Compare Fixed Panel And Tracking Panel Solar Panel

Tracked fixed pole top ground mount it is well known that if you compare identical arrays one fixed and the other tracked that the tracked array will annually outperform the fixed array.

Compare fixed panel and tracking panel solar panel.

Typically fixed tilt systems require 4 5 acres per megawatt while tracking systems need 4 7 acres per megawatt. In many cases it is cheaper to install more solar panels to increase the system s energy output than it is to install a solar tracker. And keith beisner field services manager and geotechnical testing expert for sunlink powercare. Typical land use for fixed pv can be 4 to 5 acres per megawatt while a.

Tracker systems are the alternative of standard installation with a different variety. In the battle for ground mount market share many would argue that single axis trackers now rule the day relegating the less sophisticated fixed tilt technology to second best. In the usa the annual improvement can range from 29 to 42 percent depending on the location and solar resource. The maximum output of the panels is achieved when the panels are perpendicular to the sun s rays.

In addition to a fixed tilt two types of solar panel exist that can track the sun. With a more complex system comes more maintenance which can add up in cost over time. Most of the pv power plant designed fixed type of installation. Tracking systems have a larger area footprint per megawatt so space constrained areas will be less attractive for trackers.

This also leads to the second area of increased cost for solar tracking systems. While solar trackers will increase the solar panel system s energy production they are very expensive and can potentially double the cost of installing solar panels. An additional 20 of acreage for tracking systems is a good rule of thumb for checking the economics. By emily paris senior associate product manager for sunlink.

Single axis trackers follow the sun over the course of a day typically tilting from east to west and dual axis. Lastly tracking systems are more expensive to maintain over the 25 year life of a system. On the other hand it s also possible to produce more energy with the same quantity pv panels and inverters.