my 5 KW system

[Ga Rick Lee]

An email received by the DKA Solar Centre -

What advice and benefit would there be in me putting a tracking system under 28 panels I am installing near Gladstone S.A. on a farm with single line SWER single phase connection. Thanks

[Ga Rick Lee]

Hi,

Thanks for your email.

You may be able to gain an output increase of roughly 25% over a fixed array system by using a single axis tracking system, or an output increase of roughly 35% over a fixed array system in using a two axis tracking system. Whether the output benefit is worth it would depend on how much extra you would need to pay for the tracking system compared to a fixed array system, as well as likely maintenance costs into the future. You should also consider how simple it will be for you to do the regular tracking system maintenance required (at least annually for most tracking systems) and other factors such as warranty and the technology/companies involved.

Others may have additional thoughts on this.

Best regards,

[c*p]

Hi, yours is an interesting question and situation. Ga Rick has already mentioned the benefits of increased annual energy generation via single-axis (~25%) and two-axis (~35%) trackers. There is also another benefit, particularly of 2-axis systems. This is reduced seasonality of the energy generation. Generally, fixed panels suffer terribly in Winter relative to Summer, even if tilted at your latitude angle, which maximises annual energy production.

Normally, especially in the South such as Melbourne, panels are tilted LESS than the latitude. This increases the Summer output, at the expense of a larger reduction in Winter output, to give a lower total annual output. One can compensate for the seasonal effect by tilting panels STEEPER than your latitude, which will boost Winter energy but reduce Summer energy by more, again leading to a total annual energy output which is lower.

Unless you need the greater output through Summer, for example to run aircon, big freezers, cool rooms, or other electrical devices which are used seasonally, you might be better off trying to have a more even output through the year, or at least increase your Winter output. This may be via the 2-axis tracker if the expense and complication can be justified. c*p.