Single Axis Solar Tracker: Definition How it Works, Importance, and Types

A single-axis solar tracker is a mounting system that automatically adjusts the angle of solar panels throughout the day, maximizing their exposure to direct sunlight. The primary characteristic of single-axis solar trackers is their bidirectional movement and orientation. As the name suggests, single-axis trackers rotate along a single axis, typically towards the east-west direction. This allows them to tilt the panels throughout the day as the sun moves, optimizing the angle of incidence for direct sunlight.

A single-axis solar tracker consists of five main mechanical components that work together to ensure that the solar panel accurately tracks the sun as it moves from east to west across the sky. The drive mechanism, including electric motors, gear drives, and hydraulic systems, ensures precise panel movement to track the path of the sun. The control units, powered by sophisticated algorithms, manage tracking based on sensor inputs (e.g., sun position and wind speed). The support structure holds the panels, while optional components, like sensors, enhance efficiency. These components work harmoniously to maximize energy yield while minimizing maintenance efforts.

The function of a single-axis solar tracker is to constantly track the movement of the sun across the sky, rotating on a single point, which optimizes the amount of sunlight collected by the solar panels. Single-axis solar trackers use a combination of light-dependent resistors (LDR), microcontrollers, servo motors, and solar panels to continually adjust the panel orientation of a PV system. Single solar trackers are important because they allow PV systems to absorb more light, which generates more electricity.

There are four main types of single axis solar trackers. These are Vertical Single-Axis Solar Trackers (VSAT), Vertical-Tilted Single-Axis Solar Trackers (VTSAT), Horizontal Tilted Single-Axis Solar Trackers (HTSAT), and Horizontal Single-Axis Solar Trackers (HSAT).

VSATs are cost-effective and ideal for low latitudes due to their vertical axis rotation, while VTSATs add a tilt mechanism for better seasonal energy capture, which is suitable for moderate latitudes. HTSATs offer both horizontal rotation and tilt adjustments, making them versatile for various climates. Conversely, HSATs provide a simple, horizontal rotation, which is commonly preferred for large solar farms due to their straightforward design and cost efficiency.

One of the key benefits of single-axis trackers for solar panels is that they increase energy production by up to 35% compared to fixed-tilt systems, allowing for more efficient use of available land and reduced reliance on grid electricity. They aren’t as difficult to maintain as dual-axis trackers because they function much more simply, mechanically speaking.

Despite what they achieve in terms of increased output, solar trackers do have some drawbacks. The main drawback is that due to the ever-decreasing price of solar panels, the cost-effectiveness of solar trackers has diminished over time compared to the option of adding more panels. The limited movement of their axis restricts the alignment capabilities of single-axis solar trackers compared to dual-axis trackers, making them less effective for large-scale industrial projects.

The cost of single-axis solar trackers is a significant factor when considering their purchase. The cost varies widely depending on the size and type of the tracker and the manufacturer. The average price of a single-axis solar tracker is $2,000 to $5,000 or more per tracking system for a residential installation. Keep in mind that there are additional costs, such as electrical work, permits, and maintenance. So, are single-axis trackers worth it? Considering the upfront costs involved, single-axis trackers are not considered as financially advantageous as they used to be. While they generate more energy compared to fixed panel systems, in the case of residential solar, it is usually cheaper to simply add more solar panels than purchase a solar tracker.

As for where to purchase, there are several reputable manufacturers of single-axis solar trackers. These include Ades, AllEarth, FTC Solar, Array Technologies, SolarReserve LLC, DCE Solar, Sunpower Corporation, PV Hardware, and DEGER. These manufacturers are renowned in the industry for manufacturing reliable, robust, and innovative tracking solutions to maximize energy and economic efficiency for households and businesses across the globe.

What is a Single Axis Solar Tracker?

A single-axis solar tracker is a mounting system that automatically adjusts the angle of solar panels throughout the day, maximizing their exposure to direct sunlight. Unlike fixed-tilt panels, which remain at a static angle, single-axis solar trackers dynamically shift to follow the movement of the sun (east-west) across the sky, capturing more solar energy and boosting electricity generation. By moving east to west to follow the sun’s path across the sky, single-axis trackers improve efficiency by 25-35%.

