Is Solar Tracking Worth It? Sun Tracking Vs Fixed Solar Panels

Updated on October 31, 2022

Sun Tracking – Is it worth it for solar panels?

Sadly, solar panels are inherently inefficient. The most efficient are the monocrystalline type, which can reach 21% efficiency.

This means that for every 1000 watts of the sun’s energy falling onto a solar panel, only 210 watts of electricity is produced.

The Holy Grail of PV electric production is to improve solar panel output and there are several ways of achieving this, some better than others.

Solar concentrators and reflectors can all play a part in boosting the watts captured by PV panels but possibly the best option is solar tracking.

Solar tracking is not worth it for domestic installations under 6kW, but a cost analysis of each installation is needed to determine the system payback period. It makes more sense to simply add more solar panels for extra power – it would be cheaper than a tracking system.

Video – DIY solar tracking system

 

Solar Tracking System

There are two types of solar tracking, single axis which tracks the sun’s horizontal movement across the sky and dual axis, which tracks both horizontal and vertical movement.

The vast majority of domestic and large-scale solar PV farms consist of arrays of big solar panels fastened to a frame and fixed in place on a roof or other angled structure.

This arrangement brings advantages, such as stability and ease of maintenance, but it does affect the maximum power output of the panels.

The amount of sunshine falling on solar panels varies according to the season and also throughout any day in that season.

Not only does the horizontal position in the sky change but also the vertical. The angle of incidence determines the efficiency and a solar panel’s maximum output happens when its surface is at 90 degrees to the sun.

Solar Tracking System – an overview

Solar Tracking System

Sun tracking can increase solar panel output substantially

When do solar panels work best?


Solar panel efficiency is affected by:

  • irradiance – the power in watts falling on a surface at any instant in time
  • insolation –  the power falling on a surface over time (determines energy produced in kWh)
  • temperature – solar panels most efficient at 77 degrees F (26 degrees C)
  • orientation – direction pointing – due South for Northern hemisphere, due North for Southern
  • tilt angle – location latitude +15 degrees in Winter and -15 degrees in Summer
When do solar panels work best?

Are solar trackers worth it? Tracking the sun’s angle

Chart showing the effect of solar panel tilt angle on solar panel power output in USA:

Tilt angle in degrees

Percentage increase in production – Southern USA

Percentage increase in production – Northern USA

Flat

Assume 100 comparison only

10

108 – 8% increase

109 – 9% increase

20

113 – 13% increase

115 – 15% increase

30

115 – 14% increase

118 – 18% increase

40

114 – 14% increase

117 – 17% increase

50

110 – 10% increase

116 – 16% increase

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We can’t do much about irradiance or insolation, except to keep the panels clean and make sure that they are not shaded.

Temperature is a definite enemy as power output falls by between 0.3% and 0.5%. Standard panel specifications given by manufacturers state a panel rating in watts based on a temperature of 25 degrees C. Unfortunately, panel surface temperatures can easily reach 65 degrees C in summer.

Orientation and tilt angle are definitely things we can adjust and some owners of fixed arrays adjust them en masse between seasons so the tilt angle is optimum. What about orientation? Does geographic direction affect output much?

What Time Do Solar Panels Start And Stop Working?

Back-Yard Tests To Measure Fixed Solar Panel Production Compared To Tracked

I might seem a stupid question, but why should the angle at which the sun’s rays hit the surface of a solar panel affect its output so much?

<b>Back-Yard Tests To Measure Fixed Solar Panel Production Compared To Tracked</b>

Solar panel at 45 degree tilt

The answer lies not in the chemistry of the crystals forming the solar cells but in simple geometry and physics of radiated energy. If the solar panel surface is tilted, then the area covered by the same energy is larger, so energy intensity is less because it is spread out.

When a solar panel is mounted perpendicular to the sun’s rays, we can say for example that 1000 watts of energy is falling on 1 square meter of the surface. When at an angle, the same 1000 watts will be activating solar cells over a much greater area, but at a lesser intensity.

Performance Comparison Analysis of Fixed and Solar-Tracker

Renogy Solar Panels – Innovation Meets Quality – Shop Now!

How To Find Out If Solar Tracking Is Worth It Or Not


How To Find Out If Solar Tracking Is Worth It Or Not

Once we know some variables then we can apply a simple formula to analyse cost vs payback. We need to know:

  1. The installation cost of an auto-tracking system
  2. Total annual energy generated by a fixed solar panel array
  3. Total annual energy generated by solar panel array using auto-tracking
  4. The cost per unit (kWh) of electricity in the locality

We can then calculate how many years it will take to pay back the installation costs. It’s then a personal choice if it’s worth while.

Step 1. Auto-tracking installation costs

On average, an auto-tracking system costs about 30% of the installation cost of the fixed solar panel array, which comes in at approximately $3 per watt.

