Benefits of axis tracking to fixed tilt solar panels
Electrical energy has become the basic necessity of our daily lives. As the population growing tremendously, the need for electricity is increasing rapidly. The time has come to search for alternate source of energy. Though, chosen alternate energy is intermittent it is the clean form of energy. Solar energy is one such alternative. Photovoltaic panels are used to trap the solar irradiation and generate the electrical energy. The efficiency of a solar panel is generally around 18-22%. There are different types of tracking systems to be considered while installing solar panels. The annual generation may vary with the tracking system you choose. There are 3 different types of tracking systems. They are as listed. Fixed mount type, single axis tracking, dual axis tracking.
The fixed mount type is the most commonly seen type with no tracking. The solar panels are fixed in one position and is different from other two types. The annual energy generation is lesser compared to the single axis tracking system. These fixed mount solar panels are tilted at certain angle which is equal to the latitude of the location.
Fig. fixed tilt solar panel structure
The single axis tracking system tracks the solar radiation from in only two directions i.e., East to West. Single-axis trackers are efficient compared to a fixed solar tracker mount panel. These trackers follow the Sun from East to West, providing consistent power output all day long. The trackers generate higher annual power as compared to a static station of the same installed capacity. Each tracker has its individual orientation. Single axis tracking can be vertical axis or horizontal axis but not both.
Fig. single axis tracking system with the movement of sun
The dual axis tracking system tracks the sun in both the directions from East to West and from North to South. The dual axis trackers are most commonly seen in commercial solar plants where space is available and the annual generation of the solar plant is more compared to fixed mount and single axis tracking systems. This tracking system also helps to produce the energy required for the consumer. The dual axis trackers can increase the power production.
Fig. dual axis tracking system with the movement of sun
The comparison for the annual energy production and specific production considering the plant at the location Vishakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. The values are generated are from the PVsyst software.
Orientation |
Specific production KWh/KWp/Yr |
Annual Energy Production MWh/Yr |
Fixed tilt solar panels |
1593 |
84.1 |
Single axis tracking |
1834 |
96.8 |
Dual axis tracking |
2075 |
110 |
You can conclude that dual axis tracking systems are always best and yield maximum energy. There are few considerations to be taken into account such as space availability, budget of the project.