Small Power Systems has built trackers for over 25 years.

 

This is a temporary web site for Tracstar solar trackers made by Small Power Systems with up to date material.  You can reach our old web site at Small Power Systems 

 

For an introduction to solar trackers download the two-page .pdf file:           Should You Install a Solar Tracker

For step-by-step instructions on how to determine exactly how a tracker (and PV in general) will work at your location click on PVWatts.  This exercise will take about 10-20 minutes and includes a questionnaire to fill out for additional information.   PVWatts

There are many types or geometries of trackers for example; azimuth, alt-azimuth, equatorial, and linear.  For a simple graphical representation of the main types and their motion click Tracker Types

The following is a list in ascending order according to size of the trackers made by Tracstar.  Generally our trackers cost $0.75 to $1.25 per nameplate watt of installed modules.  Linear trackers tend to be little cheaper than pedestal mount trackers.  Some structural materials must be purchased locally to save on shipping.

• Solar oven tracker  This is a simple self-powered platform for solar ovens that is an azimuth type tracker.
• Self Powered tracker  These are simple, azimuth trackers ranging in size up to about 80 sq. ft. of solar module that have no electronics and do not require a battery.  They are electro-mechanical and take about 10 minutes to orient to the sun in the morning and then follow the sun accurately throughout the day.  A very good tracker for small systems and especially pumping applications.  We will make a linear version of these as soon as we have a request for one.
• Azimuth trackers with electronic controls  These are traditional azimuth trackers of any size that follow the sun accurately all day and return to face the east ready for sunrise the next day.  Azimuth tracking is a very effective single-axis tracker especially at higher latitudes that requires no adjustment after installation.
• Dual-axis trackers  Our larger azimuth trackers have the option of being dual-axis.  Normally we do not recommend this option, as it is not cost effective except on our largest model, which can handle up to about 500 sq. ft. of array.  We are developing a linear dual-axis tracker.
• Precision dual-axis -- We make a controller (the electronics that control the tracker) that is accurate to .05 degrees.  It is one of the best controllers available. When installed on a dual-axis tracker the tracker is suitable for use with concentrating systems.  The smallest dual-axis we make will carry about 75 sq. ft. of solar collector.
• Linear trackers  These have become our best seller with today's larger systems and can be installed on roofs.  We make four versions all of which are rows of modules where the axis of rotation runs north-south and the rotation is from east to west.  The simplest is simply horizontal with the modules edge to edge.  We can also tilt the modules either fixed or adjusted twice a year, which greatly increases the effectiveness in the winter.  The adjusted version gives results almost as good as full tracking.  Lastly we build a dual-axis version for use with concentrator system.  All versions are modular so can be any size.
• Heliostats  -- We have built a number of heliostats.  Our tracker controllers can be used to control heliostats as long as the heliostat is north of the target.  We have also worked out a single axis heliostat, which is not perfect but good enough for most applications.  This is less expensive especially in small sizes as might be used for solar cookers or classroom demonstrations.  It also can be Self Powered as described above.

 

Please contact us for additional information.      George@smallpowersystems.com

 

Small Power Systems       74550 Dobie Lane, Covelo, CA 95428         707-983-8498