How to Position Solar (PV) Modules: Page 2 of 2

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your decision of whether to use trackers:

  • Trackers give a 50% increase in PV production in the summer and only 10-20% improvement in winter (due to the sun's lower and smaller movement arc). If you have much higher energy consumption in summer due to a spa, air conditioning, or swimming pool facilities, you should use a tracking mount.
  • There's no point using a tracker in the winter if you are located around the USA-Canada border or further north.
  • Less than 6 sunlight hours per day will not get good system performance out of a tracker.
  • As trackers can be costly, a wiser investment may be a bigger fixed rack with more PV panels to offset the non-tracking energy production loss.
  • Tracker mounts are quite complex, with many components.

Any PV mounting system will take up space and is subject to wind conditions. Make sure your mounts have good foundations that comply with the manufacturer's installation instructions.