How much does a solar tracker cost?

Solar trackers can greatly increase the cost of a photovoltaic solar installation. A standard 4-kilowatt ground-mounted solar system will cost about $13,000. Tracking equipment can cost anywhere from $500 per panel to over $1,000 per panel. If you included a single-axis tracking system on the same array, it would drive the cost up to about $20,000.

What is a solar tracking system?

A solar tracking system (also called a sun tracker or sun tracking system) maximizes your solar system’s electricity production by moving your panels to follow the sun throughout the day, optimizing the angle at which your panels receive solar radiation.

What are the benefits of a solar tracker?

The biggest benefit of a solar tracking system is that it offers a boost in electricity production. Generally, a solar panel system with a single-axis solar tracker installed sees a performance gain of 25 to 35 percent. A dual-axis tracker bumps performance up by another five to 10 percent.

Should a solar tracker be designed to track the Sun?

Compared to single-axis trackers, the initial cost of dual-axis trackers is higher, and they require more space to avoid being shaded by other panels. In general, the question of whether a given system should be designed to track the sun boils down to costs versus benefits.

How do solar trackers work?

Solar trackers are usually paired with ground-mount solar systems, but recently, rooftop-mounted trackers have come onto the market. Typically, solar tracking equipment will be connected to the racking of the solar panels. From there, the solar panels will be able to move along with the movement of the sun.

What are the applications of solar tracking system?

The main application of solar tracking system is to position solar photovoltaic (PV) panels towards the Sun. Most commonly they are used with mirrors to redirect sunlight on the panels. Cross-Reference: Design and Implementation of High Efficiency Tracking System