Potential Cost Savings of Solar Trackers Over Fixed Solar Panels
Solar trackers can offer increased energy production compared to fixed solar panels, but the potential cost savings depend on several factors.
Increased Energy Production
- Energy Output Increase: Solar trackers, especially dual-axis trackers, can produce between 10% and 60% more energy than fixed systems. This increase in energy production can lead to greater savings on electricity bills over time.
- Example Savings: For a system with dual-axis tracking, the annual savings might be higher by about $440 compared to a fixed system. However, the additional cost for the tracking system could be substantial, affecting the overall cost-effectiveness.
Cost Considerations
- Initial Costs: Solar trackers typically cost more than fixed systems. The premium for tracking can range from $1.33 per watt for a tracked system compared to a fixed mount, increasing the total cost per watt to about $9.96 from $8.63 for a fixed mount.
- Payback Period: The payback period for solar tracking systems can be longer due to their higher upfront costs. For instance, a dual-axis tracking system might have a payback period of nearly 20 years, compared to about 13 years for a fixed system.
Alternative Strategies
- Adding More Panels: Instead of using trackers, adding more solar panels can achieve similar energy production levels at potentially lower costs. For example, increasing the number of panels by 6 could match the output of a dual-axis tracker system for an extra $5,850, which is less than the cost of installing tracking equipment.
- Optimal System Design: In some cases, using tracking systems can allow for smaller array sizes while maintaining energy production levels, potentially reducing total system costs when the entire installation is considered.
Conclusion
While solar trackers can increase energy production, their cost-effectiveness largely depends on specific circumstances, such as the available space, energy needs, and budget. In many scenarios, adding more solar panels may be a more cost-effective strategy to achieve higher energy output than investing in tracking technology.
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/what-are-the-potential-cost-savings-of-using-solar-trackers-over-fixed-solar-panels/
