Quick Answer
Yes, it's possible to combine fixed and tracker mounts in one solar setup, but it requires careful planning and design to optimize energy production and structural integrity.
Design Considerations
When combining fixed and tracker mounts, consider the layout to ensure maximum energy production. A common approach is to dedicate tracker mounts to the most productive areas of the site, typically with higher solar irradiance levels, and use fixed mounts for areas with lower irradiance. This can be determined through site analysis and solar modeling.
Technical Challenges
Combining fixed and tracker mounts requires additional structural considerations. Tracker mounts require a more robust foundation and anchoring system to resist the additional forces exerted by the tracking mechanism. Fixed mounts, on the other hand, can be designed with a simpler foundation and anchoring system. The combination of the two may require a hybrid foundation design that accommodates both systems.
Practical Examples
A common combination is to use trackers for 10-20% of the total system capacity, with fixed mounts making up the remaining 80-90%. For instance, a 20 kW system might consist of 4 kW of trackers and 16 kW of fixed mounts. The trackers are typically positioned on the most productive areas of the site, such as the south-facing slope of a hill, while the fixed mounts are used for the surrounding areas.
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