Solar Tracker for Solar Panels: Energy Production, Costs & Benefits
Discover how solar tracking systems improve photovoltaic energy production, how solar trackers compare with fixed mounts, and what to consider when selecting a high-performance solar tracking solution.
What Is a Solar Tracker?
A solar tracker is a photovoltaic mounting system designed to change the orientation of solar panels throughout the day so that the modules can receive more direct sunlight.
Compared with conventional fixed mounting systems, a solar tracker for solar panels can improve the amount of solar radiation captured by a PV array. This makes solar tracking technology particularly attractive for utility-scale, commercial and industrial solar projects.
Modern tracking systems can combine structural engineering, precision drive systems, astronomical positioning, backtracking, wind protection and remote monitoring to optimize photovoltaic energy production.
- ✓ Higher solar energy capture
- ✓ Optimized solar panel positioning
- ✓ Suitable for large-scale PV projects
- ✓ Compatible with modern bifacial modules
Types of Solar Tracking Systems
Solar tracking systems can be classified according to the number of rotational axes used to position the photovoltaic modules.
Single-Axis Solar Tracker
A single-axis tracker rotates solar panels around one primary axis, typically following the sun from east to west.
Single-axis tracking is widely used in utility-scale solar farms because it offers a practical balance between additional energy production, system complexity and project economics.
Dual Axis Solar Tracker
A dual axis solar tracker uses two rotational axes to adjust both the horizontal and vertical orientation of the solar panels.
Also known as a 2 axis solar tracker or two axis solar tracking system, this configuration can more precisely follow the sun's position.
Dual Axis Solar Tracking System
A dual-axis solar tracking system provides two-dimensional solar positioning and can be used where maximizing solar incidence is a primary project objective.
2 Axis Solar Tracker
Two-axis movement allows photovoltaic modules to respond to changes in both solar azimuth and elevation.
Precise Solar Positioning
A dual axis tracker can continuously adjust the module angle according to the calculated position of the sun.
Solar Capture Optimization
The system is designed to maintain a favorable module orientation and improve solar radiation capture.
Solar Tracker Energy Production
The primary reason for installing a solar tracker is to increase photovoltaic energy production by improving the orientation of solar modules throughout the day.
How Much More Energy Can Solar Trackers Produce?
Actual energy gains vary according to geographic location, solar resource, tracker design, row spacing, module technology, terrain and operating strategy.
NREL research has found that single-axis tracking can provide significant energy gains compared with fixed-tilt systems, while bifacial modules can provide additional benefits when combined with appropriate tracking configurations.
Factors That Affect Solar Tracker Energy Yield
Solar Resource
DNI, GHI and seasonal solar conditions directly influence the potential benefit of solar tracking.
Geographic Location
Latitude, climate and sun path affect the optimal tracker configuration and expected energy yield.
Row Spacing
Tracker geometry and row spacing influence shading, backtracking and land utilization.
Module Technology
Large-format and bifacial modules can change tracker layout, structural loads and energy performance.
Ground Albedo
Ground reflectivity can influence rear-side irradiance for bifacial photovoltaic modules.
Terrain Conditions
Slopes, soil properties and site geometry must be considered during tracker engineering and foundation design.
Solar Trackers vs. Fixed Mounts
Choosing between a solar tracking mount and a fixed PV mounting system depends on project economics, site conditions and energy production targets.
| Factor | Solar Tracker | Fixed Mount |
|---|---|---|
| Energy Production | Higher potential energy yield | Standard fixed-orientation production |
| Initial Cost | Generally higher | Generally lower |
| Mechanical Complexity | Higher | Lower |
| Maintenance | Requires mechanical and control-system maintenance | Generally simpler |
| Energy Yield Optimization | Dynamic solar positioning | Fixed orientation |
| Bifacial Compatibility | Excellent potential | Good potential |
| Typical Application | Utility-scale, commercial and industrial PV | Residential, commercial and utility applications |
Solar Tracker Costs and Economics
Solar tracker economics should be evaluated based on total project value rather than equipment price alone.
Solar Tracker Cost
The total cost of a solar tracking system can include the tracker structure, drive system, controller, foundations, electrical components, transportation, installation and commissioning.
- Tracker structure — steel and mechanical components
- Drive system — motors, gearboxes and transmission
- Control system — positioning and communication
- Foundation — piles, ground screws or other solutions
- Installation — construction and commissioning
Solar Tracker ROI and LCOE
A tracker may have higher upfront capital costs than a fixed mounting system, but additional energy production can improve project economics.
The correct evaluation should consider energy yield, electricity prices, financing, maintenance, equipment lifetime, degradation, land costs and the levelized cost of electricity (LCOE).
For utility-scale projects, the additional energy generated by tracking can make the system economically attractive even when its initial equipment cost is higher.
Solar Tracker Engineering and Design
A high-performance solar tracker requires more than rotating solar panels. Structural engineering, controls and environmental conditions must work together.
Structural Design
Designed for module loads, environmental conditions and long-term structural performance.
Wind Management
Wind stow strategies help protect tracker structures during high-wind events.
Drive System
Motors, gearboxes and mechanical transmission enable controlled module movement.
