In large-scale solar projects, maximizing energy output from every square meter of land is crucial. Unlike traditional static solar panels that remain fixed in one direction, Solar tracker systems enable panels to follow the sun’s path throughout the day. By continuously tilting and adjusting the angle of the panels, trackers ensure that sunlight is captured more efficiently, increasing overall energy generation. This technology is especially useful in utility-scale solar farms, where optimizing space and boosting output can significantly improve the project’s performance and return on investment.

What Is a Solar Tracker?

Solar trackers are a mechanism used in solar PV systems to adjust the angle of the solar photovoltaic (PV) modules as the sun moves across the sky. This allows the panels to be positioned to directly face the sun’s position, thereby increasing the amount of solar energy harvested and improving the energy yield of the system.

How Do Solar Tracking Systems Work?

Solar tracking systems are mechanical setups that move solar panels to follow the sun’s path from east to west throughout the day. This real-time movement is powered by motorized equipment, often integrated with automated systems and sensors that detect the sun’s position and guide the panels to maintain the optimal angle for energy generation.

Key Components of a Solar Tracking System

  • Sensors and Controllers: These components allow the tracking system to understand where the sun is in the sky. The sensor is responsible for understanding the southern position of the sun, and controllers use that information to determine how the solar panels will move in order to be pointed at the sun.

  • Actuators and Motors: When the controller sends a signal to turn, actuators and motors work in tandem to move the panels. The actuator is what initiates the movement of the panels, and the motor is what keeps the panels driving correctly to follow the sun across the sky.

  • Power Source: The solar tracker needs energy to operate. This power usually comes from the solar system itself or from an outside source. A steady power supply keeps the tracking system running smoothly and automatically.

  • Solar Tracking System Components: This includes several smaller but important parts. The tracker mount holds the panels in place. The driver rotates the motor shaft. The motor moves the panels as per the system’s instructions. The algorithm calculates the sun’s position using data like time, date, and location. Signal processing units understand the sensor data and give commands to the system, while the power supply ensures all parts get the energy they need to work properly.
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Types of Solar Trackers

Solar trackers are a good tool for increasing power generation, and are best suited for larger installations where maximizing efficiency and maximizing return on investment is important. Solar tracker systems come in different designs, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Tailored to optimize sunlight capture and boost energy generation based on site requirements and scale of installation.

1. Single Axis Solar Tracker:

This tracker moves the solar panels in a single direction – typically east to west – throughout the day in approximate sun movement. The tracker will change the angle of the solar panels as the sun moves throughout the sky, which helps gather more solar energy during daylight hours. Simply moving can increase solar energy production by 25–35 % from stationary systems. 

Advantages: 

  • More affordable and easier to maintain

  • A simpler design means fewer technical issues and a longer lifespan.

  • Boosts energy output by 15–25% compared to fixed systems.

  • Ideal for large-scale installations on flat land

Disadvantages: 

  • Less efficient than dual-axis trackers, especially during seasonal sun shifts

  • Limited in technology upgrades and tracking precision

2. Dual Axis Solar Tracker:

This tracker allows the panels to move in two ways, east to west and north to south. Because of the dual axis, the tracker can accurately follow the sun across the sky daily and throughout the entire year. The tracker can change position regarding the sun every day of the year to maximize energy generation in any climate, resulting in much greater efficiency while increasing energy production by up to 40%.

Advantages: 

  • Offers maximum sunlight capture by tracking both vertical and horizontal sun movement.

  • Can generate 40–50% more power than fixed panels.

  • Makes better use of space, produces more energy per square meter.

  • Faster return on investment in high-sunlight locations.

Disadvantages: 

  • More complex and prone to mechanical issues.

  • Higher initial and maintenance costs.

  • Typically have a shorter lifespan than single-axis models.

Why Choose Solar Trackers Over Fixed-Tilt Systems?

Solar trackers significantly increase energy production, enhance system performance, and improve return on investment, especially in large-scale projects or regions with high solar exposure. While fixed systems are simpler and cheaper upfront, trackers offer much greater long-term value by making the most of every ray of sunlight.

Where Are Solar Trackers Most Effective?

Depending on the design and rotation axis of the solar tracker, different types of solar trackers are suited for various applications across utility-scale, industrial, agricultural, and hybrid energy setups.

1. Utility-Scale Ground-Mounted Solar Farms:

Utility-scale solar farms benefit the most from tracker installations due to their large open spaces and high energy generation needs.

Ideal tracker types: Horizontal Single-Axis Trackers (HSAT), Horizontal Tilted Trackers (HTSAT), and Dual-Axis Trackers

  • HSATs are widely used here due to their simple structure, lower installation cost (shared posts), and effective performance in low-latitude regions.

  • HTSATs bring the advantages of vertical trackers while requiring less space, making them ideal for large projects at higher latitudes

  • Dual-axis trackers are perfect for locations with variable sun angles, as they maximize solar capture throughout the day and across seasons. Though they require more spacing to avoid self-shading, proper field layout ensures maximum harvest, especially during morning and evening.

2. Industrial Rooftops:

Industrial rooftops have limited space and unique structural constraints.

Ideal tracker types: Tilted Single-Axis Trackers (TSAT), Dual-Axis Trackers (TTDAT)

  • TSATs are suitable because their tilt can be adjusted to accommodate rooftop angles, and their backtracking ability prevents shading in tightly packed arrays.

  • Tip-Tilt Dual-Axis Trackers (TTDATs) are also beneficial for premium energy capture when space allows. Their precise sun-tracking capability ensures efficient use of rooftop real estate, particularly for industries operating during peak daylight hours.

3. Agriculture-Based Solar Fields (Agri-Photovoltaics):

In agricultural fields where crops and solar panels must coexist, choosing the right tracker is crucial.

Ideal tracker types: Vertical Single-Axis Trackers (VSAT), HTSAT

  • VSATs are effective in higher latitudes and provide vertical clearance, allowing sunlight to pass to crops while still optimizing panel exposure.

  • HTSATs can be strategically placed to ensure minimal shading on crops, making them a cost-effective option that balances land use for food and energy production.

4. Hybrid Energy Systems (Solar + Storage or Solar + Wind):

Hybrid systems aim to maximize energy from multiple sources.

Ideal tracker types: Dual-Axis Trackers (AADAT, TTDAT), TSAT

  • Dual-axis trackers are ideal for these setups because they provide the highest solar yield, making them suitable for pairing with battery storage (e.g., Tesla Megapack) or complementary sources like wind. Their sun-following precision ensures consistent input into storage units or hybrid inverters.

  • TSATs, with their flexible tilt and backtracking capabilities, allow hybrid systems to scale even in constrained or uneven terrains.

Conclusion

Solar trackers help solar panels produce more electricity by following the sun throughout the day. They make better use of space and improve energy output, especially in large solar farms. With added features like wind sensors and safety systems, they also protect the panels. If you’re planning a new solar project or want better results from an existing one, solar trackers are a smart way to boost performance and get more from your investment.

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Author : Gaurav Bector

Gaurav Bector, Vice President of the EPC division at Alpex Solar, is an Electrical Engineer with 32+ years of experience in the energy sector. He has led business development in smart energy systems, grid automation, and green solutions with top firms like ABB, Siemens, and Alstom. With global expertise across Europe, South Asia, and the Middle East, Gaurav excels in leadership, operations, sales, engineering, and project management.

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