Tracker efficiencies - generalized [RE-wrenches]

Joel Davidson joeldavidson at earthlink.net
Thu Mar 21 11:58:55 PST 2002


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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