As the global demand for clean energy continues to rise, solar energy has become one of the most viable and rapidly expanding sources of renewable power. Solar plants, which convert sunlight into electricity using photovoltaic (PV) panels, are increasingly popular for both commercial and utility-scale applications. However, to make the most out of a solar plant, efficiency is key. One of the most significant advancements in solar technology that boosts energy generation is the solar tracking system.

In this blog, we will dive into the mechanics of solar tracking systems, explain how they work, and explore how these systems can dramatically increase energy production for solar plants. Additionally, we’ll look at how solar tracking systems improve the return on investment (ROI) for investors by optimising power output.

What is a Solar Tracking System?

A solar tracking system is a mechanical device that moves solar panels throughout the day to follow the sun’s path across the sky. Unlike fixed-tilt systems, where solar panels remain stationary, solar tracking systems continuously adjust the angle of the panels to capture the maximum amount of sunlight at any given moment. This results in a significant boost in the amount of energy generated by solar panels, especially in large-scale solar plants.

There are two primary types of solar tracking systems:

• Single-axis trackers: These systems rotate the solar panels on one axis, usually east to west, to follow the sun’s movement across the sky from morning to evening.
• Dual-axis trackers: These systems allow for movement on two axes, both horizontal and vertical, enabling the panels to follow the sun’s movement more precisely. Dual-axis trackers adjust for the sun’s position both throughout the day and the year, making them more efficient but also more expensive.

How Solar Tracking Systems Work?

Solar tracking systems are designed to improve the efficiency of solar energy capture by ensuring that the PV panels are always positioned at the optimal angle relative to the sun. The system relies on sensors and controllers that track the sun’s position in real-time and adjust the panels accordingly.

Here’s a basic breakdown of how a solar tracking system works:

1. Sensors detect the sun’s position: Solar trackers are equipped with light sensors that detect the angle of incoming sunlight.
2. Controllers adjust the panels: Based on the data from the sensors, the system’s controller directs motors or hydraulic mechanisms to tilt or rotate the panels.
3. Continuous adjustments: Throughout the day, the tracker continually adjusts the angle of the panels to maintain maximum exposure to sunlight. This is particularly important in regions with long sunny days or during seasons when the sun is lower in the sky.

The result is a system that can capture significantly more sunlight compared to fixed-tilt systems, leading to increased energy production and improved overall efficiency of the solar plant.

Benefits of Solar Tracking Systems

1. Increased Energy Output

The most obvious and important advantage of solar tracking systems is the increased energy generation they provide. By following the sun’s path, solar tracking systems can boost energy output by 15-30% compared to fixed-tilt systems. The exact increase in energy production depends on factors such as geographic location, local climate, and the type of tracking system used (single-axis or dual-axis).

In regions with high solar irradiance, the benefits of solar tracking systems are even more pronounced. For example, in areas near the equator, where the sun is high in the sky for much of the year, solar trackers can significantly enhance the efficiency of solar plants. Similarly, in regions with long daylight hours during summer months, solar tracking systems maximise the duration of optimal sunlight exposure.

2. Better Performance During Early Morning and Late Afternoon

Fixed-tilt systems are most efficient when the sun is at its highest point in the sky, typically around midday. However, during the early morning and late afternoon hours, when the sun is lower on the horizon, fixed systems are less effective at capturing sunlight. Solar tracking systems, on the other hand, can adjust the angle of the panels to ensure they are facing the sun even during these off-peak hours.

This extended period of high efficiency allows solar plants with tracking systems to generate more energy over the course of the day, particularly during those early and late hours when sunlight would otherwise be underutilised.

3. Improved Return on Investment (ROI)

For investors in large-scale solar plants, maximising energy output is critical to improving the return on investment. A solar plant with a tracking system can generate more electricity from the same number of panels compared to a fixed-tilt system. The increased energy production translates to higher revenue from the sale of electricity, whether it’s being sold to the grid or used on-site.

