Tracking systems are performance boosters for a solar power system. They do so by adjusting the position of the solar panels to receive maximum Sun. Solar power tracking systems should be considered by anyone interested in boosting their energy production.

As the Sun tracks its course through the seasons, the best solar panel operating angle will change. The more directly the solar panels can face the Sun, then the more beam radiation they will receive. Tracking systems, by adjusting this operating angle, help maximize this beam radiation received.

There is the potential for large gains when one uses a solar power tracking system. As an example we studied the solar energy tables for the State of Colorado and found that ~45% additional energy can be obtained when using tracking during the summer months. This increase remains a firm 25% during the spring, and drops to around 15% during winter months. These numbers are maximums and will depend on the tracking system in use.

One of the first tracking units one might consider is a manually adjustable one axis system. With a simple adjustment, the solar panels can be rotated on their horizontal axis to any angle. Each season will have an optimal tilt angle for maximizing the Sun. By adjusting our solar panels to that angle, we experienced summertime gains of 25% compared to a fixed solar panel installation. In the winter months this improvement was ~15%.

The next advancement in solar power tracking is automatic control of the one axis system. With the right set of equipment the solar panels can rotate with the daily path of the Sun. These systems provide strong increases throughout the year, sometimes as high as 45%.

The most advanced solar power tracking is a two axis system with electronic controls. These systems can rotate on both their horizontal and vertical axes, for maximum flexibility. Two axis systems are the most accurate for tracking the Sun, for the added cost and complexity.

Two axis tracking is often used with concentrating solar collection systems. Solar concentration is necessary when higher operating temperatures are desired. Thermal steam generators, pebble bed transfer systems, and modern Stirling engines are two such examples. If the concentrating collectors are not perfectly oriented with respect to the Sun, then their performance will greatly suffer. Concentrating solar collection designs, then, benefit most from the two axis systems.

When it comes to using solar panels to generate electricity, a two axis system is not the way to go. They will yield a very modest 5% gain over an actively tracking one axis system. For the cost and simplicity, we recommend a manually adjustable or actively tracking one axis system.

The primary applications for solar power are with generating heat and electricity. A solar power tracking system is useful in either case. The more energy we receive, the more heat and electricity we can manufacture. It’s that simple.

If you are serious about maximizing your solar power system, then you should be considering a tracking system. One axis systems are available that are effective, inexpensive, and easy to use. Two axis systems are more complex and normally used for high temperature systems. Either which way, a good tracking system will go a long way in getting the most out of your solar panels.

Walter Hull is a mechanical engineer with expertise in solar power systems. For a short time you can get his free checklist to solar power from your own yard.