The primary characteristic of single-axis solar trackers is their single-axis movement and orientation. Single-axis trackers rotate along a single axis, typically oriented east-west. This allows them to tilt the panels throughout the day, optimizing the angle of incidence for direct sunlight. The orientation of single-axis solar trackers is usually horizontal (most common), tilted, or even vertical. Single-axis trackers generate up to 30% more energy, especially in regions with significant seasonal sun angle variations compared to fixed-tilt systems. A fixed tilt system is a type of solar panel installation in which the solar panels are mounted at a fixed angle and orientation. Regions with significant seasonal sun angle variations are Arctic and Antarctic regions, as well as equatorial regions such as Mexico, the Bahamas, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, India, southern China, Australia, Chile, southern Brazil, and northern South Africa.

A single-axis solar tracker consists of 5 main components that work together to ensure that the solar panel accurately tracks the sun as it moves from east to west across the sky. This movement maximizes the amount of sunlight captured by the photovoltaic (PV) solar panel. These five components are the drive mechanism, such as electric motor, gear drives, and hydraulic systems; the control units, the support structure, and solar panels; and optional components, such as sensors.

In a solar axis tracker system, the drive mechanism acts as the operational core, rotating the tracker along its axis to follow the sun. The control units of single-axis solar trackers are equipped with pre-programmed algorithms or real-time sun position data, manage this mechanism, and determine the panels’ optimal tilt angle, considering time, location coordinates, seasonal changes, and weather conditions. Another important component of a single-axis tracker is the support structure, which provides a resilient base for the photovoltaic (PV) panels, which are the system’s energy harvesters, and encases the drive mechanism and control units, ensuring stability against environmental forces. Typically made from materials like monocrystalline or polycrystalline silicon, PV panels are strategically mounted and oriented.

Single-axis solar trackers have optional components such as sensors and communication systems that offer protective measures by monitoring environmental factors and facilitating remote management, enhancing the system’s efficiency and resilience.

How Do Single-Axis Solar Trackers Work?

A Single Axis Solar Tracker works by constantly tracking the movement of the sun across the sky, rotating on a single point, and optimizing the amount of sunlight collected by the solar panels. As the single-axis solar tracker moves, the Photovoltaic (PV) solar panel is adjusted to create the smallest angle of incidence. The angle of incidence represents the angle at which the sun hits a solar panel. The trackers tilt on a singular axis to follow the sun from east to west as it moves throughout the course of each day in order to maximize energy production.

Single-axis solar trackers use a combination of light-dependent resistors (LDR), microcontrollers, servo motors, and solar panels to track the movement of the sun across the sky, optimizing the amount of sunlight captured by the solar panels. The Light-dependent resistors (LDR) sensors detect changes in sunlight intensity and send signals to a microcontroller such as Arduino.

The microcontroller processes the signals and sends commands to servo motors to adjust the angle of the solar panels. The servo motors move the solar panels to maintain the optimal angle for capturing sunlight. The solar panels collect sunlight and convert it into electricity. The solar panels collect sunlight and convert it into electricity, which is stored in batteries or fed into the power grid.

What Is The Importance of Single-Axis Trackers?

Single solar trackers are important because they have the potential to significantly increase energy production, reduce costs, and enhance sustainability. Single-axis trackers increase energy production by up to 35% compared to fixed-tilt systems, allowing for more efficient use of available land.

This energy increase means that more energy is produced without needing to increase the size of the system, making for smarter use of land. Installing single-axis trackers offers financial benefits that offset the added cost of the trackers, especially in environments with favorable conditions. Single-axis solar trackers have the potential to add value to your solar system, boost energy production, and compensate for the initial costs if the trackers are installed in an environment with ideal conditions.

Single-axis solar trackers contribute to reducing dependence on the local grid and promoting renewable energy alternatives by maximizing power generation.

What are the Different Types of Single Axis Solar Trackers?

Different types of single-axis solar trackers have different performance and cost characteristics depending on the location, climate, and design of the solar system. Tracking accuracy, energy output, land use, and maintenance are the factors users must consider when choosing the type of single-axis tracker for their solar system.

