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A solar tracker

Solar trackers

Innovation under the sun

You're probably familiar with the term solar panels, but have you heard of solar trackers? Although it's perhaps a lesser known technology, it has played an essential role in the solar energy field.

What are solar trackers and how do they work?

Solar trackers are sophisticated mechanical devices created to maximize solar radiation collection efficiency.

Thanks to their design, they can adjust their axis and accurately orient the photovoltaic panels to point towards the optimal position of the sun, which allows solar energy to be collected exceptionally.

The operation of solar trackers is simple and efficient. The panels always remain perpendicular to the sunrays to maximize energy production. For this to be possible, photovoltaic modules are installed on a structure that allows them to rotate precisely and follow the path of the sun throughout the day. The more optimal the angle of incidence, the greater the amount of energy produced.

To ensure an optimal collection of sunrays, advanced sensors and processors are used that are equipped with algorithms that allow solar tracking in real time during all hours of the day.

Types of solar trackers

Several solar trackers

There are two types of solar trackers: single-axis trackers and dual-axis trackers, each one with unique characteristics and advantages.

  • A single-axis solar tracker allows the movement of the photovoltaic panels in one direction, from east to west, following the sun's path from sunrise to sunset. This effective function allows a significant increase in the collection of solar energy throughout the day. 
  • A dual-axis solar tracker moves in two directions, both from east to west and from north to south, which allows a very accurate tracking of the sun throughout the year. This capacity to adapt to the seasons of the year optimizes solar energy production, ensuring a constant and reliable performance in any climate.

Advantages of solar trackers

Solar trackers offer different advantages to promote energy production:

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Efficiency

The installation of solar trackers can improve the performance of photovoltaic panels by up to 40%. Single-axis systems increase efficiency between 25% and 30%, while dual-axis trackers add between 5% and 10% more, which translates into greater solar energy generation.

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Profitable

The installation of a solar tracker is a safe and profitable investment. These systems can pay off in a period of between 5 and 10 years, so, for the next 20 years or more, it can bring significant profits.

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Location

Solar trackers are perfect for locations with high latitude, where the sun's position varies a lot during the year. Thanks to their mobility, they adapt very well to the different seasons, maximizing solar energy production in any geographic location.

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Make most of sunlight

The high capacity of solar tracking allows devices to make the most of the additional hours of sunlight, which increases energy production in the mornings and evenings, optimizing the performance even more.

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Duration

With appropriate maintenance, solar trackers can prolong the useful life of solar panels, as mechanical stress and thermal stress are reduced.

Placing solar trackers in existing photovoltaic installations

Solar trackers and a wind turbine

The incorporation of solar tracking systems to already installed photovoltaic panels significantly enhances the performance and efficiency of solar energy generation.

In this context, various technologies emerge, including state-of-the-art sensors and Artificial Intelligence (AI). Sensors, in particular, play a crucial role in providing accurate information on environmental conditions and solar position in real time. This information is subjected to exhaustive analysis by the AI, which, in turn, issues instructions in real time about the solar location and orientation. This process aims to guide the trajectory of the panels, accurately and continuously adjusting them to maximize the collection of solar radiation.

Steps to follow to add solar trackers in photovoltaic installations:

  1. Assessment and design: Behind the hackneyed expression "making the world a better place" lies one of the cornerstones of social entrepreneurship. Improving people's lives is part of the very essence of any social enterprise and the creation of decent, quality jobs is, from this point of view, the characteristics that make it possible to generate wealth in society.
  2. Selection: Another important characteristic of social enterprises is their focus on innovation. They seek to find creative and disruptive solutions to social and environmental challenges through new products, services, processes, and business models. Innovation becomes a powerful tool to promote change and make a positive impact.
  3. Installation: Solar trackers are installed by following the previously established design. This may require the construction of new structures to support the trackers and solar panels.
  4. Connection and integration: They are connected electronically to the solar panels and energy conversion system. Technicians ensure that the installation meets the corresponding electrical standards and regulations. 
  5. Calibration and testing: Once the solar trackers are installed, they are calibrated and tested to ensure they work correctly.
  6. Monitoring and maintenance: After the installation, monitoring is carried out to check that they are working in an optimal manner.

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