrays:
- Production drops by 10%, 20% or even 50%
- Added costs for cleaning
- Permanent damage from hot spots
- Shattered panels from dropped debris
- Workers unable to perform maintenance
- Blocked drains and roof leaks
Bird problems are most often found geographically along the U.S. coastal areas and in the vicinity of the Great Lakes. Higher-risk locations include urban environments, those in migratory paths and those in proximity to smaller bodies of water including rivers, lakes and wetlands.
Sometimes tied to water areas, food sources also include landfills or waste transfer stations, food manufacturers or even urban and commercial areas where garbage is plentiful.
Also Check: How Does Vivint Solar Make Money
Schematics And Connection Of The Solar Tracker
The connection of the circuit is very straightforward. Here, I used an Arduino Uno as controller and connected the 2 LDRs to analogue pin A0 and A1 respectively. Pin 9 of Arduino is connected to the servo motor. Since, we have used a 5V servomotor, we dont require any external power supply because all the components can easily be powered the Arduino itself. All the connections are shown in the figure below.
Floating Solar Installations Offer A Unique Advantage: They Don’t Take Up Valuable Land Space
But currently less than 1% of the world’s solar installations are floating, says Michael Walls, a professor at the Centre for Renewable Energy Systems Technology at Loughborough University, in the UK. This is partly due to technical and financial constraints saltwater causes corrosion and positioning panels at an angle is tricky and expensive on a floating platform, Walls says. Installations on freshwater bodies may also face opposition if they compete with other activities, such as swimming, boating or angling, he adds.
You might also like:
Still, floating sun-powered farms also solve another problem plaguing conventional solar energy: inefficiency when solar panels become too hot. In fact, floating solar panels generate extra energy because of the cooling effect of the water they hover over.
Solar panels generate electricity using rays of light from the Sun not its heat. But when they become too hot, their efficiency falls. This is because heat excites the panel’s electrons, which convert energy from the Sun into electricity, making the difference between the high energy and rest state smaller, which in turn decreases the voltage and the amount of electricity generated. Solar PV panels typically operate at peak efficiency between 15C and 35C , but they can get as hot as 65C , hindering efficiency.
Follow the Sun
Proteus is one of the first installations to combine floating solar panels with Sun-tracking technology
You May Like: How Long To Solar Panels Last
Engineered Simplicity To Help Power The World
We believe in engineered simplicity. With 30 years of testing our solar trackers in the field and in the lab, as well as undergoing independent engineering reviews, our products have been refined for peak performance and long life. Array solar trackers are engineered to withstand some of the harshest conditions on the planet and keep on going. With the objective of a minimum 30-year lifespan, they lead the industry in reliability, durability, and quality.
Let Pes Solar Power Your Home Or Business
The experts at PES Solar provide custom solar power system design and professional solar installation. Our company assists homeowners and businesses in maximizing their power output. We work with you to develop solar energy solutions that meet your needs.
Get in touch with us to learn why solar works for tiny homes. Contact PES Solar today for a free fixed or sun-tracking solar panel consultation. Call us at .
You May Like: Are Tesla’s Solar Powered
What Are Solar Trackers And How Do They Work
A solar tracking system maximizes your solar systems electricity production by moving your panels to follow the sun throughout the day, optimizing the angle at which your panels receive solar radiation. Solar trackers are typically used for ground-mounted solar panels and large, free-standing solar installations like solar trees theyre not used in most residential solar projects.
When solar panels are exposed to sunlight, the angle at which the suns rays meet the surface of the solar panel determines how well the panel can convert the incoming light into electricity. The narrower the angle of incidence, the more energy a photovoltaic panel can produce. Solar trackers help to minimize this angle by working to orient panels so that light strikes them perpendicular to their surface.
To Track Or Not To Track
In almost all scenarios, especially for residential solar systems, solar trackers are not worth the additional investment. This is why solar trackers arent widely used in the residential solar industry.
Where solar trackers do become useful is when you have limited space for an installation. If you do not have the space for additional solar panels, installing a solar tracking system would allow you to produce more power in a limited area. Solar trackers are also useful in large-scale utility or commercial installations.
Its important to consult with a local solar installer to find out exactly how much a solar tracking system would cost you. You can use our solar calculator to get an idea of the price of solar in your area and how much making the switch to solar can save you on your electric bill.
See how much solar panels will cost for your home
Also Check: Is Sole Proprietorship A Business Entity
How Much More Efficient Are Sun Tracking Solar Panels
Now, just how much more efficient are sun-tracking solar panels compared to its stiff, rigid cousin?
Well, it depends on which solar tracker type you went with, but the numbers arent that far from one another.
Typically, you are looking at a 25-35% increase in solar energy production using a single axis tracker. Dual-axis trackers give you a 40% increase.
How Does A Sun Tracking Solar Panel Work
How a sun-tracking solar panel works begins with the word perpendicular.
Let us elaborate on that.
Sun trackers track the suns position throughout the day. It then takes that information to fine-tune the direction the solar panel faces and its tilt, ensuring that the solar panel surface is perpendicular to the sunlight.
Keeping the solar panel perpendicular is a crucial rule to remember when you want to maximize your solar panels energy production.
You can do this in two ways.
When picking a motorized solar tracker, you have two options on the market: single and dual-axis solar trackers.
You also have manual and passive solar trackers, but they are not worth elaborating on since they arent practical. If youre thinking of buying solar trackers, we are guessing you want the convenient kind. Thats why we will narrow down the scope to active solar trackers.
