Single axis solar trackers have the potential to be a great asset to your next solar project. With benefits like increased energy production, cost-effectiveness and increased sustainability, implementing single axis trackers in your next solar project can be well worth it.

What are single axis solar trackers?

Single axis trackers are a technology that adjusts the position of a solar panel along an axis to follow the sun’s changing position throughout the passing days and years.The panel is adjusted to create the smallest angle of incidence (angle at which the sun hits a solar panel). The trackers tilt on a singular axis to follow the sun from east to west as it moves throughout the course of each day in order to maximize energy production.

Trackers can be either active or passive in nature. Active trackers use gears and motors to move solar panels while passive trackers utilized compressed fluid that switches sides when warmed by the sun causing them to change their tilt. In addition, trackers can be kept aligned by either concluding an ideal panel angle based on GPS data or more simply moving the panels in the opposite direction of the earth’s rotation.

When considering adding a single axis tracker to your solar project, there are a few important factors to consider concerning the location of your project. Single axis solar trackers thrive in ground-mounted (as opposed to roof-mounted) solar projects on flat land. The weather in your area is also a factor that must be considered as generally warm and dry locations are ideal for single axis trackers as snow and rain can create problems with the technology.

Benefits of single axis solar trackers

The three main benefits of single axis solar trackers being increased energy production, cost-effectiveness and sustainability are outlined below.