For years small solar 2 axis trackers have not been cost effective for the average homeowner, but all of that is about to change.
A solar tracker is a device for orienting a solar array toward the sun moving the array’s angle tracking with the sun from east to west. A 2 axis tracker allows for an even high concentration of solar irradiance because it adjusts for the seasons as well as the time of day.
Trackers require a high degree of accuracy to ensure that the concentrated sunlight is directed precisely to the residential solar array (In this case).
Typically when we calculate the solar irradiance when sizing a home solar system, we look at the zip code and use a chart (really computer program) that draws data from the last 30 years of a given area of the country. Here, in Northern California, we use 5 sun hours for most of our solar panel sizing calculations.
A two axis solar tracker allows us to pick up an additional 2 – 3 hours per day and improves the overall performance of a solar array by 20 – 28%. What that can mean to you is sometimes we can use 1/2 the number of solar panels to achieve the same power output.
The Argus Mark II solar tracker is an affordable reliable residential solar tracker with over 4,000 units put in service in the last 5 years. The Argus residential 2 axis solar tracker uses “Integrated Circuit Technology” that enables a more intelligent solar systems and helps maintain maximum power from individual panels.
The task of the Argus solar tracker is to control the solar panel’s position to provide the maximum solar power dynamically during the working time of the day. The Argus solar tracking system uses one single IC (Integrated Circuit Technology) that is fully functional to reduce the system size and complexity.
This unique residential solar tracking system uses plug-n-play technology, is small and the most easy-to-use solar tracker on the market. The system is unique because no location date printing impute is needed. A Micro controller is embedded to calculate the maximum power direction then guides the system accordingly providing power for two DC motors for X and Y positions. The residential solar panel tracker continuously and dynamically positions the solar panels throughout the day.
In this solar tracker the X and Y motors have metal gears that are located in the mounting rack for an aesthetically pleasing profile. The residential solar tracking motors operate off 12 volt DC with 600 mA open system current voltage.
The low cost affordable residential solar tracker comes with a 2 panel 180 watt solar kits with 4 batteries ready to power your small off-grid cabin or stand alone small home. 3 dual panel trackers can provide as much energy as a fixed 12 panel solar system.
Small solar kits with trackers can be used to power your off-grid cabin or as emergency solar backup power. (Source Blue Pacific Solar www.BluePacificSolar.com)