Installation Costs
- Additional Equipment Cost: Solar trackers add a substantial premium to the base cost of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems. For example, a typical 4 kW ground-mounted fixed solar system might cost around $13,000. Adding a single-axis tracker can raise this to about $20,000—a 57% increase—while a dual-axis tracker may increase the cost to approximately $26,000, doubling the cost of the fixed system.
- Cost Per Panel or Watt: Tracking equipment costs range from about $500 to over $1,000 per solar panel. In wholesale or commercial contexts, solar tracking systems cost between $0.40 and $1.30 per watt depending on the system’s power rating and type (e.g., dual-axis vs single-axis).
- Cost per Watt Installed: One study shows the installed cost for a fixed mount system at about $8.63 per DC watt, whereas a tracked system costs around $9.96 per DC watt. This implies an extra $1.33 per watt premium for tracking systems.
- Site Preparation and Installation Complexity: Installing trackers may require extra site grading, trenching for wiring, and more complex structural mounting, increasing labor and preparation costs beyond the equipment price itself.
Maintenance Costs
- Higher Maintenance Due to Moving Parts: Unlike fixed solar arrays, trackers have mechanical components that move to follow the sun. This increases the likelihood of mechanical failure or wear, leading to higher maintenance requirements and associated costs.
- Service Fees: Some battery-powered solar trackers with cellular connectivity may require ongoing service fees post-warranty or after an initial period. For example, one tracker system charges about $6.95 per month per tracker after five years to continue cellular service for remote monitoring.
- General Upkeep: Regular inspections, lubrication, sensor calibration, and occasional parts replacement are needed for trackers, which is more involved and costly compared to fixed-tilt systems. Costs vary by system design and vendor support.
Summary Table of Cost Aspects
| Cost Aspect | Fixed System | Single-Axis Tracker | Dual-Axis Tracker |
|---|---|---|---|
| Approximate Installation Cost (4 kW system) | $13,000 | $20,000 (+57%) | $26,000 (+100%) |
| Equipment Cost per Panel | Base panel cost | +$500 to +$1,000 per panel | +$1,000+ per panel |
| Cost per Watt Installed | ~$8.63/Watt | ~$9.96/Watt (+$1.33 premium) | Higher than single-axis |
| Maintenance Complexity | Low | Moderate (moving parts) | Higher (more complex parts) |
| Monthly Service Fee | None | Possibly $6.95/month (post initial period for some systems) | Similar or higher |
In conclusion, solar trackers can substantially increase both the upfront installation costs—potentially doubling them compared to fixed systems—and the ongoing maintenance expenses due to mechanical components requiring upkeep. However, they improve energy yield, which may offset some extra costs depending on the project’s financial context and energy pricing.
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/what-are-the-installation-and-maintenance-costs-associated-with-solar-trackers/
