PV Panels with Tracker

The output of a solar PV array is at a maximum when the cells are facing the sun. A solar PV tracking device - uniaxial or biaxial - increases the time the PV array directly faces the sun therefore increasing output.

It is not uncommon to read that trackers can increase yield by up to 40% in comparison to a fixed system. However, PE suggest, having undertaken computer simulation exercises, that the increase is nearer 15%. The increase in output is only one of the benefits of installing a PV tracking device. Other benefits include:

Visibility - A PV tracking device makes a prominent statement about an organisations green credentials to customers and staff. A tracker placed in a carpark, a traffic island or gardens may be more feasible and desirable than a wind turbine.
Cost - a fully installed PV tracker could cost as little as an executive car (approx £35 - £50K).
Space - PV trackers take up a minimum of space with a clearance of 3.5m from the ground to the platform allowing the space below to be used.
Planning consent - A tracker is less contentious than a wind turbine. Issues which often act as a barrier to wind turbine development such as shadow flicker, visual intrusion and noise have either less or no bearing on applications for planning consent for a tracker.
A tracker could be perceived as a win-win scenario for a local planning authority keen to encourage sustainability but wary of inviting contentious planning submissions such as wind turbines.

Our turnkey PV tracker solution is available as a 12, 18, 20, 40 and 80m² uniaxial or biaxial platform with monocrystalline or polycrystalline panels. In additional to the tracker, panels and invertor we also undertake the mechanical and electrical installation including a ground survey for the foundations. As guide to what can be expected in energy terms, a 40m² tracker has a peak power rating of approx 5 - 6kW dependent on the PV modules used.

The technical specification for a 40m² PV Tracker is detailed below and this is also available to download as a PDF file.

For further information such as foundation and tower design, noise data, etc or to discuss your requirements in more depth, please contact info@altergen.co.uk

Technical specification

TRACKER DEVICE
Type	Biaxial/dual axis
Maximum module surface	42 m²
Minimum module surface	33 m²
Minimum ground clearance	0.59 m
Mast height	3.5 m
Mast diameter	406 mm
Wind load	DIN 1055-4 wind zone 4 = 30.0 m/s
Snow load	Average
Shut-down (high wind)	11.11 m/s
Slope of ground	0 to 5 %
Soil pressure	average 150 kN/m²
Module weight	max. 14 kg/m²
Assembly system	max. 2.5 kg/m²

PV MODULES
The following predicted outputs and CO2 figures for a 40m² tracker are based on the UK and uses Birmingham as a reference point. They do not assume any shading effect.

MODULE A
Type	High efficiency monocrystalline
Rated Peak Power	5.88kW
Number of modules	28
Predicted outputs (in the UK)	5656kWh
CO2 offset in kg/p.a	2432.08

MODULE B
Type	Polycrystalline
Rated Peak Power	5.28kW
Number of modules	24
Predicted outputs (in the UK)	4874kWh
CO2 offset in kg/p.a	2095.82

MODULE C
Type	Polycrystalline
Rated Peak Power	5.04kW
Number of modules	24
Predicted outputs (in the UK)	4727kWh
CO2 offset in kg/p.a	2032.61

FOUNDATION
Type	Concrete pads, piers or screwpile

CONTROL SYSTEM
Type	Microprocessor based
Communications	Ethernet/Internet

SYSTEM CONTROL
All systems are equipped with a wind sensor which will track the modules in a horizontal position if the wind speed is higher than 40km/h. The modules will remain in this position, overriding any other settings, until the wind speed has fallen under this value again. In case of a cable break at the wind sensor the modules will be tracked in a horizontal position. The turnkey PV tracker solution is also available on a 12, 18, 20, and 80m² uniaxial or biaxial platform with monocrystalline or polycrystalline panels. In additional to the tracker, panels and invertor we also undertake the mechanical and electrical installation including a ground survey for the foundations.

DESIGN LIFE
20 Years rust proof guarantee.
SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE
Annual or after severe events.