Static panels miss the best sun. Tracking panels catch it all.
If you have solar panels on your roof or farm, you know the frustration: Peak production only happens for a few hours around midday.
At 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM, your panels are sitting at an angle, letting valuable sunlight bounce off. You are essentially throwing away free power.
The solution isn't necessarily more panels. It’s smarter panels. By adding a simple Linear Actuator to create a Single Axis Tracker, you can increase your daily energy yield by up to 40%.
The 40% Boost Explained
A fixed panel points North. It waits for the sun to pass over it.
- Morning: The sun is in the East. Fixed panels generate almost nothing. A tracker faces East to catch the early rays.
- Midday: Both fixed and tracking panels face North (max power).
- Afternoon: The sun sets in the West. Fixed panels lose power quickly. A tracker turns West to squeeze out the last drop of power before sunset.
Choosing the Right Actuator: 3 Ranges
Not all actuators are created equal. The biggest enemy of a solar tracker is Wind Load. Solar panels act like giant sails, and a strong Cape storm can rip a weak actuator apart.
At Linear Actuators SA, we stock three distinct ranges for this application:
1. Light Duty: The LINACT-J
Perfect for small DIY setups, single panel mounts, or swimming pool heating.
Customer Project: See the LINACT-J Actuator in action on a high-roof installation below.
"Whether the solar panel is on your roof, at a camp site rig, or on a boat sailing the ocean, we have the actuator for the job."
2. Robust Duty: The LINACT-33P
For slightly larger residential arrays (2-4 panels) or areas with stronger winds, you need something tougher.
The LINACT-33P offers a higher static load rating, ensuring your panels stay steady even when the wind picks up. It bridges the gap between home DIY and commercial use.
3. Industrial Duty: The LINACT-37
Our heavy-duty LINACT-37 units handling a commercial array.
When you are tracking a massive array in an open field (Solar Farms), you need industrial strength.
The LINACT-37 is our specialized High-Load Solar Actuator designed specifically to withstand extreme wind forces.
- High Static Load: Rigidly locks in place so the array does not "flutter" in the wind.
- Durability: Designed for harsh UV exposure and continuous outdoor use.
- Power: Capable of moving large multi-panel frames effortlessly.
What about the Controller?
At Linear Actuators SA, we supply the "muscle" (the actuator) for your project. You will need to source the "brain" (the controller) separately.
Fortunately, standard Solar Tracker Controllers are widely available online or at local electronics stores. These simple devices use two light sensors to automatically drive the actuator East or West until the light is balanced, keeping your panels pointed directly at the sun.
Building a Tracker? Start here.
Whether it's for a school project or a solar farm, we have the right actuator for the job.
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