Are roof trackers better than ground-mounted solar panels?

While ground-mounted trackers are often sunk into the ground with concrete pillars, roof-mounted ones rely on the strength and integrity of the roof. Rooftop trackers raise the profile of the solar panels, which increases their exposure to strong winds—and that, in extreme weather, could pull the entire solar system off the roof.

What is a solar tracker system?

A solar tracker system helps maximize your solar production by following the sun throughout the day. Solar trackers are usually reserved for large-scale ground-mounted solar systems. Solar trackers are typically used in commercial installations or other large ground-mounted arrays.

Can a solar tracker be used on a roof?

Some people make their own solar trackers using a linear actuator, solar panel, solar panel charge controller, rechargeable battery, programmable logic controller, and electronic speed controller. This is not recommended for roof mounting or to use any place where failure could result in property damage or physical harm.

Do solar trackers work with solar panels?

When solar trackers are coupled with solar panels, the panels can follow the path of the sun and produce more renewable energy for you to use. Solar trackers are usually paired with ground-mount solar systems, but recently, rooftop-mounted trackers have come onto the market.

How do roof trackers work?

Rooftop trackers need to be of lighter weight and lower profile. Trackers follow the sun in one of two ways. Single-axis trackers rotate on an east-west axis, following the sun throughout the day. These are designed to increase solar absorption by 25% to 35%.

Are solar trackers a good investment?

Solar trackers can increase the efficiency of solar panels and reduce the payback time for solar owners to recoup their installation costs. While they are more common on commercial-scale and ground-mounted solar panels, some designs can also be installed on flat or low-slope rooftops.