The four main types of single-axis solar trackers are listed below.

• Vertical Single-Axis Solar Tracker (VSAT): VSATs rotate around a vertical axis (east-west), making them particularly beneficial in equatorial regions where the sun’s path is predominantly vertical.
• Vertical-Tilted Single-Axis Solar Tracker (VTSAT): VTSATs rotate on a vertical axis, but their tilt aligns with the horizontal position, making them capture solar energy more effectively during the seasons. VTSATs adjust the tilt angle, making them versatile for areas with significant seasonal changes.
• Horizontal Tilted Single-Axis Solar Tracker (HTSAT): HTSATs rotate on a fixed axis from east to west, maximizing energy absorption throughout the year by combining horizontal movement with a tilting capability. This helps them adapt to both daily and seasonal sun paths.
• Horizontal Single-Axis Solar Tracker (HSAT): HTSATs rotate horizontally on a fixed axis from east to west, capturing the sun’s movement across the sky.

1. Vertical Single-Axis Solar Tracker (VSAT)

Vertical Single-Axis Solar Tracker (VSAT) is a device that rotates a solar panel or a mirror around a vertical axis to track the sun’s movement across the sky. VSAT is mounted in either a north/south or east/west orientation. This allows VSAT to follow more “up-and-down” movement of the sun in the sky.

The advantage of a VSAT is that it tracks the sun’s elevation angle more effectively than a horizontal tracker, especially in high-latitude locations where the sun’s position changes significantly throughout the year, such as Alaska, USA, Norway, and Antarctica. By following the path of the sun, the panels maintain an optimal angle, increasing their efficiency in converting sunlight into electricity.

A Vertical Single-Axis Solar Tracker (VSAT) works by using a motor and a controller to adjust the orientation of the solar panel or the mirror based on the position of the sun. The controller uses a sun-sensing device, a timer, or a hybrid system to determine the optimal angle.

The accuracy of a VSAT depends on several factors, such as the design, the location, the weather, and the maintenance of the tracker. VSAT achieves a high accuracy in tracking the elevation angle of the sun, but it usually has some errors in tracking the sun’s azimuth angle, especially near sunrise and sunset. The accuracy of a VSAT is measured by the angle of incidence, which is the angle between the incoming sunlight and the normal to the surface of the solar panel or the mirror. A lower angle of incidence means a higher accuracy and a higher energy output.

2. Vertical-Tilted Single-Axis Solar Tracker (VTSAT)

A Vertical-Tilted Single-Axis Solar Tracker (VTSAT) is a type of single axis solar tracking device where the panels rotate on a single, vertical axis. The axis is oriented perpendicular to the ground, and the panels themselves are tilted parallel to the horizon. This allows them to track the sun's east-west movement throughout the day, maximizing the angle of sunlight hitting the panels.

The advantage of a VTSAT is that it tracks the sun’s daily and seasonal movements more effectively than a horizontal tracker, especially in locations where the sun’s elevation angle changes significantly throughout the year. VTSAT reduces the wind loading on the photovoltaic (PV) solar panels compared to a vertical single-axis tracker.

VTSAT works by using a motor or a passive mechanism to rotate the photovoltaic (PV) solar panels around a vertical axis. The rotation is controlled by a sensor that detects the sun’s position or by a timer that follows a predetermined schedule. The tilt of the solar panels is fixed or adjustable, depending on the design of the tracker. The accuracy of a VTSAT depends on several factors, such as the quality of the sensor, the precision of the motor, the stability of the structure, and the environmental conditions. The sensor is responsible for detecting the sun’s position in the sky.

A high-quality sensor accurately detects the sun’s position even under challenging conditions, such as cloudy weather or low light levels. The solar tracker will not align the solar panels correctly if the sensor is not accurate, reducing the amount of solar energy captured. The motor is responsible for moving the solar panels to track the sun. A precise motor makes small adjustments to the panel’s position, allowing it to follow the sun’s path more closely.

The solar panels will not be able to track the sun accurately if the motor is not precise, leading to a loss of solar energy. The structure of the solar tracker must be stable to withstand wind loads and other environmental factors. The structure will vibrate or move in the wind if it is not stable, causing the solar panels to misalign with the sun. This reduces the amount of solar energy captured and even damages the solar panels or the tracker itself.

