While large utility scale solar tracking projects have been deployed throughout the southwest USA, they have found only a limited application in other regions including the southeast.

One to two percent power yield gains realized through more efficient inverter and solar module technology have made a tremendous impact on the photovoltaic market; yet it seems unusual that these ancillary power increases have not been further enhanced by solar tracking systems which produce a 20-40 percent higher energy output compared to a fixed installation.

At the "Siemens Solar Exchange East" the tracking panel discussed various technologies. Panelist Klaus Pless, director of marketing and sales at TecnoSun Solar stated that, "one reason why tracking systems have not been considered more often is that many customers focus on the rated performance of the PV system as opposed to the total energy output."

Today, a large number of solar tracking companies exist in the world; however only a limited number have been successful towards developing tacking solutions into a larger market segment.

In general, solar tracking companies have failed to demonstrate an economic advantage due to complex mechanical steel structures which drive cost into the product.

TecnoSun Solar's innovative solar tracking technology employs a patented, market differentiating, unique steel cable driven system reduces total weight, maintenance expense and provides very favorable cost optimization.

According to Klaus Pless, "total capital investment cost for a tracking system can be reduced by 5-10 percent as compared to fixed solutions."

The company's low profile 1 and 2 axis tracking minimizes operating costs due to the high performance and low maintenance drive motor systems which control up to 120 solar trackers with a single rotary motor.

The smart sensor control system collects real-time atmospheric data to optimize operating efficiencies while re-positioning trackers and the solar modules into 'safe-modes' during severe weather conditions.

Remote monitoring provides operators with real-time data via the internet or mobile connections. TecnoSun Solar's breakthrough new technology has led to the development of several array applications, including a 5 MW single-axis solar tracking installation near

With the continual rapid fall of PV module prices, some industry experts question if trackers will slowly disappear over the next several years. Innovation and economies of scale continue to drive down the tracking cost.

In addition, modules are becoming more and more efficient. While several tracking companies will not maintain their competiveness, other companies using innovative, cost efficient designs like TecnoSun Solar will emerge as stronger solution providers.

Every component in the PV system has to be competitive and add value. However, only a few system components have the potential to increase total energy output like tracking systems.

In the Solar Pro June/July 2011 edition Stephen Smith wrote in his article about solar trackers, "If the race to grid parity is a sprint and not a marathon, solar will clearly need its fastest horse [solar tracker] to win."

Related Links
Tecnosun Solar USA
All About Solar Energy at SolarDaily.com

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