Solar Balance-of-System – Orion Solar Racking
To Track or Not to Track – Output By Up To 40 Percent
Tracker” is a generic term used to describe devices that orient various payloads toward the sun. In the case of photovoltaic (PV) systems, the payload is the PV module. There is no other single balance-of-system (BOS) component that can increase a PV system’s performance like a tracker.
By maintaining consistent direct exposure from the sun to the module, trackers can improve a PV system’s output by up to 40 percent over a fixed-tilt array. The increment of production improvement over a fixed system depends on the project’s latitude and the type of tracker. The benefits of trackers vary between the different categories of trackers (one-axis, 1.5-axis, and dual-axis).
FIGURE: Tracker Technology Comparison
Output By Up To 40 Percent – over a fixed-tilt array
Solar PV Balance Of System ( BOS ) Markets:
Technologies, Cost and Leading Companies
Given the state of the global solar PV market, much of the industry’s attention has turned to BOS manufacturers to achieve the step-function reductions needed to help solar power deliver energy at or below costs of other generation resources. As a result, BOS manufacturers around the globe are being challenged to offer products at reduced prices, in addition to providing value-added benefits like professional engineering services, highly integrated components and lengthy, robust product warranties.
FIGURE: BOS Cost Breakdown 10 MW Fixed-tilt Projects in U.S., c-SI vs. CdTe
Output By Up To 40 Percent – over a fixed-tilt array
The Solar Tracker Guy – So Cal
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Commercial Energy Infomation Deregulation Update! 