French company Luciole & Basilic has developed a tracking system that allows manual orientation based on the zenith position every 15 days. The startup recently launched its first prototype device and is looking for distributors.
French start-up Luciole & Basilic has developed a tracker for residential photovoltaic installations that is claimed to be able to increase energy yields by 12%.
"The principle involved is simple," company founder Nicolas Ditleblanc revealed to French PV magazine. "We have developed an adjustable fixing system that is linked to an app called Zenitrack, which will show the optimal tilt angle of the solar panels facing the zenith throughout the year."
PV system owners can fine-tune the angle of their solar panels every two weeks, thus ensuring that they are always facing the sun. They can move the unit manually using a telescopic pole.
"We use the power grip function, which is a handle used in the marine industry to precisely adjust the length of the telescopic tube," says the inventor. "By using a graduated system, users can adjust the tilt of their solar panel between 15-80° depending on the zenith."
Ditleblanc claims that the system is able to increase the year-round electricity yield of solar panels by 12 per cent.
"We compared a 1kW fixed rooftop PV system with 30° orientation to a 1kW Zenitrack system located on the garden floor," he explains. "In summer, the difference in yield was minimal, but in winter - when the yield is very low and the householder's electricity consumption is highest - our adjustable installation produced 30-50% more than the fixed installation. "
This system can be used for any solar panel narrower than 1.20 metres. Production of the first prototype unit has already started.
"This building block is aimed at small residential self-consumption systems with one, two or even three panels and we are targeting a price of €170 ($186) including tax," says Ditleblanc. "At the moment, we are looking for distributors in Europe."