Environmental conditions, such as temperature, humidity, wind speed, and dust, affect the accuracy of a VTSAT. High temperatures cause the motor to overheat, reducing its precision. Dust accumulates on the sensor, affecting its ability to detect the sun’s position. Wind causes the structure to move, leading to the misalignment of the solar panels. VTSAT achieves an accuracy within a degree, which is sufficient for most energy applications. However, some advanced models achieve higher accuracy by using dual-axis tracking or adaptive algorithms.

3. Horizontal Tilted Single-Axis Solar Tracker (HTSAT)

Horizontal Tilted Single-Axis Solar Trackers (HTSAT) are a type of solar tracking system that operates by rotating around a tilted single axis. This tilt allows the HTSAT to capture sunlight efficiently, especially in higher latitudes. The HTSAT’s axis of rotation aligns with the north-south direction, and the solar panels follow the sun in an east-to-west trajectory throughout the day to track the movement of the sun.

The advantage of a horizontal, tilted single-axis solar tracker (HTSAT) is that it is usually suitable in high latitude locations but takes less land space than a vertical single-axis tracker (VSAT). HTSAT offers the advantage of VSAT in a horizontal tracker and minimizes the overall cost of solar projects.

The HTSAT works by adjusting the face of the solar panel to follow the movement of the Sun throughout the day. The system comprises a long horizontal tube supported on bearings mounted on towers or frames. As the module tracks the sun, it sweeps a rotationally symmetric cylinder around the rotation axis.

4. Horizontal Single-Axis Solar Tracker (HSAT)

A Horizontal Single-Axis Solar Tracker (HSAT) is a type of solar tracking system that rotates around a horizontal axis to follow the Sun’s apparent motion across the sky throughout the day.

The advantage of HSAT is that it increases the energy output of photovoltaic (PV) solar panels by keeping them perpendicular to the direct irradiance most of the time, capturing a higher amount of irradiance than fixed panels. The irradiance is the amount of solar energy per unit area arriving on a surface at a particular angle.

HSAT works by using algorithms based on date, time, and geographic information to calculate the position of the sun and adjust the rotation angle of the panels accordingly. Alternatively, HSAT uses optical sensors to detect the position of the sun and control the rotation of the photovoltaic (PV) solar panels.

The accuracy of HSAT depends on the algorithm or sensor used to track the Sun and environmental factors such as shading, cloud cover, and dust. Shading, cloud cover, and dust are environmental factors that reduce the amount of solar radiation reaching the surface and the photovoltaic panels. The reduction in the amount of solar radiation reaching the surface of the PV panel has the potential to affect the accuracy of HSAT. It lowers the output power of the panels, which affects the performance of the tracking system and the rotation angle of the panels. It interferes with the algorithm or sensor used to track the Sun’s position, which results in errors in the calculation of the optimal angle of the panels.

What are the benefits of a Single-Axis Solar Tracker for Solar Panels?

Single Axis Solar Trackers offer several benefits that enhance the effectiveness of solar panels. The main advantage of single-axis trackers is that they increase the amount of electricity produced by solar panels by 25-35%, compared to fixed solar panels. By following the east-to-west movement of the sun, single-axis trackers are able to maximize the panels’ exposure to sunlight therefore increasing overall production. Other benefits of solar trackers include ease of installation, cost savings from increased power generation, and simpler mechanics compared to dual-axis trackers.

The six main benefits of single-axis solar trackers are listed below.

