Solar Lights and Social Impact

In today's world, access to reliable lighting is more than just a convenience—it plays a crucial role in improving safety, education, and economic development. Solar lights have emerged as an affordable and sustainable solution, especially in regions with limited access to electricity. By harnessing solar energy, these lighting systems provide a renewable power source that reduces dependence on fossil fuels and minimizes environmental impact.

 

Solar Lighting is beneficial for enhance social safety. For instance, solar flood lights for outdoor are being placed in public areas, streets, and parks, which helps to lower crime rates and foster safer surroundings. These systems are not only budget-friendly but also easy to install, making them suitable for communities with unstable infrastructure. The availability of light at night acts as a deterrent to crime, providing residents with a greater sense of safety.

 

Moreover, solar lighting is crucial for enhancing educational opportunities. In regions lacking reliable electricity, solar powered LED lights enable children to study after dark, leading to improved academic outcomes. Additionally, solar garden light enhances the quality of life by making outdoor spaces more accessible in the evenings, encouraging community interaction and social events.

 

outdoor solar light 

The environmental advantages of solar lighting are significant. By transitioning from traditional, energy-intensive streetlights to integrated solar street light, communities can greatly decrease their carbon emissions. The installation of solar bollard lights in public areas also supports energy conservation and mitigates the environmental harm caused by conventional lighting.

 

As part of the expanding sustainability movement, SLD provides high-quality solar lighting products that promote social benefits. We focus on energy-efficient solar lighting solutions, tailored to meet the needs of communities around the globe. For more information about our products, please visit us at www.solarlightsdo.com.

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Solar Lights for Public Art Installations

Installations of public art have the ability to inspire communities, change environments, and tell tales. It can be difficult to make sure these works remain noticeable and have an impact after nightfall, though. This is where solar lights come in, providing an effective and environmentally friendly way to light up public art while also boosting its aesthetic appeal and usability.

 

Because they are easy to install and environmentally sustainable, solar lights are a great option for public art installations. Solar lights don’t need complicated wiring or access to electricity networks like conventional lighting systems do. They are an affordable and low-maintenance choice because they use solar energy during the day and turn on automatically at night. This is particularly beneficial for outdoor art projects in parks, plazas, or remote locations where electrical infrastructure may be limited.

 

Solar lights come in a variety of designs, from sleek, modern fixtures like the solar eagle eye wall lamp to more decorative options such as the solar hexagonal pavilion lights, allowing artists and designers to seamlessly integrate them into their installations. Whether it’s highlighting a sculpture, accentuating a mural, or creating a pathway around an art piece, solar lights can be strategically placed to enhance the visual impact of the artwork. For instance, the solar color changing landscape lamp offers adjustable brightness and a spectrum of colors, providing endless creative possibilities to match the mood and theme of any public art installation.

 

solar light for public art 

Another important advantage of solar lights is their durability, particularly for outdoor public art projects. Reputable solar lights are made to resist inclement weather, such as rain, snow, and extremely high or low temperatures. This maintains the integrity of the art installation by guaranteeing that the lighting is dependable and operational throughout the year. Additionally, solar lights use less energy, which lowers carbon emissions and satisfies the growing need for environmentally friendly lighting in public areas.

 

SLD, Solar Lights Do, is a reliable partner for anyone wishing to include solar lighting in their upcoming public art project. With a focus on producing and marketing premium solar lights, SLD provides a large selection of long-lasting and effective outdoor solar lighting options. If you are interested, visit www.solarlightsdo.com and discover how SLD can help bring your artistic vision to life.

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Exploring Different Types of Energy Storage Batteries LiFePO4 vs. Lead-Acid Batteries

In recent years, energy storage solutions have become a critical component in residential and commercial power systems, particularly for homes with solar panels or those looking to reduce energy costs. Two of the most commonly used battery types in energy storage systems are LiFePO4 (Lithium Iron Phosphate) and Lead-Acid Batteries. While both offer benefits, they differ significantly in terms of performance, longevity, and overall value. In this blog, we'll compare these two battery types and explore when a LiFePO4 battery might be the best option for your energy storage needs.

 

1. Overview of LiFePO4 and Lead-Acid Batteries

LiFePO4 (Lithium Iron Phosphate) batteries are a type of lithium-ion battery that is known for its stability, safety, and long life cycle. It is widely used in modern energy storage systems due to its high energy density and enhanced efficiency.

