With environmental concerns at the forefront of everybody’s minds, companies across the world are searching for plausible ways to create enough sustainable energy to replace fossil fuel use.
With the Net-Zero Coalition in place among the United Nations, working towards net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, the Renewable Energy industry is a major priority. Wind, solar, and hydropower energy can drastically reduce the amount of carbon emissions created, as innovation slowly allows them to be efficient enough options to replace fossil fuel as energy sources.
Solar Energy Powered by Solar Tracking Systems
In the search for more efficient solar energy production, solar tracking systems were invented. Amid concerns about the amount of energy being created in the solar sector, this innovative solution helps maximize the production of energy while the sun is visible. Solar tracking systems adjust the positioning and angle of solar panels throughout the day, to ensure no sunlight is wasted.
There are a few types of solar tracking systems with varied levels of efficiency. Below are the three most common options with some information on how they work:
Manual Solar Trackers
A manual solar tracker requires somebody to physically adjust a panel at different times throughout the day to face the sun’s position. Although a cheaper and less complex option, it is often not practical to have someone constantly monitoring the sun and adjusting solar panels accordingly.
Passive Solar Trackers
Passive trackers are far more autonomous than a manual tracker but remain a simple option. These trackers contain a liquid with a low boiling point, that evaporates when exposed to solar radiation. When the liquid fully evaporates, the tilt system of the solar panel becomes imbalanced, thus pointing the panel towards the direction of the sun.
Active Solar Trackers
Active trackers are the most complex option. They rely on motors or hydraulics to change their positioning throughout the day. These are extremely convenient, as the panels move freely with the sun, and are optimal for maximizing the production of solar energy. These trackers can be either:
- Single-Axis Solar Tracker: Able to track and move with the sun as it moves East to West, and can increase energy production by 25-30%.
- Dual-Axis Solar Tracker: Can track and move with the sun as it moves East to West and North to South. Common in residential and small commercial projects with limited space, to optimize production to meet energy needs. Dual-axis trackers can increase energy production by approximately 40%.
Renewable Energy Strides in 2024
Renewable Energy, through research and inventions like solar tracking systems, has undoubtedly become a viable energy source over the last handful of years. A notable milestone was achieved this year according to Scientific American, as wind and solar generated more power than coal through the first seven months of 2024 in the United States, a first for Renewable sources.
This marked a huge achievement, heavily driven by a surge in solar production. Solar saw a 36% increase in terawatt-hours generated through the end of July, while wind energy also saw an 8% jump. This spike in solar use as well as a coal decline allowed for this large step in the direction towards net-zero.
Looking Forward – Continued Growth
As big of a difference as solar tracking, and other Renewable Energy innovation has already made, there is certainly more to come. It is a growing industry that has become well established across the globe. The International Energy Agency (IEA) claimed that Renewable Energy sources accounted for 26% of global power generation in 2022, with the number expected to leap to 38% by 2027.
This level of growth is expected to continue, as countries and companies around the world continue to research and develop new technologies. The expectation is that with more research and innovation, Renewable Energy production will also become more cost-effective, leading to even more opportunity.
Central Wire in the Renewable Energy Industry
Central Wire Group of Companies is proud to support sustainable industry applications, and to help work towards a greener and cleaner future. Our product lines are able to help serve wind, solar and hydropower applications to promote the efficient production of Renewable Energy, and to continue to support its growth.
Our custom Bar Stock and CNC Machined Parts can be used as structural parts such as shafts, hubs, fasteners and more to support the mechanical load demands for wind turbines and solar panels.
Our Tech-Mesh™ products support quality filtration in hydropower applications, as well as helping limit moisture within the interior of wind turbines.
For the repair and manufacturing of wind turbines and solar panels, our Generation4™ Welding Wire offers reliability, durability and supports optimal performance.
Investing in our Products for Renewable Applications
To learn more about the product contributions we can make within this industry, and where exactly they can be used, visit our industry specific webpage aquí.
If you’re ready to move forward with your Renewable Energy project, and know which products you require, Request a Quote with us today!
