Solar Panel Fixed Vs Tracker

Fixed rack system 3 vs tracked system 4 cost breakdown the tracking price is 2 24 per dc watt.

Solar panel fixed vs tracker. Solar photovoltaic pv power plants utilize three main types of racking systems. A fixed tilt system positions the modules at a fixed tilt and orientation while solar tracker systems automatically adjust the positions of the pv array so that the pv modules consistently track the sun throughout the day. If you put six 305w panels on a tracker the rated output on your system is 1830w. These panels can be used in a fixed form or used in a solar tracking system for single axis as well as for dual axis.

You can buy hardware for a standard fixed ground mount for about 80 per panel. I fixed tilt ii single axis tracker and iii dual axis tracker. In a fixed form their efficiency is low since the panels will be tilted in a. Mounts are used to attach solar panels to the roof ground or another surface on your property.

Trackers increase the production of a site by more than 15 to 25 over fixed tilt. A solar tracker will cost more money up front than a fixed solar panel system because it is a more complex technology and has moving parts. Tracker systems are the alternative of standard installation with a different variety. Let s compare both options.

With proper installation a sturdy mount secures your panels in harsh weather and protects your investment. Or you could buy a tracker for 600 1000 per panel. In many cases it is cheaper to install more solar panels to increase the system s energy output than it is to install a solar tracker. That increases the installed cost for a tracked pv system from 8 63 to 9 96 per dc watt.

With a more complex system comes more maintenance which can add up in cost over time. To help you make your decision we ve taken a deep dive to compare the roi of fixed mount and solar tracker systems. In a world of rapidly decreasing prices for solar ppas increased power production is critical in helping project owners achieve a viable roi. This also leads to the second area of increased cost for solar tracking systems.

On the other hand it s also possible to produce more energy with the same quantity pv panels and inverters. When it comes to cost the difference between fixed solar whether it be roof or ground mount and solar tracker systems generally comes down to whether you want to spend less money up front or save considerably more over the life system. Benefits of fixed pv systems. The roi of a pv tracker vs.

A ground mount for a six panel system will cost about 480 in materials. Compared to a fixed mount the additional cost per watt or premium to track is 1 33 per watt 2 24 0 91.