How Solar Trackers Work

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This 3D animated video gives a general overview of how solar trackers work and a detailed example of how a dual axis solar panel works. We look at why solar trackers are used, the different types of solar tracker (horizontal, vertical and dual axis), all of the main components of solar trackers, how solar trackers work and the advantages and disadvantages associated with a typical dual axis solar panel.

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▶️Introduction
Solar trackers can be manually, passively or actively controlled (actuated).

Solar trackers are split into three main types, these are the horizontal, vertical and dual axis types.

How Dual Axis Solar Panels Work
Hydraulic cylinders are used to adjust the position of the solar tracker in order to follow the sun on a north to south axis and east to west axis. An anemometer is used to measure the wind speed and a solar sensor detects the level of solar radiation (sunlight). The tracker directs itself actively towards the sun in order to harness the maximum amount of energy possible.

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[savree-d]

Want to continue learning about engineering with videos like this one? Then visit:

Want to teach/instruct with the 3D models shown in this video? Then visit:

[powoxi]

The unique design is what sold me. It's so different from what I've seen before. Definitely a great addition to my collection.

[jeanPierreDelorme]

Hello, I'm a french man 74 years old, your vidéo is really the best one I ever seen & I saw a lot

[therealsparkman]

A most excellent video and graphic CAD display. I am interested in going solar for a small cabin that I built, and because I am in a higher latitude location, it only makes perfect sense to go with a dual tracker system due to the changes in sun location in the various seasons (4 of them). Yes, it may cost more, but if you can eliminate most of the costs by being able to do the fabrication yourself, then it only makes sense to go with that design that will give you the most efficiency during the various seasons. You really have to weigh your options and do your homework before considering such a system. Thanks for sharing! Cheers!

[Adrian-hxdq]

In which software did you make the animation? it is amazing! also thank you for share the video

[joseluismendoza]

Clear Explanationabout solar Pv trackers.

[andysamuel]

very useful, thank you ! and the courses also very interesting. I would recommend it.

[p]

When you look at dual axis solar panels and whether or not they are worth the extra cost, don't just consider "40% more yield vs 100% more cost". The power from solar panels are generally needed the most in the morning and evening. So that extra 40% is mainly obtained where you would get very little production with a fixed panel. The real worth of each kWh is much more, when the supply-demand balance is such that there isn't enough supply. That would be directly financially realised in grid tie solutions where the price paid varies with supply-demand. But also for island systems, where batteries back up at night, you are interested in keeping the batteries charged up until as late as possible, while also be able to recharge them in the morning, as early as possible. The savings in battery capacity will in many cases make up for the added cost of a dual axis system.

[AamirSaeedTajalli]

Wonderful animated explanation of what was in my mind and what i want to do with solar panels that i want to install at my farm. Thanks for this.


Could you please also make a small video for showing how to make joints that allow tilting of solar frame?

[JavedKhan-nypm]

Excellent video & presentation. would have been nice to have included the parts of the actuators, anemometer, hydraulic cylinders, solar tracker controller & sensors connectivity with electrical power source & where to find these parts.

[MichaelSmith-nkyq]

Many thanks, very clear and easy to understand 👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾

[mrmatias]

Very informative video. Thanks from Angola, Lobito.

[qwiklok]

Smart. learned a lot. thanks. My comment would be to have the East West orientation on a rotating column so the entire array rotates. Where i am located, central BC, the E W change is about 270 degrees, a whopping difference in summer.

In winter, the change might be 120. So to rotate makes more sense. The up and down is at least 70 degrees in summer, maybe 30 in winter.

With my 2 panels of 315 watts each, this makes a lot of senses because i need power immediately in the morning and to stock up late in the evening.

the wind speed sensor is damn smart, so the panels flatten out in windy days . never thought of that.

I'm thinking of a scrapped old big satellite dish mechanism as the main hardware and mechanics. if it can support a dish 10' in diameter, then that would be excellent for say 3 large 300w panels. yes?

Well done.

[pakiengr.]

Your methods are superb...thanks for uploading video..

[lauraolayarua]

Very good explanation. Congratulations!

[christopherbooth]

Really enjoyed that video, saVRee - thankyou!
I see you've got a detailed 3D model of a 2-axis solar tracker (it might the popular Eco Worthy one?) and you have a simulation.
I'm interested in getting a 3D model of a 2-axis solar tracker into the CAD system called Rhino, then making simulations in Grasshopper (visual programming inside Rhino) with the plug-in LadyBug.
Do you have anything that could help with that available for free - a CAD model or advice? Thanks.

[PAXtheTh]

Please make a indepth video about passive trackers

[sikanderayazkhan]

Great info with good teaching methodology

[baddoggie]

The complexity and cost can be reduced by "tracking" the sun through about 90 degrees centered on solar noon each day and adjusting the tilt of that axis manually each month. The amount you gain outside of that is small.

[ياسرالفارس-ضح]

The need for electricity around the clock during the day to operate loads that require a long number of hours is what forces us to implement a base of moving panels with one or two axes, or you must design a double photovoltaic array in order to obtain, for example, at nine in the morning the electricity necessary to operate those loads and waste excess electricity at peak times.