Large-scale solar farms are transforming the world towards sustainable energy solutions. They absorb the sunlight on a large scale, improving the way electricity is produced. It also reduces dependence on nonrenewable energy. Solar trackers play a major role in improving the solar panel’s performance in farms, including ground-mounted solar plants.

In this blog, we will discuss the solar tracker, including what it is, its types, how it works, and how it improves energy production. So let’s have a look.

What is a Solar Tracker? 

A solar tracker is a tool that helps solar panels function more effectively in solar farms. It adjusts the panel’s position during the day and makes sure to stay in line with the sun’s movement. The panels absorb more sunlight and make the energy generation process more effective.

How Does a Solar Tracker Work? 

Rather than placing the panels in a fixed position, they keep adjusting the solar panel angle according to the sun’s position in the sky. They use motors, sensors, and automated systems to monitor the sun’s movement from sunrise to sunset. This absorbs more energy compared to stationary panels.

This solar tracking system maximizes power generation by direct exposure to sunlight and ensures that panels absorb as much energy as they can. Moreover, they reduce the light reflected away from the panel and make energy production highly efficient compared to fixed-panel systems.

What Are the Different Types of Solar Trackers?

Single Axis Solar Tracker

These trackers enable solar panels to move with a single axis from east to west. The panels adjust their positions during the day according to the sun’s movement horizontally. They Increase energy production by 25 to 35 percent.

Pros and Cons:

• Pros: Single axis solar tracker is simple and cost-effective compared to dual axis solar tracker. They are easy to install and maintain, the best for large-scale solar farms.
• Cons: They do not improve energy absorption in the seasons when the sun’s position in the sky changes a lot.

Dual Axis Solar Tracker

These trackers enable solar panels to move in two directions: horizontal and vertical, to track the sun’s position even when it keeps changing. They increase energy production by approximately 40 percent.

Pros and Cons:

• Pros: Dual-axis solar tracker absorbs more sunlight and increases energy production. They are best for getting the best performance from solar panels, especially when the sun’s position changes a lot.
• Cons: They are costly compared to single axis solar trackers.  They are also challenging to install and maintain. Their high cost does not suit the solar farms, small in size or limited in budget.

4 Main Components of a Solar Tracker and Their Functions

1. Sensors and Controllers

Sensors are used to monitor and detect the sun’s position in the sky. The controllers are used to analyze this data and provide direction to the tracker’s system for panel adjustment.

2. Actuators and Motors

Actuators and motors work together to physically move the solar panels according to the information provided by the sensors. Actuators start panel movement, and motors ensure the panels are angled perfectly to follow the sun’s shifting.

3. Power Source

The solar tracking system needs energy to work. It is provided by a solar farm or an external source. This consistent power for the tracker system leads to smooth and automatic functioning.

4. Solar Tracking System

Key Elements:

• A Tracker Mount to keep the panels in the right position helps with efficient energy capture.
• The Driver helps to rotate the motor shaft and adjust the panel position.
• The Motor moves the panels according to commands provided by the system controller.
• The Algorithm calculates the sun’s exact position with data like time, date, and location.
• Signal Processing Units process sensor data and instruct the tracker’s components.
• The Power Supply provides the required energy for the tracking system to work properly.

Why do Large-Scale Solar Farms Need Solar Trackers? 

Solar Trackers are important for large-scale solar farms because they help to generate maximum energy. Trackers adjust panels with the sun during the day from morning to evening. Solar tracker efficiency increased its production by 20 to 40 percent. 

Their Role in High Performance

1. More Energy Production: Trackers make sure that solar panels are always facing the sun and absorb more sunlight to generate more power. This helps to maintain top-notch performance in solar farm projects, including ground-mounted solar plants.
2. Land Usage Optimization: Trackers enable panels to be placed and focused more efficiently, to leverage the best of available land. By optimizing the tracker positioning, farms absorb as much sunlight as possible without the need for extra space.
3. Seasonal and Environmental Performance: Solar trackers adjust the position of solar panels throughout the year to keep them in line with the sun’s path and adapt to seasonal changes. They work reliably in different weather conditions and locations.
4. Lower maintenance cost: Automatic solar trackers make adjustments automatically, so there is less need for manual effort. It saves time and reduces maintenance expenses.
5. More reliability: Automatic solar trackers work accurately and maintain panel performance even during frequent weather changes.

What are Future Innovations and Trends?  

Emerging Technologies

The solar industry is experiencing many advancements nowadays. It improves productivity and flexibility. Some of the latest trends in solar industry are mentioned below:

• Hybrid Systems: It combines trackers with other renewable technologies like wind or energy storage. It helps to generate more combined and structured energy solutions.
• AI-Driven Tracking: It leverages AI technology to adjust the panel positioning in real-time. It focuses on various factors like weather, shading, and energy needs to improve sunlight absorption. This technology helps to produce more energy and decreases operational expenses.
• Improved Automation: The advanced systems are becoming smart and automated with modern algorithms and remote monitoring. It simplifies working processes, lowers maintenance, and improves system productivity.

Global Adoption 

The adoption of trackers is rising swiftly over time as they improve energy production notably. Some of the key trends are mentioned below:

• Expanding Markets: Some countries like India, Saudi Arabia, and the US are widely adopting the solar tracking system as they have many large-scale projects in demand.
• Utility-Scale Projects: These trackers are now used in utility-scale solar farms as they notably optimize energy production.
• Sustainability Goals: As countries work to fulfill renewable energy goals, trackers help boost the productivity of farms and cut down carbon footprints.

Conclusion 

For large-scale solar farms, solar trackers are important tools. Solar panels can generate more electricity by capturing more sunlight during the day and making better use of the available land.

The designs and parts of trackers can be different depending on the manufacturer and the specific model being used. Modern trackers may include extra features like wind sensors, safety devices, or feedback control systems. These additions enhance overall performance and safeguard the panels against harmful weather conditions.

Whether you are planning a new project or want to improve an existing one, the solar trackers offer the innovation your solar farm needs. Invest in the future of renewable energy today. Explore how we can help you generate more energy without compromising performance!

Maximize Energy. Minimise Cost.  Solar trackers make it possible! Contact us to learn more

Source: https://kpgreenengineering.com/role-of-solar-trackers-in-large-scale-solar-farms