Are PV trackers worth the extra expense? Once thought not, but times are changing.

To determine whether it is more beneficial to consumers to install regular modules in order to boost site production or to install a tracker it is important to look at the geography of the project at hand. Depending on how much solar radiation an area receives or how much space you have to install the modules will make or break your decision to go with trackers. If you are located in an area with lower levels of solar radiation installing a tracker may not be as beneficial compared to areas that receive more sunlight. However, if you are limited on space for a project, a tracker would be a more efficient way of receiving solar energy. Trackers are also beneficial when working with problematic terrain.


According to Frank A. Middleton, vice president of marketing and chief operating officer at OPEL Solar Inc. based in Shelton, CT choosing to install trackers is typically expected to increase the costs of a project by 4-5%. Middleton believes that the yield increases, which usually reach up to 15-20%, justify the use of trackers for nearly all PV projects. 20 years ago due to the lack of technology that we now have trackers were known to be unreliable, but now with GPS chips trackers require so much less maintenance. The belief that trackers have higher costs than fixed systems is now virtually gone, and in the end you are producing more energy which would make up for any of the equipment that is slightly more expensive.

Today’s trackers follow the sun by using one of two technologies, according to Middleton. The first uses astronomic tracking algorithms, which is tracking the sun by using mathematical equations to determine exactly where it is at all times, while the second is searching for the brightest spot in the sky and adjusting for clouds, reflections from objects, and is more difficult. The first seems to be the preferred technology among many. With new technologies we are now able to track and control our trackers wirelessly! Maintenance, problem solving, and monitoring can all be performed remotely with this new network.

Of course every project is different and it depends on many factors what the best option is for your installation. Taking all these factors into account can help to determine whether it is beneficial to choose trackers versus fixed modules. Trackers, once thought to be too expensive and a hassle, is finally gaining acceptance in the industry as technologies are improving and being perfected.

SB1: An act concerning Connecticut’s energy future. A bright future for CT!

With the vote from the state Senate being 36-0, all Democrats and Republicans agreed, SB1, supported by Governor Malloy, was finally passed last Tuesday, June 7, 2011. The bill will become effective on July 1, 2011. The general statutes of SB1 are amended to establish policies, programs and procedures to reduce electricity costs, promote renewable energy, and create financing mechanisms for energy improvements that Connecticut has been in need of.

From 2008 to 2010 Connecticut fell from 8th to 18th in the nation for solar power installations. Kind of pathetic considering that at its peak Connecticut was in the top three! Luckily, its been realized that action must be taken to change this! The solar provisions made in this bill are to help Connecticut move back towards renewable energy sources. Connecticut is losing in the race against other states in providing clean energy and losing business to its surrounding states, such as New Jersey and Massachusetts.

With SB1 being passed, there is now a greater hope for expanding Connecticut’s future in renewable energy. For Connecticut ratepayers SB1 means reduced rates and decreases in costs, and the creation of what is called a “Green Bank”. The new funding model of the “Green Bank” allows for leveraging the ratepayer fees the fund already gets, private capital and other money. The legislation also dramatically expands the fund's purview beyond the solar rebate and other limited clean energy projects to include things like electric and natural gas infrastructure projects. Among the provisions is the commercial solar program to become part of a renewable energy credit system that includes other types of zero-emission energy sources and utilities are required to buy energy from them through long-term contracts. Municipalities may establish a Property Assessed Clean Energy, or PACE, program to do energy efficiency and renewable energy work that is repaid through an assessment on property taxes. This also authorizes municipalities to do energy retrofits through performance contracts that use the money from energy savings to pay for the work. The provisions set forth for this bill are in the best interest for the consumer and for the government in a desperately needed movement towards renewable energy sources.

Economic Benefits of Commercial Buildings Using Solar Power

In the past, commercial building owners had to pay large upfront sums of money to install solar arrays and it was not economically viable for most people.  However, solar power has become much more affordable for commercial buildings due to the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund.  They are offering a DG grant for commercial buildings, which will award $2.00 per watt up to a 100 kW system and $1.25 per watt beyond that.  This will reduce the price by nearly a third!

An average 30 kW system size could produce approximately $6,000 worth of electricity in the first year.  The electric savings combined with the DG grant and tax incentives could produce a payback in 5 years or less.  In other words, it will take 5 years or less until the savings equal the cost.  Beyond that, the solar panels will result in raw savings especially since electricity costs average an increase of 5% each year.

In addition to cutting down utility costs, solar panels increase property value tremendously.  According to a study published in The Appraisal Journal, a property’s value is increased by $20 for every $1 reduction in energy costs.  On top of that, the US Department of Energy’s renewable energy office has found that property with solar panels will sell twice as fast as property without solar panels.  There are various renovations that commercial property owners could make in order to save money, but it’s hard to argue that solar power isn’t the top priority.