Four Structural Advantages of Vertical Single-Axis Solar Trackers

In the solar projects, choosing the right mounting system is a crucial step. Fixed mounts, horizontal single-axis trackers, and dual-axis trackers are widely used in the industry, while vertical single-axis solar trackers (VSAT) have also been gaining increasing attention as a novel structural solution. Here, we introduce our company’s YP-Z01 vertical single-axis solar tracker. Compared with other tracking systems, the YP-Z01 offers four key structural advantages.

Simplified Structure with Lower Cost

A vertical single-axis solar tracker only tracks the sun’s azimuth angle in the horizontal direction, without the need for a tilt motor or corresponding transmission mechanisms. This design reduces the number of components as well as installation and commissioning work, thereby significantly lowering the overall system cost.

Centered Load with Lower Power Consumption

The YP-Z01 can hold up to 15 solar panels, covering an area of up to 40㎡. Once installed, the main pole bears the weight of the solar panels, with the center of gravity always aligned directly above it. Since there is no eccentric load, only minimal torque is required to drive the system, reducing motor power requirements and overall energy consumption.

Innovative Structure with Strong Stability

This vertical single-axis solar tracker uses an innovative design in which 8 diagonal rods are arranged at different positions along the purlins. The lower ends of these rods are connected to the base of the main pole. The base of the pole is equipped with a rotating mechanism, so when the pole rotates with the sun, all 8 diagonal rods rotate together with the purlins. This unique design greatly enhances the system’s wind resistance and stability, ensuring reliable operation even under high wind conditions.

Fewer Moving Parts with Higher Reliability

The YP-Z01 removed the vertical motor and transmission system, significantly reducing failure rates. In conventional designs, the motor would have to bear the full weight of up to 15 solar panels, placing extreme demands on its durability. Now, the main pole supports all the weight, reducing stress on other components and extending system lifespan. With fewer moving parts and lighter operating loads, maintenance is more convenient and the overall reliability of the system is greatly improved.

Conclusion

Overall, while the YP-Z01 is structurally simple, it still achieves significant gains in energy yield. From a theoretical standpoint, although a vertical single-axis solar tracker cannot track the sun’s altitude angle like a dual-axis tracker, in most regions the primary factor in improving solar generation efficiency is following the sun’s east-to-west azimuth path. This makes the design both practical and efficient.

The YP-Z01 vertical single-axis solar tracker combines low cost, strong stability, and easy maintenance, making it particularly suitable for cost-sensitive and complex-terrain medium- and small-scale solar projects. It is an ideal choice for PV-Storage-Charging applications, solar-powered water pumping, and off-grid equipment power supply, with broad potential in emerging markets.