 

Lead-Acid Batteries, on the other hand, are one of the oldest types of rechargeable batteries. They have been around for more than a century and are still commonly used in various applications, from vehicles to energy storage.

 

2. Comparing Key Features: LiFePO4 vs. Lead-Acid

Energy Density and Size

LiFePO4 batteries typically offer higher energy density than Lead-Acid batteries. This means that for the same physical size, LiFePO4 batteries can store more energy, making them more compact and efficient.

 

Lead-Acid batteries tend to be bulkier and heavier for the same amount of energy storage, which could be a limitation for certain applications, particularly in residential settings where space is a premium.

 

Cycle Life and Longevity

One of the key advantages of LiFePO4 batteries is their impressive cycle life. A typical LiFePO4 battery can last between 5,000 and 6,000 cycles or more, compared to only 500 to 1,000 cycles for most Lead-Acid batteries. This means that LiFePO4 batteries can last much longer, providing better long-term value.

 

Lead-Acid batteries, while initially cheaper, tend to need more frequent replacements, making them a less cost-effective option over time.

 

Efficiency and Performance

LiFePO4 batteries offer higher efficiency levels, especially when dealing with partial charge and discharge cycles. They are also more tolerant of deep discharges without significant performance degradation.

 

Lead-Acid batteries generally have lower efficiency, particularly when it comes to deep discharges. This can result in less reliable performance over time.

 

Safety and Reliability

LiFePO4 is considered one of the safest lithium-ion chemistries, with a lower risk of overheating or catching fire compared to other lithium-ion batteries. This makes them ideal for applications where safety is a high priority.

 

Lead-Acid batteries, while generally safe, can release harmful gases during charging, and improper handling can lead to leaks or short circuits.

 

3. When to Choose LiFePO4 Over Lead-Acid Batteries

Although Lead-Acid batteries may still be suitable for certain applications, LiFePO4 batteries are increasingly becoming the preferred choice in modern energy storage systems. Here are a few scenarios where LiFePO4 batteries may be more suitable:

 

Residential Energy Storage: If you are looking for a residential wall-mounted lithium battery, LiFePO4 offers a more compact and long-lasting solution, with better energy efficiency and higher safety standards. As homes increasingly rely on renewable energy sources like solar panels, LiFePO4 batteries provide the performance needed for long-term energy storage.

 

Space-Saving Solutions: If space is limited in your home or business, choosing a stackable LFP lithium battery could be a game-changer. LiFePO4 batteries are smaller and can be stacked in a modular fashion, offering flexibility to scale your energy storage system as needed without taking up excessive space.

 

High-Demand Applications: For commercial or residential settings where high performance and frequent cycling are required, LiFePO4 batteries excel in providing the necessary power, long lifespan, and low maintenance.

 

4. The Best Wall Mounted Lithium-Ion Battery for Your Needs

When it comes to finding the best wall-mounted lithium-ion battery, it is important to consider both the initial cost and the long-term savings. While Lead-Acid batteries may have a lower upfront cost, the extended lifespan, higher efficiency, and lower maintenance costs of LiFePO4 batteries make them the best long-term investment.

 

Enecell offers a transition solution for those looking to upgrade their energy storage systems. Our Lead-Acid to Lithium Battery Series provides batteries with higher energy density and smaller sizes compared to traditional Lead-Acid batteries. These LiFePO4 batteries are compatible with more than 20 inverter brands, including most of the popular models on the market today. They can be connected in series or parallel, allowing for a customized energy storage solution that fits both small and large-scale systems.

 

Additionally, our LiFePO4 batteries can be easily installed with either floor stand or wall mount brackets, making them versatile for different types of spaces. With mobile phone monitoring capabilities, you can easily track the performance and status of your battery system from anywhere.

 

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How to Choose the Right Solar Panels to Meet Your Energy Needs

With the growing global demand for sustainable and eco-friendly energy solutions, solar power has become a leading choice. Solar panels are a symbol of the renewable energy movement, providing not only environmental benefits but also an economical way to meet your energy needs. Whether you're looking to equip your home, business, or industrial property with solar energy, understanding how to choose the right solar panels is crucial for maximizing the potential of this technology.

