MEXICOWANDERER wrote:
One thing that is not mentioned often is the closer you get to the equator (lower latitude) the more "efficient" tracking becomes.
Closer to equator it would make even more sense yet not to bother with tracking or even a tilt, and just mount it flat. Here it is
in more details.Fixed horizontal panel in Quito Equador, i.e. zero tilt, is 72% optimal annually. With 2-axis tracking you would've gained 38% more than what you have with flat panel.
In Northern Canada you would want at least a fixed annual tilt (41.1 deg, according to this guy) - this would result in practically same efficiency as flat panel in Quito, i.e. 70% of optimum.
So, my verdict is: all-day automated tracking is not worth the trouble. Maybe only in rare scenarios, like a very small trailer, very dark and rainy weather, and no other energy sources. If none of the above applies to you, - get more panels.
