True.  And the cost of solar continues to be larger than the cost of
petroleum.

The issue with most solar trackers is --> Is the additional cost of
tracking lower than the gain in energy.  If this is the only question,
then the answer is almost always no - tracking is never worth it.

There are situations where that is not the best equation.  If you are
limited in panel size, and cost is not an issue (homeowner
associations, zoning, etc) then a tracker is worthwhile.

If you have an old satellite dish on the property (very rugged, very
reliable mechanics) then the tracker is practically free.

If you want to spend a ton of money on very expensive panels and make
a very large array, you may be able to reduce the number of panels
needed if you use cheaper trackers to make the remainder more
efficient.  If your customers are willing to pay an extra 5% for
"green energy" then the maintenance is covered.

So in general consumer installations one could always say "The cost is
never recovered" but that isn't always the correct criteria in the
decision.

-Adam

On 8/21/06, James Newtons Massmind <jamesnewton@massmind.org> wrote:
> Sadly, many years of attempts have shown that the best solar tracking is...
> No tracking at all. Mechanical systems fail and so require maintenance. In
> every case, the cost of maintenance exceeds the increase in power.
>
> I would focus on the careful placement of FIXED mirrors to increase the dawn
> and dusk sunlight striking the solar panels.
>
> ---
> James.
>
>
>
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: piclist-bounces@mit.edu
> > [mailto:piclist-bounces@mit.edu] On Behalf Of Bob Axtell
> > Sent: 2006 Aug 21, Mon 07:28
> > To: Microcontroller discussion list - Public.
> > Subject: [EE] Solar Array Tracking
> >
> > To my delight, I have been given a shot at designing a solar
> > tracking system, the arrays running at 24V. The arrays are
> > very large, 14' sq and 18' sq. The user is UNCONNECTED from
> > the AC mains, running his entire business from inverters
> > attached to the system.
> >
> > Anybody have ideas? I know about (1) not allowing the moon to
> > be tracked,
> > (2) end the day by moving the array to immediately catch the
> > dawn sun when it comes up, to minimize movement, and (3) the
> > funny 4-diode array to determine where the sun is..
> >
> > --Bob
> >
> > --
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