The sun is the ultimate source of energy for our planet. The rays of sun that fall on earth can prove to be a constant and cheap source of energy. This goal is achieved with the help of Photovoltaik system. But can the extra solar gain provided by a photovoltaic tracker for home photovoltaic systems justify the extra expense.
What Are Home Photovoltaic Systems?
The process by which solar energy is converted into electrical energy is accomplished by use of a photovoltaic system of panels, cables, batteries, controllers, and an inverter. The photovoltaic panel consists of varying numbers of solar cells, which are then arranged in series on an insulated backing to form the solar array. The solar cells are composed of semi-conductor material, silicone being the most common, and thin silver threads which carry the electric current. When sun rays fall on this material, the solar energy is converted into electrical energy. This energy, in the form of electric current, is channeled into batteries via large, insulated copper cables, through a charge controller into the battery bank. From these batteries the stored current is utilized for running electrical appliances, usually with help of an inverter, which converts the DV voltage from the batteries into AC voltage which run the home. Many DC apparatus are available, such as lights, radio and water pumps, and these can be run directly from the battery pack.
Photovoltaic Trackers for Home Photovoltaic Systems
The angle of sun on the solar cells does not remain constant. The intensity of sun rays is especially low at morning and evening, but still significant as far as solar gain into the battery bank. This problem is solved by use of trackers. A tracker is a device which adjusts the angle of the solar array according to the angle of sun in the sky, so that the solar arrays remain perpendicular to the sun. As a result, the solar array receives the maximum amount of sunlight throughout the day, even at morning and evening when sun is at an extreme angle.
Trackers come in various configurations, the simplest being the single axis tracker. These single axis can be horizontal or vertical, and use passive energy ~ tubes which are filled with, typically, freon. As the heat from the sun warms the freon, it migrates to the opposite end of the tracker tubing, causing the tracker to rotate slightly on the axis. The most advanced is the Active Tracker. With the use of a tiny photosensor and small motor, the movement on the axis occurs about every 2-3 minutes, keeping the photovoltaic panels directly perpendicular to the sun all day long.
Advantages of Trackers for Home Photovoltaic systems
The installation of the trackers enables the Photovoltaik system to receive maximum sunlight throughout the day. This is described in the form of insulation, which is the number of kilo watt-hours per square meter per day. This causes a substantial increase in the production of electric current. The cost of trackers may seem expensive, but they can greatly increase the electricity production, even up to 100%, the average being about 40%. Even though the cost of photovoltaic panels is decreasing each year, being able to take full advantage of daily solar gain leads to more conservation, more efficiency, and more production. This is an obvious advantage as compared to the extra cost of the trackers.
