Main Advantages of Using Solar Trackers in Harsh Winter Climates
While solar trackers are generally more suitable for warmer climates, there are some advantages to using them in harsh winter conditions, especially when properly designed and managed:
Advantages
- Increased Efficiency in Cold Weather: Solar panels are more efficient in colder temperatures, as high temperatures above 77°F can reduce their efficiency. Although this doesn’t directly relate to trackers, it means that if trackers can operate effectively in snow, they can enhance overall system efficiency.
- Snow Shedding Capabilities: Some solar trackers can be designed with a “snow stow” mode, which tilts panels to a steep angle to aid in snow shedding, reducing the risk of damage from accumulated snow.
- Improved Land Use: Even in winter, trackers can optimize land use by generating more electricity in a given area compared to fixed mounts. This can be beneficial in areas where land is valuable or limited.
- Potential for Higher Annual Energy Yield: Although trackers may not be as effective during peak winter months due to snow and shorter daylight hours, their ability to optimize sunlight capture during clearer winter days and more effectively during other seasons can still contribute to a higher annual energy yield compared to fixed systems.
Considerations
- Design and Maintenance: To fully leverage these advantages, the tracking system must be designed with a robust structure capable of handling snow loads and potentially equipped with features like snow stow modes.
- Operational Challenges: In very harsh winter conditions, communication with the system may be disrupted, making it challenging to manage trackers effectively.
Overall, while solar trackers can offer some benefits in winter climates, careful planning and robust design are crucial to overcome operational challenges.
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/what-are-the-main-advantages-of-using-solar-trackers-in-harsh-winter-climates/