While solar tracking systems come with higher upfront costs due to the additional components and installation complexity, the long-term benefits often outweigh these initial expenses. The increase in energy production typically leads to a shorter payback period and a higher ROI, making tracking systems a valuable investment for utility-scale solar plants.

4. Efficient Use of Land

Land is a critical resource in large-scale solar projects, and efficient land use is essential for maximising the output of a solar plant. Solar tracking techniques can generate more energy per square meter than fixed-tilt systems, which means solar plants with trackers require less land to produce the same amount of electricity. This is particularly important in regions where land is scarce or expensive.

By maximising the energy yield per unit of land, solar tracking systems help reduce the overall footprint of solar plants and make projects more viable in areas with limited available space.

5. Adaptability to Different Environments

Solar tracking systems are versatile and can be adapted to different geographic locations and environmental conditions. Whether installed in arid deserts, agricultural land, or mountainous regions, these systems can be customised to fit the specific terrain and solar potential of the site. Dual-axis trackers, in particular, are highly adaptable and can adjust to seasonal variations in sunlight, making them ideal for solar plants located in regions with significant changes in sun angles throughout the year.

Solar Tracking Systems for Different Solar Plant Types

Utility-Scale Solar Plants

Utility-scale solar plants are large installations designed to generate significant amounts of electricity to be sold to the grid. In these large solar farms, maximising energy output is essential for profitability. For this reason, solar tracking systems are often used in utility-scale projects to boost electricity generation and improve the financial viability of the plant.

Single-axis trackers are commonly used in utility-scale solar plants due to their cost-effectiveness and ability to increase energy output. In larger plants, the higher upfront cost of tracking systems is offset by the substantial gains in energy production and overall ROI.

Commercial Solar Plants

For commercial solar installations, solar tracking systems can offer a competitive advantage by increasing energy output while utilising limited rooftop or ground space efficiently. Businesses looking to install solar plants on their properties can benefit from tracking systems by generating more energy during peak business hours and reducing reliance on grid electricity.

While dual-axis trackers are often too complex and expensive for smaller commercial installations, single-axis trackers are a more practical solution, offering a balance between cost and performance.

Residential Solar Systems

Although solar tracking systems are not as common in residential solar systems due to cost constraints, some homeowners with large properties or unique energy needs may opt for single-axis trackers. These systems are typically used in ground-mounted solar arrays for residential properties with extensive land space. The ability to increase energy production can be especially beneficial for homeowners looking to maximise their solar energy generation and reduce dependence on the grid.

Challenges of Solar Tracking Systems

While solar tracking systems offer numerous benefits, they also come with certain challenges. The upfront cost of installing a solar tracking system is higher than that of a fixed-tilt system due to the additional components, such as motors and control systems. Maintenance requirements are also higher, as the mechanical parts of the tracking system must be regularly inspected and maintained to ensure proper functioning.

Moreover, tracking systems are more complex to install, requiring careful engineering and design to ensure that the panels are properly aligned and that the system can withstand local weather conditions. Despite these challenges, the long-term benefits of increased energy production and improved ROI often justify the additional costs and complexity.

Conclusion

Solar tracking systems are a key component for maximizing the output of solar plants, offering significant improvements in energy generation compared to fixed-tilt systems. By allowing solar panels to follow the sun’s movement throughout the day, tracking systems increase the amount of electricity produced, improve the efficiency of land use, and enhance the financial returns for solar plant investors.

For large-scale solar plants, particularly in high-irradiance regions, the use of solar tracking systems can be the difference between an average project and a highly successful one. While tracking systems come with higher initial costs and maintenance needs, the long-term benefits in terms of energy production and ROI make them an attractive option for both utility-scale and commercial solar installations.

For more information on how solar tracking systems can maximise the output of your solar plant, contact Clenergy today at +61 3 9239 8088. We provide advanced solar solutions to help you achieve the best possible performance from your solar installations.