Naturally, tracking involves more up-front costs and sophisticated systems are more expensive and require more maintenance. Two-axis trackers allow for modules to remain pointed directly at the sun throughout the day. One-axis trackers are typically designed to track the sun from east to west.
More sophisticated and less expensive methods continue to be developed.įor PV arrays mounted on the ground, tracking mechanisms automatically move panels to follow the sun across the sky, which provides more energy and higher returns on investment. Rack mounting is currently the most common method because it is robust, versatile, and easy to construct and install. To obtain the highest annual energy output, modules in the northern hemisphere are pointed due south and inclined at an angle equal to the local latitude. These structures tilt the PV array at a fixed angle determined by the local latitude, orientation of the structure, and electrical load requirements. PV arrays must be mounted on a stable, durable structure that can support the array and withstand wind, rain, hail, and corrosion over decades. In order for the generated electricity to be useful in a home or business, a number of other technologies must be in place. Solar photovoltaic modules are where the electricity gets generated, but are only one of the many parts in a complete photovoltaic (PV) system.