Direct Solar | Green Energy News

November 28, 2004 – Vol.9 No.36

DIRECT SOLAR.

A solar panel aimed directly at the Sun will produce more power than one askew to solar rays. Tracking systems on solar arrays can keep panels aimed at the sun, but tracking systems themselves consume some of the solar-generated power, and cost additional money in equipment, installation and maintenance.

So in designing a solar system a balance must be found. Will added power output of solar arrays kept in alignment with the Sun outweigh the costs related to the tracking system?

Shell Solar seems to think that tracking is the way to go - for some systems - and has designed an innovative Single Axis Tracking System that will be used in a new, nearly one-megawatt solar array for the Semitropic Water Storage District of Wasco, California.

Being built as a turn-key system - Shell will provide everything from design to installation for Semitropic including the 1920 Shell PowerMax Ultra 510 watt modules for the project that will be completed by the Spring of 2005.

Factory panelized modules will ease installation thus reduce costs. The tracking system, developed in-house by Shell engineers, will likely become an addition to the Shell Solar product line. Visit Shell Solar at http://www.shell.com/solar .