 

Solar Panels: Sustainably Harnessing the Power of the Sun

Solar energy is an infinite and environmentally friendly power source. Solar panels capture sunlight and convert it into usable electricity, providing reliable energy for homes, businesses, and industrial projects. For example, a 635 Watt Solar Panel Supplier offers high-output panels that help users make the most of their installation space efficiently.

 

Solar Panels Explained: Converting Sunlight into Electricity

Solar panels, or photovoltaic (PV) panels, are devices that convert sunlight into electrical energy. They are composed of solar cells made from semiconductor materials, usually silicon, which efficiently capture sunlight and convert it into usable electricity. The size, energy output, efficiency, and material type of solar panels vary, which affects their suitability for different applications. Understanding the composition of solar panels allows you to choose the right type based on your energy needs.

 

For example, a suburban home looking to reduce energy costs might opt for high-efficiency monocrystalline solar panels, known for their durability and higher efficiency, making them ideal for limited roof space. Meanwhile, large commercial facilities may prefer polycrystalline panels, which balance efficiency with cost.

 

Solar Panels: Key Factors in Choosing the Best Option

When selecting solar panels to meet your energy needs, several key factors must be considered. First, power output, measured in watts, determines how much energy a panel can produce under standard conditions. Second, the available installation space determines whether you should choose fewer, high-efficiency panels or more, less efficient ones.

 

Another important factor is the climate and geographical location. Areas with frequent cloud cover might require panels with better low-light performance. Additionally, consider warranties and certifications to ensure that your panels come from trusted sources. Renowned manufacturers often offer long-term warranties and international certifications, ensuring performance and reliability.

 

For example, in areas with abundant sunlight, a homeowner might prioritize energy output and cost by investing in high-capacity panels. Conversely, businesses in cloudy cities might focus on efficiency in low-light conditions to ensure a continuous power supply.

 

Choosing Solar Panels: Energy Demand and Return on Investment (ROI)

When choosing solar panels, several guiding principles can ensure the best selection. First, assess your daily energy consumption and peak sunlight hours, then calculate how many panels you need to meet this demand. Consider your existing roof structure or land availability, as it will influence the type and configuration of the panels you choose.

 

It is also essential to consider the long-term return on investment (ROI). High-efficiency panels may have a higher initial cost but can pay off over time by saving more energy. Working with reputable installers can also be helpful, as they offer valuable insights and often conduct audits to recommend the best installation configurations.

 

For instance, a university campus planning a large facility might collaborate with experts to analyze energy trends and budget constraints, ensuring the selected panels align with both short-term and long-term energy goals.

 

Solar Innovations: Shaping the Future of Renewable Energy

As technology advances, the future of solar panels continues to evolve. Emerging trends include the development of bifacial solar panels, which capture sunlight from both sides, increasing efficiency. The integration of smart home technologies is also gaining popularity, allowing users to monitor and optimize solar consumption via mobile apps.

 

Additionally, flexible solar panels and solar tiles are becoming mainstream, offering consumers more aesthetic choices without sacrificing efficiency. The growing demand for more versatile and visually appealing renewable energy solutions is driving such innovations.

 

Imagine a homeowner installing a solar tile system that seamlessly integrates with their roof design. Not only does it enhance curb appeal, but it also delivers robust energy output, showcasing how future solar products will meet both functional and aesthetic needs.

 

Choosing the right solar panels requires a careful consideration of energy needs, installation environment, and technological features. As a leading Full Black N-Type Solar Panel Company, Enecell offers high-quality all-black monocrystalline solar panels with advanced technology and superior durability. Enecell’s panels come with a 25-year power warranty, ensuring long-term reliability and maximum return on investment.

 

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How Bifacial Solar Panels Can Increase Power Generation?

In the race to develop the most efficient type of solar panels, manufacturers have developed bifacial solar panels. This type of panel has solar cells on both sides which allows the technology to capture more sunlight leading to greater solar cell efficiency compared to traditional solar arrays.

How Do Bifacial Solar Panels Work?
Lets first dig deep into how bifacial solar panels function. The top and bottom solar cells on a bifacial solar array function differently. The top solar cells function like a conventional solar panel array. They face the sun, so they capture incident sun rays directly, absorbing only certain wavelengths.

On the other hand, the bottom solar cells absorb light that is reflected off the ground. Since white or light colors reflect better than dark colors, painting a white or silver surface on the roof or driveway under the panels is encouraged. According to a study by Burns & McDonnell, white surfaces reflect more than 80% of this light while grass only reflects 23%.