The average domestic solar system in the US is 5kW = installation cost of $15000.

Auto-tracking system installation cost = $5000  ($5000 represents a lot of electricity!)

Step 2. Annual energy generated by 5kW fixed solar panel array

For this step we need to choose a location, so we can use a real irradiance value for calculating energy. The location chosen is South Bend, Indiana.

Using the site GlobalSolarAtlas and entering South Bend we see the annual Normal Direct Irradiation value is 1422 kWh/m2. Another way of expressing this value is as 1422 peak-sun-hours.

Multiplying 1422 x solar panel power will give us the annual energy production in kWh:

  • 1422 x 5kW = 7110 kilowatt-hours (the average US home usage is actually over 10000 kWh)

Step 3. Annual energy generated by 5kW solar panel auto-tracker

Although gains of 65% have been claimed by some systems, this is likely quite rare, depending heavily on the location. It’s safest to assume a conservative estimate of about 30% improvement over a fixed panel array.

  • Auto-tracker energy generated = 7110 kWh + (7110 kWh x 30/100) = 9243 kWh

The auto-tracking system will generate 2133 kWh more than the fixed.

Step 4. The cost of electricity per kilowatt hour

In Indiana the cost of electricity 10.53¢/kWh.

Fixed Solar Panels Vs Sun Tracker Cost Analysis Calculation

Case study: A 5 kW solar panel system in South Bend, Indiana

Fixed array:

  • Installation cost  $15000 (-30% after government/state relief) = $10000
  • Energy generated (saved) 7110 kWh = $748.68/annum
  • Payback period = $10000/$748 = 13.5 years

Sun-tracker:

  • Solar array + tracker Installation cost $20000 (-30% after government/state relief) = $14000
  • Energy generated (saved) 9243 kWh = $973/annum
  • Payback period = $14000/$973 =  14.4 years

In our case study above the payback period is only slightly longer, so after this time the annual savings will be greater. The above calculation doesn’t take into account additional maintenance costs of the realistic life of the sun-tracker mechanism, which obviously has moving parts that wear out and need replacing.

The active life of the solar panel array will also be shorter due to the extra heat brought by the more focused irradiation. Each extra degree not only reduces solar cell output but also the effective life of the crystals. However, the effect is minor.

Is A Solar Tracker Worth Your Investment?

Video – Solar Tracking Pros and Cons

Install a residential solar tracker or add more solar panels?


Out of the total installation cost of about $3/watt, equipment purchase cost is $1.70. The actual cost of a solar panel per watt is falling every year until in most places in 2021 it’s less than $1/watt.

For many homeowners, it isn’t worth the hassle of installing a complex piece of equipment like a sun-tracker when they could simple add a few solar panels to get the same impact, particularly if they only have limited roof space for mounting.

The sun-tracker in our case study saved 2133 kWh/annum. The solar panel power needed to replace this gain in output would be the energy saving divided by the annual peak-sun-hours:

  • 2133 / 1422 peak-sun-hours = 1.5kW

For perhaps $4000 an extra 1.5 kW of solar panels could be connected to give the same effect, with a longer life and less maintenance.

The diagram below shows the difference between dual-axis sun tracking and fixed solar panels over 24 hours. The array power is 100 kw, so considerably larger than the normal domestic system. In the case of large systems the savings are very worth while.

Install a residential solar tracker or add more solar panels?

Solar tracking system output compare to fixed solar panels

How to Increase Output for Your Home Solar Panel System

Related Questions:

How much more efficient is solar tracking?

What is the solar panel temperature coefficient?

Solar panels are at their most efficient at a temperature of 77 degrees F (25 degrees C). For every degree C over that value the efficiency falls by a percentage between 0.3% and 0.5% on average. This percentage is known as the Panel Temperature Coefficient.

How can I increase my solar panel output?

PWM or MPPT regulator? Always use an MPPT solar controller – they are up to 30% more efficient than PWM type. Regular maintenance and cleaning helps maintain solar panel output. Ensure the solar panel array is in direct sunlight with no shading. Solar reflectors can help to boost output but care must be taken that the panels don’t overheat, which will reduce output.

Which solar panels are best poly or mono?

Monocrystalline solar panels are more efficient than polycrystalline, but they are also more expensive. However, the relative costs and efficiencies are moving closer and there is not a lot of difference.

Resources related to Is Solar Tracking Worth It?:

What Is a Solar Tracker and Is It Worth the Investment?

Worth It? Fixed Vs Tracking Solar Panels

Solar Trackers: What You Need to Know

Should You Buy a Solar Tracker?

What are Solar Trackers? Are They Worth it in 2020?

Is A Solar Tracker Worth Your Investment?

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