What type of tracker is utilized with concentrated PV systems?

Concentrated photovoltaic (CPV) systems utilize two-axis trackers to maximize their efficiency by following the sun's path throughout the day. The primary function of a two-axis tracker is to allow the solar panels to adjust their orientation in both the azimuth (horizontal) and elevation (vertical) angles. This capability ensures that the panels maintain an optimal angle relative to the sun, minimizing shading and maximizing direct sunlight exposure.

The need for precise tracking is particularly crucial in CPV systems because they rely on lenses or mirrors to concentrate sunlight onto a small area of high-efficiency solar cells. By using a two-axis tracker, CPV systems can achieve higher energy yields compared to systems that rely solely on fixed installations or single-axis tracking solutions. This technology is especially advantageous in regions with high levels of solar insolation, enhancing the overall productivity of the solar energy system.

In contrast, while 1-axis trackers can follow the sun's movement in only one direction, they may not capture as much sunlight as two-axis solutions. Fixed installations do not adjust at all, limiting their energy collection potential, particularly during the changing angles of sunlight throughout the day. Tracking by time, which would rely on pre-calculated sun paths, lacks the real-time responsiveness of a two