How Is Bifacial Solar Panels Installed to Increase Efficiency?
To understand the difference, let’s first uncover how a monofacial solar array is set up. A monofacial solar panel system, or a group of one-sided solar panels, are placed in racks parallel to a surface such as a rooftop. Unlike single-sided panels, bifacial solar panels are installed on a tilt because they produce more energy when they are angled off of the roof or ground at varying degrees.

Below are three benefits of the titled installment of the bifacial solar array.

1. More sunlight to absorb
In these types of titled installations, there is a great amount of reflection. Because sunlight bounces off of all objects reflectively at many different angles, bifacial solar panels are able to capture more of it.

2. Productive on cloudy days
Because of the point above, bifacials can be productive on cloudy days while monofacial solar cells are at a greater disadvantage when there isn’t direct sunlight. Also, bifacials are less susceptible to weather damage because they are more durable. According to the Solar Magazine, because they are more durable than conventional solar panel systems, warranties for bifacial solar panels are typically 5+ years longer (that is, 30+ years versus 20–25 years).

3. Two energy peaks a day
A titled installation can also produce two energy peaks throughout the day based on their placement. For example, half of the bifacials in an array can be tilted toward the east to capture sunrise and morning rays. The second half can then be tilted to the west to soak up afternoon intensity and sunset rays.

Another installation that can achieve this is a vertical installation. During each peak, the reflection of sunlight on the other side of the solar panels will also contribute to energy production.

How Much More Efficient is a Bifacial Solar Array?
When we say efficiency, we are referring to how a solar cell takes the amount of solar energy it received and converts it into electrical energy. Although bifacials produce more electricity than monofacial panels, it definitely isn’t double the efficiency although solar panel manufacturers are working to make that happen in the future. Bifacials can increase energy efficiency by 11% compared to a conventional solar panel system, according to our study. And with a solar tracking system that tilts solar cells continuously toward the sun, the bifacial solar cell efficiency can be as high as 27%.

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Advantages of Half-Cut Cell Solar PV Panels

How do half-cut solar cells work?

Half-cut solar cell technology increases the energy output of solar panels by reducing the size of the cells, so more can fit on the panel. The panel is then split in half so the top operates independently of the bottom, which means more energy is created – even if one half is shaded.

That’s the general overview – below, we break the process down.

Traditional monocrystalline solar panels usually have 60 to 72 solar cells, so when those cells are cut in half, the number of cells increases. Half-cut panels have 120 to 144 cells and are usually made with PERC technology, which offers higher module efficiency.

The cells are cut in half, very delicately, with a laser. By cutting these cells in half, the current within the cells is also halved, which essentially means that resistive losses from traveling energy via current are reduced, which, in turn, equals better performance.

Since the solar cells are cut in half, and are thereby reduced in size, they have more cells on the panel than traditional panels do. The panel itself is then split in half so that the top and bottom portions operate as two separate panels – generating energy even if one half is shaded.

The key to half-cut cell design is a different method of “series wiring” for the panel, or the way the solar cells are wired together and pass electricity through a bypass diode within a panel. The bypass diode, indicated by the red line in the images below, carries the electricity that the cells generate to the junction box.

In a traditional panel, when one cell is shaded or faulty and does not process energy, the entire row that is within the series wiring will stop producing power.

For example, let’s take a look at the traditional 3-string series wiring method:

With the traditional full cell string series wiring, shown above, if a solar cell in Row 1 does not have ample sunlight, every cell within that series will not produce energy. This knocks out a third of the panel.

A half-cut, 6-string solar panel works a bit differently:

If a solar cell in Row 1 is shaded, the cells within that row (and that row only) will stop producing power. Row 4 will continue to produce power, generating more energy than a traditional series wiring because only one-sixth of the panel has stopped producing power, instead of one-third.

You can also see that the panel itself is split in half, so there are 6 total cell groups instead of 3. The bypass diode connects in the middle of the panel, instead of on one side like the traditional wiring above.

What are the advantages of half-cut cells?

The advantages of half-cut cell panels are numerous.

They improve the power output and performance of solar modules because they offer a higher shade tolerance due to their unique wiring system. This means that if your home has some trees that cast shade onto your roof at certain times during the day, your entire solar panel will not be unusable, like it would with a traditional solar panel.

