Maintenance costs for solar trackers are generally higher than those for fixed solar panels due to the presence of moving parts in trackers, which increases the likelihood of mechanical failure and the need for upkeep. Solar trackers require more complex maintenance and can lead to additional expenses compared to fixed systems.
Comparison of Maintenance Costs
- Solar Trackers:
- Contain moving components that can break or malfunction, resulting in higher maintenance demands.
- Maintenance includes mechanical repairs, moving part lubrication, and monitoring tracker accuracy.
- The increased maintenance is part of why solar trackers can double project costs compared to fixed panels.
- Maintenance is critical to ensure continued higher energy output, but it comes at the expense of more frequent repairs and inspections.
- Fixed Solar Panels:
- Have no moving parts, so maintenance mainly involves cleaning the panels, inspecting wiring, and occasional minor repairs.
- Typical annual maintenance costs are lower, often between $150 and $300 for residential systems.
- Fixed systems typically incur maintenance costs amounting to about 1-2% of the initial system investment annually.
- Regular cleaning and inspections are often sufficient to maintain performance and keep costs low.
Operational & Maintenance Cost Estimates
- For large-scale solar projects (e.g., 10 MW), total O&M costs average about $141,000 per year or just under 1% of the installation cost, covering fixed panels and trackers, but trackers add additional mechanical service complexity.
- Residential fixed solar panel maintenance is relatively inexpensive and simpler, primarily focusing on cleaning and inspection.
- Trackers can increase the initial cost of a solar project by 57% to 100% or more, with ongoing maintenance costs correspondingly higher due to mechanical upkeep requirements.
Summary
| Aspect | Solar Trackers | Fixed Solar Panels |
|---|---|---|
| Moving parts | Yes, increases maintenance needs | No |
| Maintenance complexity | Higher, mechanical and electrical | Lower, mainly cleaning and inspections |
| Typical annual maintenance cost | Higher, variable due to repairs | Lower, $150-$300 residential; ~$400-$740 solar farm |
| Impact on project cost | Can double initial cost | Lower initial and maintenance costs |
| Energy output | Higher due to sun-tracking | Lower but simpler and more reliable |
In essence, solar trackers provide increased energy output but with significantly higher maintenance costs and complexity compared to fixed solar panels, which incur lower and simpler maintenance expenses over their lifetime.
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/how-do-maintenance-costs-for-solar-trackers-compare-to-fixed-solar-panels/
