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Solar Trackers

Solar Trackers. Getting the most out of your PV panels. Why Track?. The most energy is absorbed when a surface’s face is perpendicular to the sun Stationary mounted PV panels are only perpendicular to the sun once a day Improved performance from each panel means fewer panels are needed.

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Solar Trackers

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  1. Solar Trackers Getting the most out of your PV panels

  2. Why Track? • The most energy is absorbed when a surface’s face is perpendicular to the sun • Stationary mounted PV panels are only perpendicular to the sun once a day • Improved performance from each panel means fewer panels are needed

  3. Types of Trackers: Passive • Made by Zomeworks and UniRac • Powered by a balancing material, usually Freon, shaded from and heated by sun • Panels turn as vapor shifts from side to side

  4. No electrical parts Reliable Simple Cost competitive to stationary mounts Morning wake up Slow to react Sluggish in cold weather More expensive to ship Prone to wind gusts Advantages/Disadvantages

  5. Types of Trackers: Active • Made by Array Technologies (as Wattsun), SolarTrax, and Small Power Systems • Power by electricity (usually directly from panels) • Optical Light Sensor • Timer

  6. Precise Dual axis Return to sunrise position for earlier start Ignore temperature Shipped in parts Less reliable Sensitive to lightning Higher initial cost Uses electricity, but only about 5 watts per day Advantages/Disadvantages

  7. How Much More? • Extra energy depends on location and site • Most beneficial with sunup to sundown solar window

  8. Prices • Wattsun complete 2 kW grid-tie system: • $18,995 at www.wattsun.com/internet_only_special.html • Zomeworks through Vermont Solar • $612 - $2,312 for mounting pole only at www.backeastsolar.com • Available at most internet stores that deal in PV panels

  9. Do sunflowers really follow the sun? When the plant is in the bud stage, it tends to track the movement of the sun across the horizon. Once the flower opens into the radiance of yellow petals, it faces east. No one knows why. However, it is likely a defensive response. Facing south or west could result in sun-scalding of seeds during very hot days.

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