Researchers at Santa Clara University have developed a low cost and easily deployable two-axis solar tracker for concentrated solar power and photovoltaic applications. This design can autonomously position a concentrator or photovoltaic panel in a flat low profile position thus making it more robust to strong winds. The design also eliminates actuator redundancy since a series of trackers can be coupled and controlled using a single set of actuators. In addition this design only requires light anchoring which enables roof mounted photovoltaic solar tracking. The combined novel features in this design make a variety of both large and small scale commercial applications possible. Applications: 1) Solar concentrators 2) Photovoltaic panels Stage of Research: Simulations and prototype lab scale concentrated solar tracker
1) Easy installation – does not require a good foundation 2) Reduced costs – easily produced parts and few parts compared with conventional solar tracker designs 3) Low profile storage position - independent of mirror or panel size and more robust to adverse weather conditions 4) Concise actuator control – fields of trackers can be coupled and controlled using a single set of actuators 5) Requires only light anchoring – does not require an augered and cemented post for installation - Series of synchronous trackers may be assembled to prevent shading 6) Scalability – from large scale commercial and residential to smaller lab scale units