Tracker In Solar Power Plant: Revolutionizing the Future of Solar EnergyThe implementation of solar power plants has been on the rise in recent years, across various regions of the world. The shift from non-renewable sources of energy to renewable sources has been necessary to combat climate change. The energy generated by a solar power plant is naturally dependent on the sun's movement across the sky. To maximize the utilization of the sun's energy, it's essential to have efficient solar tracker technology. Tracker technology is a key component of any solar power plant to enhance its efficiency and output. Before diving into the intricacies of tracker technology, let's start with the basics. A solar power plant consists of photovoltaic modules that are used to convert the sun's rays into electrical energy. These modules need to be installed on a framework that is placed on the ground or roof of a building. This framework is designed with the aim of maximizing the amount of sunlight that hits the solar cells. Tracker technology aids this process by orienting the framework towards the sun, which, in turn, maximizes the output of the solar panel.Tracker technology can be classified into two types, single-axis trackers and dual-axis trackers. Single-axis trackers move only on one axis, either horizontally or vertically, while dual-axis trackers move on two axes. Single-axis trackers have a horizontal axis, meaning that they follow the sun's east-to-west path as it moves across the sky. Dual-axis trackers follow both the sun's east-to-west and north-to-south movements across the sky. The usage of tracker technology in solar power plants has been a game-changer for the renewable energy sector. The utilization of this technology has not only enhanced the efficiency and power output of the power plant but also reduced the cost of energy production. The higher the efficiency of the solar power plant, the lower the overall cost of energy produced. One of the examples of the successful use of tracker technology is the world's largest planned solar power plant in North Africa. Sterling and Wilson, a global solar EPC company, selected NEXTracker (a Flex company) to supply 325 megawatts of solar module tracker technology. This plant is expected to produce enough energy to power over one million homes. The NEXTracker technology used in this power plant is known as TrueCapture. It is an intelligent control system that optimizes energy output and reduces the levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) which, in turn, provides maximum energy production from each individual module. The TrueCapture system utilizes machine learning algorithms to ensure optimal tracking accuracy by analyzing various factors, such as weather patterns, cloud coverage, and module performance, among others. Apart from the North African solar power plant, tracker technology is being used in several other solar power projects across the world. For example, in 2019, Canadian Solar used tracker technology to install utility-scale solar power plants for India's National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC). Similarly, in 2020, Nexamp announced the construction of a 3.8-megawatt solar project in Massachusetts that features a horizontal single-axis tracker, providing 20% more energy compared to fixed-tilt systems. In conclusion, tracker technology has revolutionized the world of solar energy. It has made solar power plants more efficient and affordable, while also positively contributing to the environment by reducing the carbon footprint. As renewable sources of energy become increasingly necessary, it is essential to further enhance the utilization of tracker technology for better energy generation and a sustainable future. Keywords: Tracker In Solar Power Plant, renewable energy, solar power plants, single-axis trackers, dual-axis trackers, NEXTracker, TrueCapture, levelized cost of electricity, machine learning algorithms, sustainable future
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