How does the Tracker identify the sun’s position?

by | Sep 29, 2017 | certified template-group, FAQ General-Group

The Tracker IPm uses the NREL Solar Positionin ALgorithm which calculates the sun’s position based on Latitude, Longitude, elevations and time of day. This calculation is compared to a feedback from an inclinometer for the Zenith Elevation and a pulse output from a Hall feedback in the motor. The number of total pulses per degree rotation is provided by the motor manufacturer. Elevation is sometimes measured with Hall pulses as well.

Once installed, the tracker position has to be synchronized with the sun. This done in 2 ways:

  1. The user manually moved the tracker in both axis’ “On Sun” and clicks the calibrate button.
  2. The user manually moved the tracker in both axis’ to a known position such as Zenith = 0 and Azimuth = 180  and clicks the calibrate button.