Tracking systems increase the radiation received by a solar power system. This additional radiation turns into increased generation. Anybody who wants to maximize output from their solar panels should consider a tracking system.

As the Sun tracks its course through the seasons, the best solar panel operating angle will change. The more directly the solar panels can face the Sun, then the more beam radiation they will receive. Tracking systems, by adjusting this operating angle, help maximize this beam radiation received.

When analyzing solar energy data, one can quickly see the advantage of a tracking system. We studied the State of Montana and found that summer time increases of 50% can be obtained. Spring and Fall months showed strong gains possible at 25% to 30%. Winter months showed an improvement of approximately 15%. The exact value of these numbers will depend on the type of system used and the installed location.

One of the first tracking units one might consider is a manually adjustable one axis system. With a simple adjustment, the solar panels can be rotated on their horizontal axis to any angle. Each season will have an optimal tilt angle for maximizing the Sun. By adjusting our solar panels to that angle, we experienced summertime gains of 25% compared to a fixed solar panel installation. In the winter months this improvement was ~15%.

The next advancement in solar power tracking is automatic control of the one axis system. With the right set of equipment the solar panels can rotate with the daily path of the Sun. These systems provide strong increases throughout the year, sometimes as high as 45%.

Two axis tracking systems are the most complex and most accurate installations available. With these systems, your solar panels have additional flexibility on their vertical axis (East to West). These systems are the most exact when it comes to following the Sun.

Two axis systems are commonly used with concentrating solar collector designs. These types of collectors, like a magnifying glass, focus the rays of the Sun. Systems with these installations require the highest possible operating temperatures. Examples include thermal power stations, stirling engines, and pebble bed transfer systems.

Two axis tracking is not ideal with photovoltaic solar panels. In reviewing the energy tables, a two axis tracker will gain only 5% more energy over the one axis system. The greatest gains are realized, then, with the one axis system. For the cost, complexity, and convenience most users are better off with a one axis system.

There are two general functions in mind when designing for solar energy. These functions are solar power electricity, and thermal storage or heating. No matter what the design purpose is, a good tracking system is an easy way to boost performance from your solar power system.

If you desire an extra level of performance with your solar panels, a one axis tracking system is recommended. A manually adjustable system, such as Rotek, is a low cost solution and will provide modest gains. An actively controlled tracking system at moderate cost will provide very good gains. You will have to make a compromise between the upfront costs and desired performance when making this decision.