Solar Tracker Photovoltaic Mounting System: Benefits, Types, and Advantages

What is a Solar Tracker Photovoltaic Mounting System?

A solar tracker photovoltaic mounting system, commonly known as a tracking photovoltaic system, is a structure that automatically adjusts its angle to follow the sun's position throughout the day. By using built-in electrical control boxes and drive mechanisms, the system tracks the sun's movement in real-time and adjusts the angle of the solar panels to ensure they are always facing the sun. This design maximizes solar energy capture, improving the overall efficiency of the photovoltaic system. Solar tracker systems are most suitable for areas with high direct sunlight, considering factors like latitude, land cost, and climate conditions. Due to their significant increase in energy output, these systems are widely used in large-scale ground-mounted solar power plants, commercial and industrial rooftops, agricultural greenhouses, and along highways. Solar trackers can boost energy production by over 20% by adjusting the panel's angle to better capture the sun’s rays.

Types of Solar Tracker Photovoltaic Mounting Systems

Solar tracker photovoltaic mounting systems can be classified into several types: single-axis horizontal trackers, single-axis tilted trackers, dual-axis omnidirectional trackers, and polar-axis trackers, among others.

Here, we will primarily focus on the most cost-effective option: the single-axis tracker.

What is a Single-Axis Tracker Mounting System?

A single-axis tracker is a photovoltaic mounting system that rotates around a single horizontal axis (usually aligned north-south) to follow the sun. The goal of this system is to enable solar panels to rotate east to west with the sun’s movement, maximizing sunlight capture and enhancing the energy efficiency of the photovoltaic system.

The working principle of the single-axis tracker is relatively simple. It uses built-in sensors or controllers to monitor the sun's position in real-time and then drives a motor or hydraulic device to rotate the mounting system around the horizontal axis. As the sun moves across the sky, the solar panels adjust their angles to maintain the optimal angle of incidence with the sunlight.

Main Components of a Single-Axis Tracker System

The main structure of the mounting system is typically made of aluminum or stainless steel, ensuring that the solar panels are securely fixed and can withstand harsh weather conditions like wind and rain. The foundation is usually constructed from concrete or reinforced concrete, and depending on the site conditions, the structure may be anchored directly into the ground to ensure stability.

The rotational axis is the center around which the tracker rotates, typically located at the center of the solar panel array. Bearings are used to support the axis and ensure smooth and precise rotation. Proper selection and maintenance of these bearings are crucial for the system's long-term stability.

The motor is the core component of the tracking system, providing the power to rotate the solar panels along the rotational axis. Common motor types include stepper motors and servo motors, which can precisely control the rotation angle and speed. The transmission mechanism, which may include gears, chains, or belts, transfers the motor's power to the mounting structure to drive the rotation of the solar panels.

The control system is a key part of the single-axis tracker, typically incorporating intelligent algorithms that predict the sun's path and manage the operation of the drive system. The control system uses sensors such as light sensors, angle sensors, and GPS to monitor the sun's position in real-time. Based on the data from these sensors, the system calculates the angle at which the solar panels should rotate and sends commands to the motors to adjust the angle accordingly.

The junction box, located on the back of the solar panels, connects the panels to the inverter and other electrical devices. Cables are used to transmit the electricity generated by the solar panels. Protection devices like fuses and surge protectors ensure that the system remains safe from electrical faults or lightning strikes.

Advantages of a Single-Axis Tracker Photovoltaic System

When considering the cost-effectiveness of single-axis, tilted single-axis, and dual-axis tracking systems, the single-axis system has clear advantages. While dual-axis trackers increase power generation efficiency by 40%, they come with a high mounting cost of 3-4 RMB per watt and require 2-3 times more land than fixed-tilt systems. This means that while dual-axis systems offer higher efficiency, their initial investment is significantly higher. The tilted single-axis tracker sits between the single-axis and dual-axis systems in terms of both investment cost and land usage, with its land requirements being roughly twice that of a single-axis system.

Further subdividing the single-axis tracker system, we have standard single-axis trackers and tilted single-axis trackers. Under the same conditions, tilted single-axis trackers can increase energy generation efficiency by 5-10% over standard single-axis systems. In comparison to traditional fixed-tilt systems, standard single-axis trackers can increase efficiency by 10-15%, while tilted single-axis trackers can achieve a 18-23% increase. Therefore, when considering the overall energy generation cost and efficiency, single-axis trackers are undoubtedly the optimal choice.

Solar tracker systems bring numerous benefits to solar power generation. With this technology, solar panels can adjust their angle in real-time, making the power plants less susceptible to the impact of adverse weather. Solar power plants equipped with tracking systems are more adaptable and can be integrated with agricultural production, whether in ponds, mountainous areas, or barren lands. These systems offer significant advantages over traditional fixed-tilt solar power plants. Additionally, agricultural-photovoltaic and aquaculture-photovoltaic systems can also utilize solar tracking technology, fostering a perfect integration between agriculture, aquaculture, and solar power. This ensures the maximum economic benefit for owners, even in areas with limited land resources.