Single-axis solar tracking systemadjusts the position of a solar panel along an axis. This is done to ensure a small angle of incidence or the angle that sunlight hits a solar panel. Since the energy output of a solar system increases as the angle of incidence decreases, keeping this angle as small as possible is ideal. Active trackers rely on powered machineries such as gears and motors to move solar panels, whereas passive trackers achieve motion via compressed fluid that shifts sides when heated by the sun, changing the tilt of the panel along with it. Some trackers keep panels aligned with the sun by moving them in the opposite direction of the earth’s rotation, and others determine an optimal panel angle based on latitude and longitude data obtained through GPS.

除了不同的运动方法外，太阳能跟踪器在移动的轴数方面有所不同。单轴跟踪系统在一个轴上倾斜，在白天从东向西移动时跟踪太阳。双轴跟踪系统在两个轴上倾斜，不仅跟随从东到西向南的太阳，还可以使太阳能电池板适应从季节到季节变化的太阳角度。由于仅在特定情况下（例如空间更令人担忧）需要双轴跟踪系统，因此我们将重点关注单轴跟踪系统。

Solar trackerscan increase energy production by up to a third or more versus a fixed system. This means that more energy can be produced without needing to increase the size of the system, making for smarter use of land. While the energy generation benefits are clear, there are some things to consider when deciding if a single-axis tracking system is suited to your site’s needs. Installation costs are generally higher, as there is often more work to be done in prepping the site. The need for periodic upkeep and repairs must be considered too, as trackers utilize moving machinery. Single-axis tracking systems also tend to weigh more than fixed systems, so use in ground-mounted solar is preferred over roof-mounted solar. When deployed under the right conditions, solar trackers can add significant value to the system by boosting energy production that quickly makes up for these initial costs.