Single-axis trackers can increase power generation by 30%, while dual-axis trackers can increase it by 40%–45%. Dual-axis trackers are more expensive and are typically used by customers who can afford the higher installation costs.
PV modules need to follow the sun's path to capture more sunlight. The mechanical hardware used is tracking brackets or trackers. Trackers are determined by the degrees of freedom of the shaft. Single-axis and dual-axis trackers are the main commercial types (Figure 1.35).A horizontal single-axis tracker rotates around a single axis parallel to the ground, the purpose of which is to optimize the angle of incidence in the north-south direction. A dual-axis tracker allows the module to follow the sun in the east-west direction around a vertical axis, and also optimizes the angle of incidence in the north-south direction.
Figure 1.34 Fixed pole mounting: a) on a traffic sign and b) in a solar farm
Figure 1.35 a) Single-axis movement of a row of PV modules and b)
V-shaped oriented photovoltaic modules can increase power generation compared to fixed flat ones, because the tracker can receive more light hours in a day (see Figure 1.36), single-axis tracking can increase power generation by 30%, dual-axis tracking can increase power generation by 40% - 45%, and customers who can afford the cost use dual-axis tracking more.
