What are solar trackers and can you use them in the UK? Here we explore their utility and potential limitations.
Solar trackers enable solar panels to track the movement and position of the sun throughout the day.
The ability to track the sun enables the panels to optimise the best angle and position for maximum sun exposure and in turn maximise power production.
With that said, solar trackers are very rarely used in domestic installations as they are expensive to buy and maintain and require additional space to house as well as a suitable roof that can bear their weight.
But how do they work? And how much do they cost?
Let's explore...
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What Are Solar Trackers?
Solar trackers or solar tracking devices are typically fitted together with ground-mounted solar panels to help them adjust their angle in response to the sun's real-time position.
In turn, the solar panels are then exposed to a greater amount of sunlight and the result is the production of more energy.
However, the cost and upkeep requirements of solar trackers make them more suitable for commercial solar setups rather than residential ground-mounted systems.
Roof-mounted solar tracking systems are also rarely used and most domestic roofs are unable to bear the weight without additional structural changes.
As a result, they are rarely used with domestic solar panel installations.
How Do Solar Trackers Work?
If solar panels remain in the same position, then the sun's rays will hit the panels at varying angles throughout the day - referred to as the angle of incidence.
In short, the narrower the angle of incidence, the greater the energy production and so solar panels that use trackers will be able to follow the path of the sun throughout the day, ensuring the sun's rays are perpendicular to the panel and therefore maximise electricity production.
The solar trackers themselves are able to track the sun using two main methods:
A pre-programmed path that follows the sun based on an algorithm
Solar sensors that are able to detect and respond to the current position of the sun
It is worth noting that solar sensors can often experience issues, especially in cloudy conditions and so a backup program is often used in conjunction.
Types of Solar Trackers
Solar trackers are usually designed to be used with ground-mounted solar arrays, yet in recent years a few solar trackers have been released that are designed to be used with roof-mounted solar panels too.
There are three major types of solar trackers available, each of which is often defined by the way they move i.e. horizontally, vertically or both.
They include the following:
Manual Solar Trackers
As the name suggests, these trackers need to be manually adjusted by hand, meaning that a person would need to change them as required i.e. when the sun moves position.
They are perhaps the most affordable type of tracker, but as you can imagine they are the most labour-intensive and require the presence of an operator.
As a result, they are often not the number one choice for those wanting to prioritise scalability e.g. a solar farm, however, some people do find them to offer adequate utility for their requirements.
Passive Solar Trackers
Passive solar trackers do not require a manual operation but instead, utilise a special liquid.
The liquid used has a low boiling point and so will evaporate in the presence of sunlight.
As a result, the solar panels become unbalanced and will tilt towards the sunlight to correct itself.
Active Solar Trackers
Active solar trackers are perhaps the most sophisticated type of solar tracking since they utilise a hydraulic system to move the solar panels into the desired position.
Active solar trackers can be categorised further depending on the direction they move:
Single-axis solar trackers
Dual-axis solar trackers
Single-axis trackers can move along a north-south axis, tilting in the direction of the sun as it moves from east to west.
Dual-axis trackers can move in two directions, with one axis functioning as the single-axis tracker and the second axis having an east-west orientation, allowing the panels to also change their angle from north to south.
This function allows for maximum power output during different seasons when the sun’s angle relative to the panels changes.
Although active solar trackers are far more appealing than the other types in terms of convenience, since they are mechanical in nature, they are prone to wear and tear and over time will naturally need to be repaired or replaced.
This need for maintenance and repair is one of their more notable disadvantages and will mean that repair and maintenance costs will need to be considered.
Still, learning about solar? Check out our guides on how many solar panels you need and how solar car charging works.
How much do solar trackers cost in the UK?
The total cost of a solar tracker will depend on the size and location of your system, as well as the type of tracker and manufacturer you select.
On average, a single-axis system will cost between £2,000 and £5,000, while a dual-axis system can cost anywhere from £4,000 to £10,000 or more.
As mentioned, no solar system is ever the same as another so for an accurate quote it is always advised to consult with at least three different companies.
That way they will be able to take your situation, budget and goals into account.
Pros and Cons of Solar Trackers
Like everything, solar trackers have advantages and disadvantages that it's worth being aware of, these include the following:
Advantages of Solar Trackers
Solar trackers enable your panels to follow the sun and maximise sun exposure and therefore maximise electricity/power generation.
In the case of dual-axis trackers, the solar panels can tilt north to south to optimise output during seasonal variations in the sun’s angle relative to the system’s position.
They allow you to generate more energy during off-peak hours so that you can maximise energy savings vs. fixed solar panels.
Disadvantages of Solar Trackers
Solar trackers are not cheap and will drive up the costs of your solar installation.
Solar trackers are prone to wear and tear and so will need to be maintained and serviced regularly, which is an additional expense to consider.
Solar trackers take up more space and so ensuring you check you have adequate space is essential.
Solar trackers may require additional planning permission and involve certain building regulation provisions.
Are Solar Trackers Worth it?
In theory, estimates claim that a solar tracker can potentially increase energy output by as much as 25% for a single-axis tracking system and a further 10% for a dual-axis system.
However, solar trackers are rarely worth it for domestic solar applications, mainly due to the added expense and maintenance involved.
Additionally, due to the added weight of a tracking system, roof-mounted solar trackers are rarely suitable for domestic roofs that are unable to bear the weight without considerable structural strengthening.
If you are still curious about a solar tracking system, then it's always worth getting in touch with a reputable solar company that will be able to answer any questions you may have and consult you further.
Related solar guides:
Next Steps For Your Solar Journey:
When planning to install solar panels for your home, there are several important factors to consider. Make sure to refer to the following guides to help you make informed decisions:
To dive deeper into these topics, head over to our advice section, check out our YouTube channel for informative videos, or read a customer case study to see how others have benefited from their solar installation.
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