FAQs

A vertical single-axis solar tracking system can typically accommodate many photovoltaic modules. However, from a practical project perspective, installing more than 15 modules significantly increases the wind load on the tracking system, which can compromise safety, reduce cost-effectiveness, and increase construction complexity and maintenance costs. Considering these factors, the installation area for a vertical single-axis tracking system is generally limited to no more than 40㎡, and the number of photovoltaic modules should not exceed 15(depending on local wind conditions).

Vertical single-axis solar tracking systems outperform dual-axis systems in terms of cost-performance due to the following factors:

1. Simpler Structure, Lower Costs. The structure of vertical single-axis tracking systems is simpler than dual-axis systems, as they only require azimuth tracking by rotating around a central column without adjusting the tilt angle. This simplification reduces the number of components and eliminates the need for complex tilt adjustment mechanisms, such as motors and gear sets, significantly lowering manufacturing costs.

2. Lower Maintenance Requirements. The simplicity of vertical single-axis systems results in reduced failure rates and lower maintenance demands. The durable components, fewer wear-prone parts, and easier maintenance processes translate into reduced routine inspection and repair costs.

3. Adaptability to Various Terrains. Vertical single-axis systems are better suited for complex terrains as they have less stringent requirements for horizontal leveling during installation. This adaptability minimizes ground leveling and civil engineering efforts, making them particularly advantageous in hilly or uneven terrains such as mountains and slopes.

4. Optimized Land Utilization. Vertical single-axis tracking systems are typically more compact in design, enabling more efficient land use. Compared to dual-axis systems, they achieve higher land utilization efficiency in large-scale power plants, indirectly lowering the per-unit cost of the project.

5. Energy Efficiency Comparable to Dual-Axis Tracking. While dual-axis tracking systems maximize solar radiation capture year-round, vertical single-axis systems achieve 80%-90% of the energy gain of dual-axis systems through azimuth tracking, especially when the tilt angle of the solar panels is optimized. This comes at a significantly lower installation and operational cost, yielding a higher return on investment.

6. Scalability for Large Power Plants. The modular design of vertical single-axis tracking systems enhances feasibility for mass production and deployment. This scalability ensures: Ease of Manufacturing and Transportation: Streamlined processes improve efficiency. Cost-Effectiveness: Ideal for large-scale solar power plant projects, significantly reducing the capital cost per kilowatt. By offering a simpler structure, reduced maintenance demands, terrain adaptability, efficient land utilization, and competitive energy efficiency at a lower cost, vertical single-axis solar tracking systems provide superior cost-performance, particularly for large-scale ground-mounted solar power plants.

The Duck Curve refers to a peculiar shape in the net load (the total load minus the photovoltaic generation) that occurs in electrical grids with a high proportion of solar power. Due to the nature of solar power generation (producing electricity only during daylight hours and not at night), the net load curve shows a distinct dip during the midday solar generation peak. This dip resembles the shape of a duck, with a sharp rise in demand during the evening as solar power generation drops.

A photovoltaic tracking system works by adjusting the angle of the solar panels to keep them aligned with the sun's rays. Compared to fixed mount systems, tracking systems increase the amount of solar radiation that the panels receive, thereby improving photovoltaic power generation efficiency.

Fixed-tilt solar panels have a relatively fixed generation time, concentrated around the period when the solar angle is optimal. However, tracking systems adjust the panel angles in real-time according to the sun's position, allowing the start and end of power generation to shift. For instance, tracking systems can capture sunlight more effectively at sunrise and sunset, extending the generation window. This helps to fill the generation gaps of traditional fixed-panel systems, particularly during the lower generation periods, thus reducing the depth of the midday dip in the net load curve.

Since tracking systems are better able to align the panels with the sun throughout the day, they can capture sunlight more efficiently at different times. As a result, the power output is more stable. At midday, when solar radiation is strongest, tracking systems ensure the panels maintain the optimal angle, preventing the generation of excess power at certain times and insufficient power at others, which can occur with fixed systems. This results in more evenly distributed power generation across the day, reducing the fluctuations in the net load curve and smoothing the Duck Curve.

Vertical single-axis solar tracking systems enhance the energy generation efficiency of photovoltaic (PV) systems by adjusting the orientation angle of the PV modules to follow the movement of the sun. Compared to fixed mounting systems, these tracking systems effectively improve the performance of PV systems. Specifically, the following design features and characteristics contribute to the increased energy generation efficiency:

Tracking the Solar Azimuth Angle. Vertical single-axis solar tracking systems allow the PV modules to rotate around the main support column, tracking changes in the solar azimuth angle. As the sun moves throughout the day, the PV modules can continuously maintain the optimal angle relative to the sunlight, maximizing the amount of solar radiation received. In comparison to fixed mounting systems, vertical single-axis tracking systems increase the utilization of solar radiation, thereby enhancing energy production.

Extended Solar Radiation Reception Time. As the PV modules adjust their orientation with the movement of the sun, they are able to receive more solar radiation throughout the day, especially during sunrise and sunset. Fixed systems typically have a lower angle of reception during these times, whereas tracking systems can extend the time during which solar radiation is received, significantly increasing the overall energy generation duration.

Enhanced Self-Cleaning and Dust Resistance. The design of the vertical single-axis tracking system causes the surface of the PV modules to change orientation, which helps to reduce the accumulation of dust and dirt. In areas with high levels of dust or sand, the angle adjustments allow the PV modules to be cleaned by rain or wind, maintaining a higher level of photoelectric conversion efficiency.

Reduced Shading Effect. The structure of vertical single-axis tracking systems typically arranges the modules in a more spaced-out configuration. This reduces shading between modules compared to fixed mounting systems, especially when the sun is at a low angle. This feature is critical for improving the energy generation efficiency of the PV modules, particularly in high-density installation environments.

Adaptability to Different Environmental Conditions. Vertical single-axis tracking systems are particularly well-suited for various geographic regions, especially high-latitude and high-altitude areas. The tracking system optimizes the module orientation based on the local solar path, compensating for the reduced sunlight available due to geographic latitude.