Definition
A single-axis tracker is a solar tracker that rotates about one axis to follow the sun's daily east-west motion. Horizontal single-axis trackers (HSAT) on a north-south axis dominate utility-scale solar.
Architecture
- Torque tube (steel beam) running north-south.
- Modules clamped along the tube.
- Slewing drive or linear actuator.
- Pile foundations (driven, screw, or concrete).
- Controller with backtracking algorithm.
Yield Gain by Region
| Region | Gain vs. fixed |
|---|---|
| US Southwest | +18–22% |
| Texas | +16–20% |
| Rajasthan India | +18–22% |
| Karnataka India | +14–18% |
| Spain | +15–18% |
| UK | +8–12% |
Key Takeaways
- HSAT rotates modules east-west on a north-south axis.
- Yield gain 15–22% over fixed tilt.
- Dominant utility-scale design.
- Modern HSAT include backtracking and automatic wind stow.
- Foundation design driven by site geotech and ASCE 7-22 wind loads.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 commonly searched questions about Single-Axis Tracker.
What is HSAT?
Horizontal Single-Axis Tracker — modules mounted on a north-south horizontal torque tube, rotating east-west through the day to follow the sun.
What's the yield gain?
+15–22% over fixed tilt at the same site. Higher in low-latitude sunny regions; lower in cloudy temperate.
Top HSAT manufacturers?
NEXTracker, Array Technologies, Soltec, Trina TrinaTracker, GameChange, Convert Italia.
What's the rotation range?
Typical ±60°. Some advanced trackers ±90°. Stow range usually horizontal at 0°.
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