Large scale tracking
This large scale tracker maximises the solar exposure of its 27 kW photovoltaic array.
The tracker orients towards the sun, moving from east to west through the day and tilting with the height of the sun’s path through the year. Its movement is controlled by a remote computer.
The array sail is 27 m wide and 8.8 m high, and its comparatively low height (6m at its steepest tilt) allows these trackers to be installed close together without shading each other. The tracking frame also dissipates heat through vented structural arms and its stepped shape.
In Central Australia the tracker is expected to add 25% to the array’s annual output. This technology will generally be installed in a utility-scale power plant, where monitoring and maintenance can be carried out more economically on a large number of trackers.
ADES is supplied in Australia by eco-Kinetics. eco-Kinetics provides renewable energy solutions in Australia and New Zealand. Their services include photovoltaics, wind energy systems, solar air conditioning, solar thermal and engineering consulting services.
| Electricity produced (annual): | 61.3 MWh* |
|---|---|
| System size: | 27 kW |
| Array area: | 200 m² |
| Number of panels: | 156 |
| Panel efficiency: | 13.3% |
| Panel type: | eco-Kinetics ECOKES 170M |
| Panel Rated Output: | 170 W |
| Inverter size, type: | 3 x 9.0 kW, SMA SMC 9000TL |
| Array Orientation: | Dual axis tracking ADES 5F-27M |
*This figure is based on an assumption of 1.622 MWh annually, per kWp of installed solar panels. This may prove to be a conservative estimate for Alice Springs.