• Increased Energy Production: Single-axis tracker technology helps to increase energy production by up to a third compared to a fixed solar system. This energy increase allows for more efficient use of the land the entire solar system inhabits, as the photovoltaic (PV) solar panel produces more power in a more confined space. The power efficiency calculated for a single-axis solar tracker is said to be 13% more than that of the fixed mount, according to a study from the International Journal of Engineering Science and Innovative Technology (IJESIT). The 2013 study entitled “Comparison of Efficiencies of Single-Axis Tracking System and Dual-Axis Tracking System with Fixed Mount” was conducted by researchers Deepthi.S, Ponni. A, Ranjitha. R, R Dhanabal at the Electronics and Communications Engineering, SENSE, VIT UNIVERSITY, Tamil Nadu, India.
• Cost Savings: Adding a single-axis solar tracker to a photovoltaic (PV) system as an additional investment allows more energy to be generated with the same solar panels, reducing reliance on grid electricity and creating savings via net metering. A standard ground-mounted solar panel system costs around $13,000. The total cost is likely to be around $20,000 if you add a single-axis solar tracker. This represents about a 57% premium for about 20-35% of increased output. While it is obvious that the initial investment in a single-axis solar tracker is higher, the long-term cost-saving is attributed to the increased energy production, which is likely to offset the initial cost over time. However, in recent times, adding solar panels to an existing system has become a more common solution for generating savings from solar, compared to adding a solar tracker, which is more costly by comparison.
• Easy Of Installation: Single-axis solar trackers are easier to install compared to dual-axis trackers, which are another type of solar tracking technology. This means that the installation process is completed more quickly and at a lower cost. This ease of installation is beneficial for individuals and companies looking to implement solar energy systems, as it helps reduce the overall cost of the project and minimize the disruption to daily operations.
• Simpler Mechanics: Single-axis trackers require less complex technology and fewer moving parts compared to dual-axis trackers, making them simpler to set up and maintain. Choosing single-axis trackers provides the benefits of tracking technology without the mechanical liabilities which make dual-axis trackers prone to breakdown. .
• Sustainability: Single-axis solar trackers boost your company’s sustainability and lower its carbon footprint. They adjust the solar panels’ position to follow the sun, maximizing power generation. The ability of single-axis solar trackers to optimize energy generation reduces your company's reliance on the local grid and increases your renewable energy use. Harnessing more energy from the sun shows your commitment to sustainability, helps create a greener future, and attracts eco-conscious individuals.
• Longer Lifespan: Single-axis trackers have a longer lifespan and fewer movable parts than dual-axis solar trackers. This means that they require less maintenance and are less likely to experience downtime. Single-axis solar trackers are more durable and reliable, with fewer components that break or malfunction over time.

What are the Drawbacks of a Single Axis Solar Tracker in Solar Panels?

While single-axis solar trackers have significant benefits, there are some drawbacks to consider before installing them. The main disadvantage of single-axis solar trackers is their decreased cost-effectiveness over time. As solar panels become more and more affordable, solar axis trackers are becoming less financially beneficial compared to adding new panels to a system,

Other disadvantages of single-axis solar trackers are limited movement of their axis, lower energy output, and decreased cost-effectiveness.

More information about each of the three main disadvantages of single-axis solar trackers is below.

• Limited Movement of their axis: Single axis solar trackers move only on one axis compared to dual axis solar trackers which move in two-axis. Single-axis trackers track the daily movement of the sun from east to west but not the yearly movement from north to south. This limitation in the movement of their axis reduces the efficiency of the tracker, especially in locations with significant seasonal variations in the path of the sun.
• Lower Energy Output: While single-axis trackers improve energy output compared to fixed panels, they still fall short of the energy output of dual-axis trackers. Dual-axis trackers follow the sun’s path horizontally and vertically, allowing them to capture more sunlight throughout the day and across seasons.
• Decreased Cost Effectiveness: Single-axis trackers are no longer considered as advantageous or cost-saving as they once were. In many cases, adding additional solar panels is a cheaper option for residential panel owners than purchasing a solar tracker.

Where Can I Shop for a Single Axis Tracker?

Single-axis solar trackers are available from a variety of manufacturers and suppliers. The main locations where you can purchase single-axis solar trackers are manufacturer’s websites and online marketplaces.

More information on three specific stores and websites where you can shop for single-axis solar trackers is below.