Another benefit is the fact that they usually offer a higher wattage than traditional panels, meaning they produce more power per square foot.

Additionally, the effects of hot spots are less severe on your solar panels with half-cut cells. Hot spots are the shifting of excess heat on a panel, say from a very hot part to the shaded, cooler section. With a half-cut cell, hot spots will not be as damaging because there are more cells to spread the excess heat to.

Half-cut cells also reduce power loss suffered by traditional panels by reducing internal resistance. Internal series resistance occurs just by the nature of energy traveling through the panel via electric current. But because solar cells are cut in half, there is less current generated from each cell, meaning less resistive losses.

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How does Floating Solar Power System work?

Introduction

Floating solar farms gained traction in 2018, particularly in countries with high population density and with competing uses for limited available land. These also operate at high efficiency since installing the solar panels on water helps cool the equipment.

The Republic of Korea was among the first to pilot floating photovoltaic (PV) systems. State-owned Korea Water Resources Corporation (K-water) began testing a 2.4-kilowatt (kW) model in 2009 on the surface of Juam Dam reservoir in Suncheon, South Jeolla Province. In October 2012, it constructed a 500-kW commercial plant at the Hapcheon Dam in South Gyeongsang Province after it developed a 100-kW demonstration plant in Hapcheon Dam the year before. This was the world’s first commercial floating solar PV installation using the surface of a dam reservoir and the country’s first floating solar farm.

The country currently operates three commercial floating solar power facilities that aim to contribute toward increasing the share of renewables to 20% of the energy mix by 2030 from the current level of 7%.

What is a floating solar photovoltaic system?

It is an eco-friendly method of generating electric power that combines marine technology and renewable energy technology. Solar modules are made to float on the surface of water, such as a dam or a reservoir. Electricity is sent through underwater cables to a transmission tower.

Figure 1: Floating PV Generation Concept

Source: K-Water

What are the benefits of a floating PV system?

  • Promotes land-use efficiency. As the floating PV energy systems are set up on water, the land can be used for other purposes. It requires no construction on land or conversion of forest and farmlands for solar power facilities.
  • Provides high-energy yield. The increased energy generation is due to the natural cooling effect of the water, which reduces rises in temperature of the solar modules.
  • Saves water resources. It reduces the evaporation of water in the reservoir since the floating PV system blocks the sunlight.
  • Uses an eco-friendly system. Natural fish farms thrive under the platform.

Four environmental impact analyses by the Korea Environmental Policy and Evaluation Institute (KEI) from 2011 to 2019, showed that the floating PV facilities caused no harm to the environment, developed a ground for fish spawning, increased aquatic plants, and reduced algae. Also, as of 2018, the floating solar farms in the country has reduced the amount of carbon emissions by 52,414 tons.

What are its features?

A floating solar power plant is composed of the solar module, buoyancy body, and anti-rust material, which includes the vertical frame and horizontal frames, inspection footrest, and module mount assembly.

The solar module should be highly resistant to humidity, lead-free, dust-proof, and protected against the effects of temporary jets of water, and it should have passed the drinking water test. Floating PV Mounting System is applied to solar pv power plant installation on the water. Adopting HDPE material, it should pass the Hunt Water Absorption Test, Anti-Aging Test, Anti-UV Test etc. Moreover, it can bear the pulling force that is much higher than other products. Adopting new module design in floater and main floater, it can realize the array of double row in the same facing or in symmetrical facing, which can increase the efficiency of solar power generation and installation capacity, be easily installed, and save the cost. and its lifetime has more than 25 years.

Figure 2: Floating PV Plant Components

SunEvo Solar Floating System
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New Record! HJT Solar Cell Efficiency reach 25.23%!


The 166mm monocrystalline HJT solar cell developed by SunEvo has achieved a record-breaking conversion efficiency of 25.23% from the recent testing of the authoritative testing institution ISFH, which means SunEvo’s sturdy improvement in HJT solar cell technology, and indicates the company’s unswerving determination and strength in achieving the particular efficiency.

It is understood that SunEvo had achieved a conversion efficiency of 25.06% for the mass production line of 166 HJT solar PV cell on June 8th, before achieving a new world record of 25.23% by adopting the microcrystalline production process when working with leading HJT equipment supplier Maxwell. According to Doctor Wang, the CTO of SunEvo, the record is a new height achieved on microcrystalline craftsmanship that is possible for mass production, as well as a reliable guarantee in attaining a mass production efficiency of 25.5%.

