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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.

The most cost effective tracking for solar panels is a manually adjustable one axis system. The adjustability is on the horizontal axis, so the solar panels can rotate toward the southern horizon. By making seasonal adjustments to our solar panels we increased our performance by 20% in the summer and winter months.

To further boost performance we can add a control system to our one axis tracking. This is called active solar tracking, where the solar panels automatically rotate throughout the day. These systems provide the largest gains, up to 50% in the summer months. Performance remains good throughout the year as well, so for a little more cost they are worth investigation.

The highest upgrade with solar power tracking is an actively controlled two axis system. The solar panels will rotate on their horizontal and vertical axes, which gives us two modes of adjustability. The cost and complexity of a two axis system makes them more of a specialty, but they are the most accurate units available for tracking the Sun.

Two axis tracking is often used with concentrating solar collection systems. Solar concentration is necessary when higher operating temperatures are desired. Thermal steam generators, pebble bed transfer systems, and modern Stirling engines are two such examples. If the concentrating collectors are not perfectly oriented with respect to the Sun, then their performance will greatly suffer. Concentrating solar collection designs, then, benefit most from the two axis 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.

Solar power systems are developed for two primary purposes: heat and electricity. Adding a solar tracking system to your design is useful for either case. When it comes to making electricity with solar panels, a solar power tracking system will increase the production of electrical energy. When it comes to acquiring and storing thermal heat, it will help your system obtain higher temperatures.

If you are serious about maximizing your solar power system, then you should be considering a tracking system. One axis systems are available that are effective, inexpensive, and easy to use. Two axis systems are more complex and normally used for high temperature systems. Either which way, a good tracking system will go a long way in getting the most out of your solar panels.

Walter Hull is a recognized expert in solar energy power systems. For a short time you can get his free report to solar energy from your own backyard.