Monitoring
Digital monitoring can provide system status, fault alerts and operational data.
Solar Tracker Control and Backtracking
Modern solar tracking systems use control algorithms to calculate the desired module position according to the sun's movement.
Backtracking can adjust the tracker angle to reduce row-to-row shading during low solar angles. This is particularly important for large photovoltaic arrays where optimizing land utilization and energy production must be considered together.
Advanced control systems can also incorporate wind protection, fault detection, remote monitoring and automated operating modes.
Solar Trackers and Bifacial Solar Panels
Combining solar tracking with bifacial PV modules can create additional opportunities to capture reflected and rear-side solar radiation.
Bifacial Modules
Bifacial modules can generate electricity from light reaching both the front and rear surfaces.
Ground Albedo
Ground reflectivity can influence the rear-side irradiance available to bifacial modules.
Energy Optimization
Tracker layout, row spacing, module height and site conditions should be evaluated together for optimal bifacial performance.
Solar Tracker Applications
Solar tracking systems are particularly suitable for projects where additional energy production can justify the added system complexity.
How to Choose a Solar Tracker Manufacturer
Selecting the right solar tracker manufacturer is an important decision for long-term PV project performance. Equipment price should be evaluated together with engineering capability, manufacturing quality and after-sales support.
Look for a manufacturer with proven experience in structural engineering, tracker control systems, environmental load analysis, quality management and international solar projects.
Singsun Energy Solar Tracking Solutions
Singsun Energy develops advanced photovoltaic mounting and solar tracking solutions for global renewable energy projects.
GQ-T Lumina Series Tracker System
The GQ-T Lumina Series Tracker System is designed for large-scale photovoltaic applications where energy production, structural reliability and long-term operating performance are critical.
The system can be engineered around project-specific module configurations, environmental conditions, terrain requirements and operational strategies.
- ✓ Utility-scale solar applications
- ✓ Compatible with modern PV modules
- ✓ Engineered for project-specific conditions
- ✓ Integrated tracking and control technology
Explore Singsun Energy
Solar Tracker Installation and Maintenance
Proper installation and preventive maintenance are essential for reliable long-term tracker performance.
Foundation Installation
Foundation design and installation should account for soil conditions, loads, terrain and local construction requirements.
Mechanical Inspection
Periodic inspection of drive components, bearings, fasteners and structural connections helps maintain system reliability.
System Monitoring
Monitoring operating status and alarms can help identify abnormal tracker behavior and reduce downtime.
Future Trends in Solar Tracking Technology
Smarter Tracking Algorithms
Advanced algorithms can improve positioning accuracy and operational efficiency.
Bifacial Optimization
Tracker layouts will increasingly be optimized together with bifacial module performance.
Advanced Wind Strategies
Improved wind detection and stow strategies can help protect tracker structures under severe weather conditions.
Digital Monitoring
Remote monitoring and predictive maintenance can improve operational visibility and reduce downtime.
Lower Mechanical Complexity
New tracker designs continue to focus on reliability, installation efficiency and lifecycle cost.
Solar + Energy Storage
Solar tracking can become part of larger renewable energy systems integrating PV generation and energy storage.
Solar Tracker Frequently Asked Questions
What is a solar tracker?
A solar tracker is a photovoltaic mounting system that changes the orientation of solar panels to follow the sun and improve solar energy capture.
Do solar trackers produce more energy than fixed mounts?
In suitable locations, solar trackers can produce more energy than fixed-tilt mounting systems because the panels maintain a more favorable orientation toward the sun. Actual gains depend on location, system design and operating conditions.
What is a dual axis solar tracker?
A dual axis solar tracker uses two rotational axes to adjust the orientation of solar modules in both horizontal and vertical directions. It is also commonly called a 2 axis solar tracker.
Are solar trackers more expensive than fixed mounts?
Solar trackers generally have higher equipment and installation complexity than fixed mounts. However, the additional energy production can improve project economics depending on the site and electricity value.
Can solar trackers work with bifacial solar panels?
Yes. Solar trackers can be designed for bifacial modules, and project layout, module height, row spacing and ground albedo can all influence the resulting energy performance.
What is the most common solar tracker for large solar farms?
Single-axis tracking is widely used in utility-scale PV because it provides a strong balance between additional energy production, system complexity and project economics.
What is a solar tracker kit?
A solar tracker kit generally refers to a package containing some or all components required to build a solar tracking system. For commercial and utility projects, complete engineered tracker systems are normally preferred over generic small-scale kits.
Is a Solar Tracker Right for Your Project?
Solar tracking systems can increase photovoltaic energy production by dynamically positioning solar panels throughout the day. However, the best solution depends on project location, solar resource, module configuration, terrain, wind conditions, land availability and project economics.
For utility-scale and large commercial solar projects, a properly engineered solar tracker can provide an attractive balance between additional energy production and lifecycle cost. Single-axis systems are particularly relevant for large PV installations, while dual axis solar tracking systems can be considered where two-dimensional solar positioning provides sufficient value.
Looking for a Solar Tracker for Your PV Project?
Talk to Singsun Energy about solar tracking systems, PV mounting structures and customized solutions for utility-scale, commercial and industrial solar projects.
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