Opportunities and Developments in Balance of Systems 2

Recording of Tuesday, June 18, 2024 | The smarter E Europe Conferences 2024 | Conference Program | Language: English | Duration: 8:26 .

"Exploring the Advancements and Challenges of Solar Trackers: A Comprehensive Overview"

The presentation, led by the speaker and followed by Liam, delves into research on solar trackers versus fixed tilt systems. Key factors affecting tracker adoption include labor and land costs, with trackers requiring more workers for maintenance and additional space per megawatt peak due to wider row spacing. Module price fluctuations also impact cost-effectiveness; as module prices drop, fixed tilt projects become more attractive due to their lower initial capital expenditure (capex). Latitude affects tracker performance because they function better near the equator. Different tracker configurations are discussed: 1P (one motor per row) vs. multi-row setups which save on motors but increase drive shaft and R&D expenses; single portrait vs. dual portrait arrangements where duals allow higher density installation but at increased risk of wind damage. In 2023, global shipments hit 94 gigawatts of trackers with Europe favoring the versatile yet complex 2P models suited for irregular terrains. Innovations focus on reducing steel use in construction—cutting costs and easing installation—and enhancing slope tolerance via all-terrain articulating joints that adapt to uneven ground profiles. Prefabricated products offer rapid deployment without skilled labor or extensive equipment needs, crucial for mining operations adjusting based on commodity market trends. Agrivoltaics integrates solar PV into farmland using agri-tracker designs that accommodate heavy machinery through strategically spaced rows and adjustable panel positions, optimizing both agricultural output and renewable energy generation.

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Speaker

Joe Steveni
Research Analyst - Clean Energy Technology
S&P Global

Talk of session: What's Hot in Solar Technology: New Tech Trends To Lower Costs & Improve Solar Product Functionality

The advances in technology along the solar value chain in recent years have been breathtaking: Innovations have included considerably larger wafers, new cell technologies, much higher-efficiency solar modules, smarter inverters with management systems that can control fully electrified high-tech homes and less material-intensive fixed or tracking mounting systems that can be installed faster and boost system yields. This session will provide an overview of the latest technologies.

Further Talks of this session: