How to Estimate the Return on Investment for Solar Trackers?

Calculating Increased Energy Production

To estimate the return on investment for solar trackers, you’ll need to calculate the increased energy production they offer compared to a fixed-tilt system. A commonly used formula is the “tracker efficiency factor” (TEF), which represents the percentage increase in energy production due to tracking. Studies have shown that the average TEF for solar trackers ranges from 15% to 25%, depending on the system design, site conditions, and climate.

Quantifying the Return on Investment

To quantify the return on investment, you’ll need to calculate the increased revenue generated by the additional energy produced. Let’s assume a 20 kW solar array with a fixed-tilt system, producing 200,000 kWh/year. By installing a solar tracker, the system could potentially produce an additional 40,000 kWh/year (20% increase). At a retail electricity price of $0.15/kWh, this translates to an additional $6,000/year in revenue. Assuming a tracker cost of $15,000, the payback period would be approximately 2.5 years.

Case Study: Solar Ground Mount Pole

A common configuration for solar ground mount poles is a single-pole design with a tracker system. This setup can accommodate up to 10 solar panels per pole, with a total system capacity of 50 kW. By using a solar tracking system, the ground mount pole can increase energy production by up to 20%, resulting in additional revenue of $12,000/year. With a tracker cost of $30,000, the payback period would be approximately 2.5 years. As energy prices continue to fluctuate, the return on investment for solar trackers will only continue to grow, making them an attractive option for off-grid and solar applications.