Single-Axis Trackers: Efficiency Gains, Wind Risks, and Forecasting Solutions
In large-scale solar power plants, single-axis tracking systems are designed to increase energy production compared to ...
In large-scale solar power plants, single-axis tracking systems are designed to increase energy production compared to fixed-tilt installations. These systems allow photovoltaic (PV) panels to follow the sun’s path along a single rotational axis, adjusting the tilt angle to capture more solar irradiance.
Research shows that one-axis sun tracker systems can produce about 20–30 % more energy compared to fixed-tilt systems under similar conditions. This higher efficiency improves project profitability and overall performance.
Modern trackers are equipped with sensors, motors, and automated controllers that manage panel movement based on sun angles. These systems are widely used in utility-scale projects, where maximizing energy yield justifies the added mechanical complexity.
However, moving parts and structural components are exposed to environmental stressors, particularly high wind events, which can pose risks to the structural integrity of the trackers and PV modules.
Why Wind Matters More Than You Think
High winds are a significant risk for solar tracking systems. When wind speeds exceed certain thresholds, they can cause mechanical stress on the panels and tracker structures. Without effective protection, gusts may lead to micro-cracking, twisting, or detachment of panels, resulting in costly repairs and downtime.
To address this, modern trackers include an automated “wind stow” protocol. When on-site sensors such as anemometers detect high wind speeds, the control system moves the panels into a low-profile or horizontal position, minimizing exposure to wind loads.
Wind stow functionality is also critical for project bankability and asset protection, as it ensures the reliability and longevity of the PV installation.
Stow-Aware Forecasting: Turning Wind Risk into Operational Insight
Managing wind stow events requires more than reactive control — operators need anticipation and insight. This is where Renewcast comes in. By combining high-resolution wind forecasts with stow-aware solar power models, it gives operators a clearer forecast of potential power impacts and tracker behavior during high-wind events to minimize the imbalances.
Forecasts are aligned with onsite sensors and integrate local and global weather models, providing timely updates on wind speed, direction, and gusts. Meanwhile, stow-specific solar forecasts account for panel geometry, irradiance, temperature, wind, and site layout, allowing operators to anticipate production changes under different tracker modes — whether normal tracking, east or west stow, or a flat fallback.
Delivered at 15-minute intervals through API, SFTP, or the Renewcast Portal, with Day-Ahead and Intraday updates, the system ensures that insights are actionable in real time.
By combining detailed wind intelligence with stow-aware modeling, Renewcast helps transform uncertainty into manageable operational decisions, protecting assets and optimizing production even during extreme weather events.
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