Senior insiders of the industry commented that the regular-sized 166mm Champion cell announced by SunEvo still uses the sputtering TCO film for the PVD mass production process, which offers feasibility in extensive mass production, while the difficulty and gold content are self-evident. The company has been aggressively exploring methods in elevating efficiency and reducing cost, and achieved constant improvement in mere months, as well as multiple critical breakthroughs in N type high-efficiency mono-Si HJT solar cell technology.

Doctor Wang commented that HJT solar cells can be further improved in efficiency by replacing the current doped amorphous silicon with doped microcrystalline silicon or doped microcrystalline silicon oxide (carbide), where both the doping concentration and light transmittance would elevate, and the electrical resistance of the doped layer would reduce, before the current density of the HJT cell is magnified at the end. Doctor Wang said that the company anticipates a constantly improving record of efficiency, and these high-efficiency technologies will be applied on the production lines to achieve extensive production under low cost and applications for GW-grade 25%+ HJT cells.

HJT still possesses a relatively large sum of impedances and difficulties in progression after 30 years of development since 1990; thus, a reinforcement in the guidance and innovation of leading companies are exceedingly important in the expedition of commercial applications of HJT, as well as the actuation of technical upgrades in the relevant equipment and materials of the supply chain. On the occasion of HJT’s 30th anniversary, the Shanghai Solar Energy Society and the TestPV Forum will once again convene the “6th International Forum for the Leading Mass Production and Supply Chain Coordination of HJT”, which centralizes global businesses and experts from the research, manufacturing, application, and investment fields of solar cells, as well as comprehensively probes into the technology and popular market topics of each segment of the HJT industry chain, and penetrates into the future development orientation of HJT cells.



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Trends of Solar PV Cells and modules – 166mm, 182mm or 210mm?


For more than ten years, the classic solar module with a cell size of 156 mm (M0 wafer), later 156.75 mm (M2 wafer), was considered as the standard solar PV module and was very popular.

The times when solar module dimensions have remained on the market over a longer period of time and could be established as a standard are now over. This became particularly noticeable at the beginning of 2020 when solar module producers from China started the trend towards ever larger solar module formats. Increasing wafer sizes are responsible for this.

Solar Cell Size SunEvo


Wafer sizes get bigger and bigger


As recently as 2018, 156.75 mm wafers accounted for about 80% of the market. In 2020, the upheaval came to 158.75 mm wafer sizes. The module outputs here range between 325 and 345 watts, and the dimensions are about 10 to 30 millimeters larger than a classic 60-cells PV module, depending on the design – so they are still very easy to move and process. However, the 158.75 mm solar cell, which was introduced only a few years ago, is already only available to a very limited extent.

Global Market Shares of Wafers by Size SunEvo

Global Market Shares of Wafers by Size

A new size came onto the module market – M6 wafers with 166mm. In 2021, it turns out that this size has become the most widely installed solar module. This is a 120 cell with typically 350 to 380 watts solar panel.

But there seems to be no end in sight. The trend shows that it is possible to go even bigger. Wafer sizes of 182 mm (M10) and 210 mm (M12) have now arrived on the market. With the new cell sizes, a new power class is also emerging: M10-based modules have between 545 and 560 Wp Solar Panel.



According to the leading companies, modules with 182 mm wafers and 210 mm wafers are clearly superior to modules with smaller wafers in terms of manufacturing costs. Therefore, modules with these wafer sizes will probably prevail in the long term and make up the majority from 2022/2023.

Installers will also have to deal with this development. On the one hand, a certain increase in efficiency can usually be provided with the use of larger dimensions. On the other hand, handling according to the manufacturer’s installation instructions is only one aspect that must be considered. Larger module areas set new requirements for the module installation and the substructure, which may have to be planned and executed completely differently, with the same or lower frame thickness.



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Types of Solar Trackers and their Advantages & Disadvantages

Types of Solar Trackers and their Advantages & Disadvantages

Solar trackers are a type of device with photovoltaic (PV) panels, which accurately tracks the path of the Sun throughout the day. Typically, a solar tracking system adjusts the face of the solar panel or reflective surfaces to follow the movement of the Sun. The movement of solar trackers increases the solar energy output by up to 40% than standard panels. Solar trackers are increasingly used in both residential and commercial-grade solar panels due to improved and more efficient solar trapping technology.