• Manufacturer’s websites: The major global manufacturers to shop for Single Axis Solar Trackers include Ades, AllEarth, FTC Solar, Array Technologies, SolarReserve LLC, DCE Solar, Sunpower Corporation, PV Hardware, and DEGER. DEGERtracker S100, manufactured by DEGER, offers a maximum east/west rotation angle of +/—50° and the patented MLD (Maximum Light Detection) sensor. The single-axis tracking system automatically aligns photovoltaic modules to the best generation angle. This alignment gives the DEGERtracker an advantage of an average of 30% higher yield compared to fixed-tilt systems. These manufacturers have built a strong reputation in the industry, manufacturing reliable, robust, and innovative tracking solutions that maximize energy and economic efficiency for households and businesses worldwide.
• Online Marketplaces: The top online marketplaces for shopping for single-axis solar trackers include Alibaba and Amazon. Amazon offers you a variety of single-axis solar trackers from different manufacturers at discounted prices with a voluntary 30-day Return Guarantee. Alibaba sells a wide range of single-axis solar trackers and other solar accessories with three monthly coupons worth US $50, US $20, and US $10, totaling US $80. Coupons are redeemed on featured products.

How Much Does a Single Axis Tracker Cost?

The average cost of a single-axis solar tracker is currently around $1.01 per watt, with cheaper prices available for bulk purchases. Single-axis trackers are generally more affordable compared to dual-axis ones, as they are less complex and require less maintenance.

The global average cost of a single-axis solar tracker is currently around $1.01 per watt DC, according to a study from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). The 2020 NREL study entitled “U.S. Solar Photovoltaic System and Energy Storage Cost Benchmark: Q1 2020” was conducted by researchers David Feldman, Vignesh Ramasamy, Ran Fu, Ashwin Ramdas, Jal Desai, and Robert Margolis at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL).

Given the global average cost of $1.01 per watt, a 4-kilowatt ground-mounted solar system is likely to cost $20,000, which is a premium of 57% over the cost of a fixed array for just 35% more solar output. However, prices of single-axis tracking systems range from $500 to over $1,000 per panel, and some wholesale solar tracker costs as low as $0.08 to $0.14 per watt. The average cost of a single-axis solar tracker varies depending on factors such as the manufacturer, size, and quality of the system.

The global market for single-axis solar trackers is projected to grow significantly in the coming years. The global single-axis solar tracker market size surpassed USD 19.01 million in 2023 and is anticipated to grow at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 20.9% from 2024 to 2032. The single-axis solar photovoltaic (PV) tracker market size is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 19.07% between 2024 and 2028. The global solar tracker market size was valued at USD 4.41 billion in 2022, expanding at a CAGR of 26.2% from 2023 to 2030. The implication of these estimates is that the market is projected to expand due to several factors. The four main factors impacting the expansion of the global market for solar trackers are increased demand, technological advancements, economic impacts, and environmental impacts.

The single-axis solar tracker market is significantly influenced by increased demand for renewable energy sources, driving market growth and innovation. Technological advancements are leading to more efficient and cost-effective trackers, further stimulating market expansion. Economic impacts, such as government incentives and the decreasing cost of solar components, make solar investments more attractive, while environmental impacts, including policies aimed at reducing carbon emissions, are pushing for a shift towards sustainable energy solutions, bolstering the market for single-axis solar trackers.

What Is The Average Cost of Installing a Single Axis Solar Tracker?

The average cost of installing a single-axis solar tracker ranges from approximately $0.08 to $0.14 per watt, depending on the specific model and manufacturer. For instance, a 15kW single-axis solar tracking system costs around $31,730–$34,300, while a smaller 5kW system could be priced at $0.80–$1.20 per watt. However, the average cost of installing a single-axis solar tracker is influenced by 3 main factors. These factors are the solar panel system size and capacity, complexity of the installation, and location and environmental factors.

The cost of installing a single-axis solar tracker is influenced by several interconnected factors. The size and capacity of the solar panel system dictate the number of trackers needed, directly impacting the overall cost. Larger solar photovoltaic (PV) systems require more solar trackers to cover the solar module array effectively, translating to higher initial investment. The complexity of the installation often varies based on the type of tracker and the terrain, with more complex installations requiring additional labor and materials.

Horizontal Tilted Single Axis Solar Trackers (HTSAT) are installed in a way similar to the Horizontal Single-Axis Solar Tracker (HSAT), but they require a certain tilt. The installation of HTSAT requires a concrete foundation, which makes it more complex to install, driving up the total cost. Lastly, the location and environmental factors such as local climate, land availability, and regional regulations affect both the installation process and the type of tracker suitable for the area, further influencing the cost.

