Most Solar Arrays are Not Round

[Sun4Energy]

Most solar arrays are not round. So why are we still using satellite dish technology for tracking? How much would solar farm production increase if arrays could rotate and avoid self shading?

[silversaver]

Cost vs payback

[Sunking]

Not sure what you are talking about. Trackers work on an Axis controlling a plane. Makes no difference if the plane is a circle, square, triangle, or rectangle. Are you talking about a turntable to replace the vertical axis?

[SolarArraySolution]

30% more energy..

[SunEagle]

30% more energy..

You might get more out of the array but will that extra 30% pay for the installation and maintenance of the tracking system?

[FishGun]

I don't completely understand the statement/question either but here's a few Michigan #'s:

Using 33deg south facing as standard...

Single-axis bed type (rotational axis oriented N/S...panels rotate E/W with 45deg of travel) about 13-15% gain

Single-axis azimuth (rotational axis perp to earth...panels set at 33deg rotates E/W with 180deg of travel) about 21-25% gain

Dual-axis (azimuth travel slightly beyond EW 200deg of travel...elev up 75deg of travel flat horz to 75deg vert) about 32% gain

These numbers would decrease slightly if backtracking had to be employed...

[Living Large]

Most solar arrays are not round. So why are we still using satellite dish technology for tracking? How much would solar farm production increase if arrays could rotate and avoid self shading?

Are you suggesting that a different method of tracking would be superior to the current ones used? It seems like this topic would pertain to any solar installation, not just a solar farm. Not sure I understand.

[J.P.M.]

I think the OP was in a bit over their head technically. Looks like they may have gone elsewhere after the 1st post on this thread anyway.

[Sunking]

I think the OP was in a bit over their head technically.

Be honest JPM and quit being PC, you meant Moron.

[J.P.M.]

Be honest JPM and quit being PC, you meant Moron.

No, I meant what I wrote.

Please don't tell me what I think I mean to convey, or attempt do my thinking for me, or imply that I'm being less than honest.

J.P.M.