Types of Solar Tracking Systems

Solar tracking systems can be classified by the mode of their motion.

There are axes for a moving surface: two horizontal axes and one vertical axis.

The surface can be rotated around each axis (tilted) to get the right angle for receiving the maximum sunlight.

When movement or adjustment of the surface happens by rotating around one axis, it is called single-axis tracking.

On the other hand, when the rotation of the surface happens around two axes simultaneously, it is called dual-axis tracking.

Application of Single-Axis Tracking System

Single-axis trackers usually move from the east to the west and follow the Sun’s direction.

Single-axis trackers have only one angle that is used as the axis of rotation. This type of tracker can increase electricity production by more than 30%.

These trackers provide an efficient, simple, and low-cost way to improve the functioning of solar installations.

Also, these trackers can optimize the performance of the Sun during the summer and spring seasons, when the Sun is in a higher position in the sky.

The usefulness of single-axis trackers, however, drops as they move farther towards the North. It is because the variance of the solar angle is higher between the summer and winter seasons.

Also, the performance drops during the other times of the year for the horizontal position of the Sun. At higher latitudes, vertical axis trackers work better.

This way, solar arrays or panels can track the position of the Sun during winter as well as summer.

Now, let us talk about different types of single-axis trackers such as horizontal, vertical, tilted, and polar aligned.

Horizontal Single-Axis Solar Tracker (HSAT)

Horizontal single-axis solar tracker rotates from east to west throughout the day on a fixed axis which is parallel to the ground.

This type of tracker is considered the most cost-effective tracker geometry in many applications.

Single-axis horizontal trackers can follow the Sun’s movement from the morning to evening across the sky.

An HSAT structure may be supported at many points along the rotating axis and therefore requires less complexity and less material for construction than other tracking geometries.

The horizontal tracking geometry is more preferred as it reduces the structural material requirements by keeping the modules at a relatively low profile to the foundation.

Also, no special connection is needed to rotate the system about its center of gravity.

Horizontal Tilted Single-Axis Solar Tracker (HTSAT)

This type of single-axis solar tracker is similar to the HSAT. However, the device is installed at a certain tilt.

Tilted-axis tracking systems are relatively more complex than horizontal single-axis trackers and usually require a concrete foundation.

HTSATs are tilted upward and toward the south or the northern hemisphere and rotate the panels from east to west throughout the day to track the Sun’s movement.

Because HTSATs are more complex, they may be expensive. Also, the potential requirement to have a concrete foundation adds up cost.

Generally, HTSATs is not scalable, which means the mechanical components are not shared between units. Due to this, the cost per panel may not be lower in larger arrays.

Vertical Single-Axis Solar Tracker (VSAT)

Vertical single-axis solar trackers or VSATs rotate from east to west following the Sun throughout the day.

These systems are often installed in high-altitude or mountainous locations.

The profile of VSATs is not parallel to the ground, because of which it is easier for these trackers to maintain a consistent angle of solar incidence when the Sun is lower in the sky.

This is particularly beneficial in northern latitudes, for example, between 40° and 55°. However, unlike planar horizontal arrays, vertical field layouts need to accommodate the taller profile of the vertical tracker and spread units out to avoid self-shading and energy losses.

As a result, vertical single-axis trackers tend to have a relatively lower power density per acre.

Vertical-Tilted Single-Axis Solar Tracker (VTSAT)

This type of tracker is similar to a horizontal, tilted single-axis tracker. The only difference is that the tilt is parallel to a horizontal position and rotates on a vertical axis.

These trackers can also improve energy harvest compared to horizontal trackers. However, due to the optimal tilt angle, the tilted single-axis trackers are subject to increased wind loading compared to horizontal units.

In VTSTATs, structural requirements are higher, and as a result, more steel and concrete are used compared to a horizontal array.

