Currently there are two methods to generate renewable energy from the sun: Photovoltaic Solar Panels and Concentrating Solar Panels. Photovoltaic solar panels (PV) and Concentrating solar panels (CSP) share a factor that is necessary to increase their productivity.
Photovoltaic panels are the most popular form of collecting solar energy. The process consists of using a panel to capture direct sunlight and convert it into an electrical current. Concentrating panels consist of curved mirrors or lenses that concentrate a large area of sunlight onto a small area. The concentration of light is converted into thermal energy and is used in a thermochemical reaction to create electrical power.
In order for Photovoltaic solar panels to be the most effective they must be directly exposed to sunlight at a constant rate. Implementing a system that tracks the sun throughout the day would increases the panel’s efficiency up to 40 percent more than if it did not have a tracking system. Our inclinometers can optimize PV panels by providing data that can be used to adjust their position so they are constantly targeting the sun.
Concentrating solar panels require a high degree of accuracy to ensure that the sunlight is being directed precisely to the focal point of the of the panel’s target area. CTi’s inclinometers can provide data used to calibrate and adjust the panels as the sun changes throughout the day. It is critical to use a tracking system on Concentrating panels to make sure they are receiving an optimal amount of sunlight.
A tracking system is the only component that will increase a solar power system’s productivity. The tracking system would consist of an inclinometer and a controller. The inclinometer sends position feedback to the system and the controller is used to reposition and adjust the panel’s position so that they are receiving the most possible sunlight. Tracking systems are ideal for power grids that are restricted to a limited amount of space and to optimize large-scale grids as well.
Solar Radiation depends on multiple factors that directly affect all types of solar panels. The sun’s position and radiation is going to change due to the four seasons, day and night, and the weather. All of these elements affect solar panels in different ways; the key notion is that they still remain to work. Incorporating a tracking system helps them remain proficient in these environments.