Is It Costly to Maintain a Single-Axis Solar Tracker?

Yes, maintaining a single-axis solar track is costly compared to fixed-tilt solar panels due to additional components and complexity. The average maintenance cost of a single-axis solar tracker is currently around $0.011 per watt/dc ($11k/MWdc) per year for a 20-MWdc tracker system. The cost of maintaining single-axis solar trackers fluctuates based on five main factors. These factors are level of irradiance, snow accumulation, complexity of technology, site condition, size, and location.

First, the level of irradiance plays a crucial role in maintenance costs. This is because regions with high sunlight exposure require more frequent cleaning and inspection to maintain optimal panel performance. UV radiation impacts the longevity of the photovoltaic (PV) panel, affecting overall maintenance costs. Secondly, snow accumulation poses challenges in snowy climates. Snow buildup on the single-axis solar tracker structures hinders movement and reduces energy production. Clearing snow from panels and mechanisms adds to maintenance expenses. Thirdly, the complexity of technology affects the maintenance cost of single-axis solar trackers. Solar trackers with intricate designs demand regular maintenance. Lubrication, alignment checks, and addressing wear and tear contribute to the costs of maintenance of solar trackers. Fourthly, consider the site condition: harsh environments (e.g., high winds, extreme temperatures) impact the durability of single-axis solar trackers. Dust, sand, or salt accumulation necessitates frequent cleaning, driving up expenses. Finally, the size and location play a significant role in the cost of maintenance of solar trackers. Larger solar tracker arrays require more inspections and upkeep. Remote or difficult-to-access locations increase transportation and labor costs for maintenance personnel. In short, these factors collectively influence the ongoing expenses associated with maintaining single-axis solar trackers.

Are Single-Axis Solar Trackers More Efficient Than Dual-Axis Tracker?

No, single-axis solar trackers are not more efficient than dual-axis solar trackers. While single-axis trackers are more efficient than fixed-tilt panels, dual-axis trackers generally outperform them in terms of energy production.

While single-axis solar trackers follow the sun’s path east-west, optimizing energy capture throughout the day, dual-axis trackers follow the sun’s path more accurately as they move in two directions (east-west and north-south), which allows them to capture more sunlight throughout the day. The efficiency of dual-axis solar trackers is better than the static solar panel by about 40% more output power from the solar panel. The output power of the single-axis is slightly lower at 25-35% than the dual-axis system. The one-axis design of single-axis solar trackers makes them less complex and less expensive than dual-axis trackers, which require more components, motors, and control systems, making them more expensive.

Is There a Significant Increase In Solar Energy Gain by Using a Single Axis Solar Tracker?

Yes, there is usually a significant increase in solar energy gain by using a single-axis solar tracker, compared to a fixed-tilt system. A solar panel system with a single-axis solar tracker installed sees a 25-35% performance gain compared to a fixed solar system. This allows for more efficient use of the land the project inhabits, as the project produces more power in a more confined space. The use of a single-axis solar tracker significantly boosts the solar energy production of a solar panel system.

What is the difference between Single-Axis Solar Tracker and Dual-Axis Solar Tracker?

The main difference between a Single-axis tracker and a dual-axis tracker lies in their directional flexibility, which, in turn, impacts their efficiency. Single-axis trackers move on one axis, while dual-axis trackers follow two axes of movement. This means that photovoltaic (PV) solar panels with single-axis trackers only move from east to west, following the sun across the sky, while photovoltaic (PV) solar panels with dual-axis trackers move from east to west and north to south.

The movement of the angles of single-axis solar trackers and dual-axis trackers provides more power output for the photovoltaic cell. It presents an efficient system for collecting solar energy, which ensures increased energy conversion. To compare dual-axis trackers vs single-axis trackers in terms of efficiency, single-axis solar trackers achieve an efficiency of 25-30%, and dual-axis trackers add an efficiency of between 5% and 10% more, achieving an average efficiency of 35-40%, which translates into more significant solar energy generation.