Passive Solar (Photovoltaic) Tracking Systems

While doing more research on solar power systems recently, I discovered the ZomeWorks Track Rack system.  This is a passive PV tracking system that works based on solar heating of liquid inside the rack systems.  There are no complex electronics involved in this very simple design which is described at How ZomeWorks Trackers Work.  The ZomeWorks Track Rack system supports from two solar panels up to twelve and are priced accordingly.

ZomeWorks states that their passive PV tracking system can improve solar efficiency by 25%-40% over a static mounted PV system.  This is impressive.  They also have a few reference articles that have reviewed their designs in their Applications page.  The "To Track... Or Not To Track", HomePower Jun-Jul 2004 article contains an excellent review and overview PV tracking systems (passive, active) and explains how they work in more detail.  The article mentions doing a site survey using Solar Pathfinder device (available for $299) and available software (available for $189) which will evaluate specific locations for this solar potential.

Passive PV tracking systems are more reliable, have fewer components, require very litle maintenance, less accurate in cold/winter months, and are less expensive.  Active systems have electronic components and motors that increase their accuracy, maintenance, and cost.  So the trade-off in accuracy vs. costs and improvement in PV efficiency would require some type of decision analysis (break-even analysis) or other method to determine which one is better for your particular PV application.