What are Solar Trackers?

Solar trackers are electro-mechanical devices that orient photovoltaic panels or concentrating mirrors toward the sun. They continuously adjust the angle of solar arrays throughout the day to ensure the panels remain as close to the sun’s rays as possible. This optimization maximizes the amount of sunlight captured, which in turn significantly increases the total energy output of a solar plant compared to a fixed-tilt system.

The core function of solar trackers is to enhance a project’s efficiency and financial viability. Their ability to dynamically follow the sun’s path from sunrise to sunset helps to unlock the full energy-producing potential of a site, making them an important component in modern utility-scale and commercial solar installations.

What are the different types of trackers?

Solar trackers are generally categorized by the number of axes on which they move. Single-axis trackers rotate on one axis, typically moving from east to west to follow the sun’s daily path. Dual-axis trackers, on the other hand, move on both a horizontal and a vertical axis. This allows them to track the sun’s daily movement and its seasonal changes in elevation. While dual-axis systems offer higher energy gains, single-axis trackers are often preferred for utility-scale projects due to their lower complexity and maintenance requirements.

How do solar trackers improve a project’s profitability?

The primary way solar trackers improve profitability is by increasing a solar project’s total energy yield. By maintaining an optimal angle to the sun, a tracked system can generate between 20 to 45 percent more energy annually than a fixed-tilt system. This significant increase in energy production directly lowers a project’s levelized cost of electricity (LCOE), which is a key metric for bankability. While trackers have a higher upfront cost, their improved performance leads to a quicker return on investment and greater long-term revenue.

What are the trends for solar trackers in 2025?

Trends in 2025 show a strong focus on advanced software and specialized hardware to address complex project sites. The industry is moving toward more robust, lightweight tracker designs that are compatible with bifacial modules and can be installed on challenging terrains without the need for extensive earthwork. Intelligent, AI-powered SCADA platforms are on the rise, providing more granular control and optimization by unifying data from various components to maximize real-time performance and diagnose issues proactively.

How do Soleargik’s solar trackers address the challenge of complex terrain?

Solar trackers address challenging terrain through innovative, modular designs. Traditional trackers are long and rigid, requiring extensive and costly land grading to prepare a flat surface. In contrast, newer modular designs use shorter rows and a flexible architecture. This approach allows them to adapt to high slopes and irregular land surfaces. The design eliminates the need for earthwork and can be installed with a variety of foundation types, significantly reducing both the capital expenditure and overall complexity of a project.

Key Takeaways

• Solar trackers are electro-mechanical devices that increase solar energy production by continuously adjusting panels to follow the sun.
• The use of trackers can increase a project’s energy yield by up to 45 percent compared to fixed-tilt systems, lowering the LCOE and improving financial returns.
• Modern, modular tracker designs solve key challenges related to challenging terrains and complex sites by eliminating the need for extensive earthwork.
• Advanced software systems are becoming integral to trackers, providing intelligent, AI-powered control for optimal performance on a wide range of sites.