Dual axis solar trackers offer a huge advantage compared to stationary installations, in terms of yield.
It will easily collect over 50% more energy than a stationary installation, so where space is a problem, it can be an ideal solution.
However, although there are dual-axis controllers on the market, it is usually not sold without a tracker.
The controllers that are sold independently, are not of great quality.
That said, even the best propriety systems has one serious drawback - it does not have battery backup to flatten the panel to a safe position for wind protection, during times when the power grid is down.
The reason for this problem is that solar tracker systems are often only grid-tied systems with no battery backup. Sadly, grid tied systems are now of little use during load shedding as it cannot help to feed into a grid when that portion of the grid is down. Neither can it power the controller.
This controller has some unique functions not found in any other system:
- It has 24V battery backup and when the grid goes down, it will be able to flatten the panel in strong wind conditions. No other controller on the market has this function on-board.
- The controller can act as both master and slave for wind signal. A master controller will have a wind sensor as input and can command a string of towers via a digital output. No configuration is needed accept for wiring.
- It is DIN-rail mount, and can fit inside the standard electrical box for the solar tracker.
This controller was extensively tested and worked very well after all the teething problems were sorted, but needs a revision. Unfortunately the driver chip for the electric motors have been discontinued and a similarly compact replacement is not available.
The solar sensor was also upgraded for greater accuracy as the original sensor became inaccurate at high altitude angles.