Why are solar trackers used in PV systems?

Solar trackers are used in photovoltaic (PV) systems primarily to increase energy capture throughout the day. By dynamically adjusting the orientation of solar panels to follow the sun's path across the sky, these trackers ensure that the panels maintain optimal angles relative to the sun’s rays. This ability to track the sun helps maximize the amount of sunlight that the solar panels receive, thereby enhancing their overall energy production compared to fixed installations.

When panels are fixed in place, they can only capture optimal sunlight during certain times of the day. However, with solar trackers, the consistency of sunlight exposure is boosted, leading to a significant increase in energy output. This increased energy capture can be particularly beneficial in areas with high solar insolation, ultimately making solar trackers an attractive option for maximizing the return on investment in solar energy systems.

As for the other choices, while reducing installation costs and improving aesthetics can be considerations in some projects, they do not directly relate to the primary functional advantage of trackers. Similarly, while preventing shading is important for maintaining panel efficiency, it is not the main reason for using trackers. The fundamental goal of solar trackers is to optimize energy capture throughout the day.