Dual Access Trackers for Increased Power Generation

June 29th, 2011

Dual access trackers are a step ahead of solar panels that are attached to a platform and cannot move. This type of tracker does not need any external input as it can move on its own and on more than a single axis. The major benefit of these trackers is the fact that they can add up to 35 percent more electrical power than stationary solar panels.

Comparing Power Generation

A single solar panel can produce a maximum of 70 milliwatts per inch if it is working at its maximum capacity. The actual power generation can be as low as 40 milliwatts per inch if there is low sunlight, poor angle of the solar panel, or other impediments such as wrong tilt of the tracker.

Solar panels that come in a stationary format cannot generate power at the maximum capacity due to their immobility. You will have to change their position manually and this may not be possible if there is little room for flexibility.

This is where the role of dual access trackers comes into play. They can tilt around both horizontal and vertical plans to the ground thus making it possible to harvest the maximum amount of sunlight. The power boost can be as high as 30 percent if they only tilt on a single axis. It is further increased to 6 percent if they tilt on a double axis. This means that you can use the solar panels at their top capacity with an output of at least 99 percent.

Single vs. Dual Access Trackers

You can also use the single axis trackers that offer you the opportunity to tilt the angle on a single plane. It can either be vertical or horizontal. The only shortcoming of this type of arrangement is the drop in energy harvesting due to natural changes in the position of sun.

If you live in an area where sunlight does not fall directly then you will not be able to use the solar panels at their maximum capacity. You can, however, do that by using trackers that can tilt on a dual axis.

The major benefit of these trackers is the fact that they can rotate in horizontal and vertical planes. They can also tilt in such a manner that maximum sunlight is absorbed into the panels.

Installation

You can install dual access trackers on a podium, poles designed specifically for installation, or a smooth surface with enough area to allow full rotation. It depends on the size of the tracker along with the location on which you want to install them. You can erect a pole of at least 10 feet with a platform at top to maximize energy harvesting.

It is important to avoid installation in places where the panels have a chance of touching the ground. This can happen if you have left very little space between the lower most vertical position of the panel and the ground surface.

Dual access trackers can be a good addition to your solar set up especially if you want to achieve greater efficiency with power generation.