PV Tracker

The output of a solar PV array is at a maximum when the cells are facing the sun. A solar PV tracking device - uniaxial or biaxial - increases the time the PV array directly faces the sun therefore increasing output.

It is not uncommon to read that trackers can increase yield by up to 40% in comparison to a fixed system. However, PE suggest, having undertaken computer simulation exercises, that the increase is nearer 15%. The increase in output is only one of the benefits of installing a PV tracking device. Other benefits include:

Visibility - A PV tracking device makes a prominent statement about an organisations green credentials to customers and staff. A tracker placed in a carpark, a traffic island or gardens may be more feasible and desirable than a wind turbine.
Cost - a fully installed PV tracker could cost as little as an executive car (approx £35 - £50K).
Space - PV trackers take up a minimum of space with a clearance of 3.5m from the ground to the platform allowing the space below to be used.
Planning consent - A tracker is less contentious than a wind turbine. Issues which often act as a barrier to wind turbine development such as shadow flicker, visual intrusion and noise have either less or no bearing on applications for planning consent for a tracker.
A tracker could be perceived as a win-win scenario for a local planning authority keen to encourage sustainability but wary of inviting contentious planning submissions such as wind turbines.

Our turnkey PV tracker solution is available as a 12, 18, 20, 40 and 80m² uniaxial or biaxial platform with monocrystalline or polycrystalline panels. In additional to the tracker, panels and invertor we also undertake the mechanical and electrical installation including a ground survey for the foundations. As guide to what can be expected in energy terms, a 40m² tracker has a peak power rating of approx 5 - 6kW dependent on the PV modules used.

The technical specification for a 40m² PV Tracker is detailed below and this is also available to download as a PDF file.

Download PV 40m² Tracker technical specification

For further information such as foundation and tower design, noise data, etc or to discuss your requirements in more depth, please contact us.

Technical specification

TRACKER DEVICE
Type	Biaxial/dual axis
Maximum module surface	42 m²
Minimum module surface	33 m²
Minimum ground clearance	0.59 m
Mast height	3.5 m
Mast diameter	406 mm
Wind load	DIN 1055-4 wind zone 4 = 30.0 m/s
Snow load	Average
Shut-down (high wind)	11.11 m/s
Slope of ground	0 to 5 %
Soil pressure	average 150 kN/m²
Module weight	max. 14 kg/m²
Assembly system	max. 2.5 kg/m²

PV MODULES
The following predicted outputs and CO2 figures for a 40m² tracker are based on the UK and uses Birmingham as a reference point. They do not assume any shading effect.

MODULE A
Type	High efficiency monocrystalline
Rated Peak Power	5.88kW
Number of modules	28
Predicted outputs (in the UK)	5656kWh
CO2 offset in kg/p.a	2432.08

MODULE B
Type	Polycrystalline
Rated Peak Power	5.28kW
Number of modules	24
Predicted outputs (in the UK)	4874kWh
CO2 offset in kg/p.a	2095.82

MODULE C
Type	Polycrystalline
Rated Peak Power	5.04kW
Number of modules	24
Predicted outputs (in the UK)	4727kWh
CO2 offset in kg/p.a	2032.61

FOUNDATION
Type	Concrete pads, piers or screwpile

CONTROL SYSTEM
Type	Microprocessor based
Communications	Ethernet/Internet

SYSTEM CONTROL
All systems are equipped with a wind sensor which will track the modules in a horizontal position if the wind speed is higher than 40km/h. The modules will remain in this position, overriding any other settings, until the wind speed has fallen under this value again. In case of a cable break at the wind sensor the modules will be tracked in a horizontal position. Our turnkey PV tracker solution is also available on a 12, 18, 20, and 80m² uniaxial or biaxial platform with monocrystalline or polycrystalline panels. In additional to the tracker, panels and invertor we also undertake the mechanical and electrical installation including a ground survey for the foundations.

DESIGN LIFE
20 Years rust proof guarantee.
SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE
Annual or after severe events.