Advantages of Single-Axis Solar Tracking System

Single-axis trackers have a single degree of flexibility that serves as an axis of rotation, which is generally aligned along a North-South path. Major advantages of single-axis trackers include:

  • Single-axis trackers are more reliable.
  • Single-axis has a longer lifespan than dual-axis trackers.
  • Single-axis trackers are cheaper than dual-axis trackers because they have a simple mechanism and operate at a low cost.
  • Single-axis trackers are ideal for companies with a lower budget or generally cloudy areas.
  • Single-axis trackers are nearly 32.17% efficient compared to a fixed solar tracker mount panel.
  • These trackers follow the Sun from East to West, providing consistent power output all day long.
  • The trackers generate 15-16% higher annual power as compared to a static station of the same installed capacity.
  • Single-axis trackers provide the highest density of PV panel placement per square.
  • The payback period is lesser for the investment of the solar project, and a significant increase in profits.

Installation of a solar tracking system may require some additional parts and gears to add to the solar panel system, and they require maintenance from time to time as well.

Disadvantages of Single-Axis Solar Tracking System

  • Energy output is lower by single-axis tracker during sunny conditions compared to dual-axis trackers
  • Limited technological upgrade.

Application of Dual-Axis Solar Tracking System

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Dual-axis trackers have two rotation axis degrees, which are called the “primary axis” and the “secondary axis.”

The rotational axis can move downwards or upwards to adjust with the angles of the Sun throughout the day.

Dual-axis tracking allows for the most accurate orientation of the solar device and is said to provide 40% more output through energy absorption. However, these solar trackers are more complex and expensive.

Dual-axis trackers continually face the Sun as they can move in two different directions. There are two types of altitude-based dual-axis trackers — tip-tilt and azimuth-altitude.

Typically, dual-axis tracking is used to orient a mirror and redirect sunlight along a fixed axis towards a stationary receiver.

As these trackers track the sun’s path vertically and horizontally, they help obtain maximum solar energy.

Azimuth-altitude dual-axis trackers can solve both issues. However, these trackers can be expensive and add nearly $3,500–$6,500 to the solar installation cost.

The function of dual-axis trackers depends on vertical and horizontal pivots, which are controller-guided similar to solar telescopes. These are quite costly, and their usage is generally limited to solar energy systems of commercial grade.

The accurate tracking of dual-axis solar trackers is also used in a focused solar application, such as mirrors that direct sunlight receivers and convert sunlight into heat.

Advantages of the Dual-Axis Solar Tracking System

  • Dual-axis trackers follow the Sun continually and provide constant power output throughout the day.
  • These solar trackers provide a reasonable solution in cases of the limited power capacity of the connection to the grid.
  • Dual-axis trackers need smaller space and provide an opportunity to use the remaining area around for other additional purposes such as car parking, gardening, and others.
  • These trackers generate 45-50% higher power output per year, as compared to a static station of the same installed capacity;
  • Dual-axis trackers provide the optimal solution for areas that may hinder solar productivity. Some of these areas could be a complicated structure of the ground, complicated relief, stone protrusions, descent towards the North, and others.
  • The payback period on investment is lower in the case of dual-axis trackers.Also, there will be a significant increase in profits during their lifespan.

Disadvantages of Dual-Axis Tracker

  • Dual-axis trackers have higher technical complexity, which makes it potentially vulnerable to glitches.
  • These trackers have a shorter lifespan and lesser reliability.
  • Low performance in cloudy or overcast weather

Other Types of Solar Trackers:

Passive Trackers

Passive solar trackers use a compressed gas fluid with a low boiling point that rotates to one side or the other to make the tracker move in response to an imbalance.

As this type of orientation is not precise, it is not suitable for certain types of concentrating photovoltaic (PV) collectors but works fine for common PV panel types.

Active Trackers

Active trackers, on the other hand, use motors and gear to direct the tracker by a controller, responding to the solar direction.

Because the motors consume energy, they need to be used when it is necessary.

The Future Scope of Solar Tracking Systems


Solar trackers, be it single-axis or dual-axis, can help generate the optimum level of solar power.

This is why it is important to decide which type of tracker is suitable considering various factors, including the terrain, climate, and the type of solar panels that are being used.

If you are a solar installer, depending on the budgetary constraints of your client, the terrain and climate, and the lifespan of the system, you need to consider the key factors to make the right decision.

Now, when it comes to the future of the solar tracker industry, it seems pretty bright. In 2018, the estimated size of the global solar tracker market was $2.92 billion, according to the Grand View Research.

The market is expected to expand at a CAGR of 14.1% by 2025 due to the growing demand for solar cells or photovoltaic cells. This growth rate is expected to continue in the coming years.

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