Simply put, single-axis solar trackers track the sun from sunrise until sunset, rotating on a single point.
The rotation of your solar panels could be along either the X or Y-axis.
On the other hand, dual-axis trackers rotate on both the X and Y axes, making panels track the sun directly.
Solar trackers ensure that solar panel surfaces are always perpendicular to the sunlight. This lessens the amount of light reflected and increases the amount of energy absorbed throughout the day and through different seasons.
Recommended Reading: How Much Is Solar For A House
What Are The Advantages Of A Sun Tracking Solar Panel
As you might have guessed, the most significant advantage of a sun-tracking solar panel is the increase of solar panel efficiency, leading to more energy production and savings.
This is perfect for people who are dealing with time-of-use rates. Increased energy production during the golden hour means less money lost from expensive electricity rates.
It is also perfect for people who dont have more space for solar panels but want more solar energy coming from their solar system.
Sun Tracking Is It Worth It For Solar Panels
Sadly, solar panels are inherently inefficient. The most efficient are the monocrystalline type, which can reach 21% efficiency.
This means that for every 1000 watts of the suns energy falling onto a solar panel, only 210 watts of electricity is produced.
The Holy Grail of PV electric production is to improve solar panel output and there are several ways of achieving this, some better than others.
Solar concentrators and reflectors can all play a part in boosting the watts captured by PV panels but possibly the best option is solar tracking.
Solar tracking is not worth it for domestic installations under 6kW, but a cost analysis of each installation is needed to determine the system payback period. It makes more sense to simply add more solar panels for extra power it would be cheaper than a tracking system.
Recommended Reading: Is Home Solar Power Worth It
Types Of Tracking Solar Panel
There are a few different types of solar panel motors and designs. To power the tracking of a farm of solar panels there are two main options: a central drive system featuring one tracking motor that powers multiple panels simultaneously. This system is very energy efficient and easy to maintain. The other design is a distributed drive system, in which every row of panels has its own energy-efficient motor. This type of design is much better suited for irregular terrain but comes with a higher maintenance requirement.
The tracking motor is only part of the design of a solar panel tracker. The axis of the solar panel tracker will also affect energy efficiency. A solar tracker can either be a single-axis solar tracker or a dual-axis tracker. A single-axis tracker can follow the suns movement on either a horizontal or vertical axis. A solar panel tracker using a tracking motor and a single axis design can see energy production increase by about 30%. A dual-axis solar tracker will follow the sun using both axes, as it moves from east to west and north to south. A dual-axis tracker can increase energy production by up to 40%.
The Sun Moves So Should Your Solar Panels
Contact us today and enjoy 40% more power production per panel than rooftop solar!
The more power you generate, the more savings you will enjoy. Proprietary Solaflect is a superior solution to fixed solar for most situations. Solaflect continuously tracks the sun, automatically sheds snow, protects itself from damaging winds, and provides data to our service center to ensure continuous solar energy production.If you are considering solar energy, Solaflect is the right choice for most homes and small businesses. Mobilize your power and maximize your cost savings today!
Read Also: When Does The Solar Tax Credit End
Is A Solar Tracking System Right For You
A rooftop installation offers lower costs and doesnt require dedicated yard space, making it the optimum solution for most homeowners looking to harness renewable energy. As a result, most home solar systems dont include solar trackers and theyre probably not worth it. If you have a south-facing roof, your solar panels will already be oriented to capture maximum sunlight, which reduces the need for a tracking system. To get the most out of your solar system, consider purchasing the most efficient solar panels available today.
Solar trackers offer the greatest value proposition in high latitude locations due to the yearly movement of the sun. So, solar customers in Alaska and some northern parts of the contiguous U.S. may want to look into including trackers with their system. However, for the majority of U.S. residents, the suns movement wont impact your panel production to the point where a tracking system offers significant financial benefits. Most customers are better off installing a rooftop array on a south-facing surface, or a fixed ground mounted system facing south.
Solar tracking systems are also often used in large commercial projects, typically over one megawatt in size. For commercial-scale solar arrays, the long-term benefit of increased production over time is enough to make the initial cost and maintenance fees worth it. Additionally, commercial-scale solar projects are typically ground mounted, making solar trackers a possibility.
Are Solar Trackers Worth The Additional Investment
In most cases, solar trackers are not worth the additional investment, even though they do produce more electricity. Because solar panels are cheaper than ever, it would cost less to install more solar panels than it would to include a tracking system.
For example, lets say you installed 15 ground-mounted solar panels that had a power rating of 300 watts. The total cost of this system would be $14,625.
Now, lets say you wanted to have a single-axis solar tracker included in this system. That would cost an additional $500 per solar module. Thats $7,500 just for the tracking equipment. Installing double-axis tracking equipment would cost you an extra $15,000!
It is true that the systems with tracking equipment would produce more electricity than the fixed system. But are the additional savings really worth the enormous added costs of tracking equipment?
The following table lists out how much a fixed system, a single-axis tracking system, and a dual-axis tracking system would save you on your electricity bill:
| Solar system type | |
|---|---|
| $1,540 | 19 years |
You would spend an extra $15,000 for a tracking system, and in return only get an additional $440 in savings a year. The payback period for the system would jump to almost 20 years!
Instead, you could install 6 additional solar panels and generate the same amount of power that a dual-axis system would. The best part is you would only have to spend an extra $5,850 to increase the number of panels in your solar energy system.
Also Check: How Much Power Does A 350 Watt Solar Panel Produce
