Mauritian researchers have developed a solar tracker prototype that increases current by around 37%.

The device uses a simplified and mechanical tracking system.

 

 

Researchers at the University of Mauritius have designed a tracking system that can be used with portable, lightweight PV systems for use in remote areas in tropical climates.

The scientists describe the tracker as a low-cost device using a simplified and mechanically driven tracking mechanism.

It can be connected to one solar panel and is able to orientate its linear displacement at each of the four corners of the module itself and make it rotate along the three principal axes.

A power screw arrangement driven by DC motors enables the movement of the tracker.

 

 

You can read the full article from PV Magazine here.

Clever idea as it should need no setup and adjustment. Place it on fairly flat ground and turn it on. ???? 

 

8,100Wh per day would equate to about a 2.5kWp array (9 * 250W panels). Of course, they don't tell us how much extra energy they get compared with a fixed array, just how much extra current, which really means nothing.

 

A simpler single-axis tracker would be a lot cheaper at the expense of needing some setup. With a little more maths they could do it with only 3 actuators.

 

And, of course, buying more panels would achieve similar effects.

 

 

Also, is it really needed in locations near the Equator?