Tracker efficiencies - generalized [RE-wrenches]

[jeff.oldham at realgoods.com]

It does not have Redding, but you could find something close (probably
central cal., isolation wise) btw- the NREL "Red Book" if free from NREL
(NREL/TP-463-5607, April 1994)and a great recourse. Siemens "PVDesinger"
software does a nice job of modeling these factors. Personally, I've about
had it w/trackers. I'm willing to work on mine all of the time but my
clients are at their wits end.

-jeff

> 	From the Solar, Wind & Hydro Powered office of:
> 	Jeff Oldham
> 	Gaiam- Real Goods & Jade Mountain
> 	Design & Consulting Group
> 	11755 Mid. Mtn. Rd.
> 	Potter Valley, CA 95469  USA
> 
> 	Ph: 303.222.3814
> 	Fax: 707.743.1820
> 
> 	www.solardevelopment.com
> 
> 	"When you turn to face the Sun all shadows fall behind you"
> 	- Old African Proverb
> 


-----Original Message-----
From: Joel Davidson [mailto:joeldavidson at earthlink.net]
Sent: Thursday, March 21, 2002 11:59 AM
To: RE-wrenches at topica.com
Subject: Re: Tracker efficiencies - generalized [RE-wrenches]


The NREL "Red Book" has single axis and dual axis tracking sun hours. Is
there
solar radiation data for Redding?

Baran Galocy wrote:

> Hi again Wrenches,
>
> My thanks to all of you who have taken their time to further my education
> about trackers (including Zo(m)eworks).  Given the popular support that
> trackers enjoy with this crowd, can anyone educate me or direct me
regarding
> the following problem.  First off, I live in Redding, CA.  We have close
to
> the tops in the nation in daylight hours received per year.  I use Sunny
Boy
> inverters (who doesn't?) almost exclusively, as I know what I can expect
> from them and their company (infinite kudos to John, Kent, Vince, et al.)
> Given a conservative estimate of 6 hours (average) of full power sun per
> day, I can run 24) 12 volt - 120 watt panels and maximize the inverter
based
> upon my daily sunlight estimate.  Here is where it gets sticky.  Tracker
> companies give an estimated19% to 34% average efficiency improvement
> depending on variables they won't touch with a ten-foot pole.  How do I
> begin to work them into my bid equation regarding the number of PV panels
> that I would reduce my system by for the same output?  Perhaps the
question
> is better phrased as follows:  Can anyone share data based upon fixed
> arrays, seasonally adjustable arrays, daily tracking arrays, and
> daily/seasonal tracking arrays?  I can add quite a few extra fixed panels
to
> offset the price of one WattSun AZ-300 given the obvious and hidden extras
> that are entailed.
>
> Any and all opinions, data, and or bemused ramblings are welcome.  You can
> contact me off-list if desired.  Thanks, again.
>
> Baran Galocy DBA HelioElectric
> livewire at c-zone.net
>
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