Anyone Imported a Chinese PV Tracker System?

A question about : Anyone Imported a Chinese PV Tracker System?

Hi,

I'm interested in a big PV tracker system (not necessarily including the PV) - about 4 - 10kW or so. I'll probably have to split it up into 2 or more trackers...

I have seen some huge prices quoted in the UK and wondered if anyone had imported one direct from Asia and if so, how much they saved and how good was it?

Regards, Martin Winlow.

Best answers:

• Bear in mind also that you might need planning permission to fit the things. I don't think there's a very clear national planning policy on them but our local council work on the rule that one unit is a permitted development; more than one need PP. A neighbour of mine needed two in his garden (the unit held a maximum of 8 SPs) so needed PP for second. It wasn't actually any great hassle to get the PP but it might be harder for others.
• Martin, some more info for you:
  Firstly, a link to the Navitron thread specifically regarding the tracker book to save you hunting.
  Secondly a thread that follows the installation of a bought tracker from start to finish, so you get an idea of what is involved.
  I find this stuff fascinating, but as has been mentioned, with the falling cost of PV panels, it may be simpler to just add more fixed panels, perhaps go to 120% of what you planned, then fix mount them 50% SE and 50% SW. Perhaps at a steepish angle between 30d and 50d, since with a large set up, you won't really need to worry about maximising summer generation with a shallow pitch.
  Also, you might find planning easier, as you can build permitted development 'out-buildings' such as sheds, log stores, chicken sheds etc, and pop the panels on the rooves. Even if they are odd looking buildings with tall back walls and very short (600mm?) front walls.
  Mart.
• Hi
  I agree with the idea of having multiple orientations for the panels if you're looking to maximise consumption of generation as opposed to purely maximising generation ...
  I've just fired a simple 4kWp array into PVGIS (https://re.jrc.ec.europa.eu/pvgis/apps4/pvest.php) based in Meriden (Central England) with optimised orientation (South) & inclination (39Degrees) which predicts 3780kWh/year and then a 2-axis tracker configuration which estimates 4830kWh/year .... simply dividing 4830/3780 gives an idea of the point at which a tracker becomes uneconomical (in Meriden), so about 28% on-cost ...
  If comparing a 4kWp(roof mounted) system costing (say) Ј5500 with a 4kWp tracked setup, then the cost of the tracker, installation and all groundwork can be no more than ~Ј7000(5500*1.28) ie, the tracker systems must cost less than Ј1500, so you're probably looking to source two trackers and all control equipment for ~Ј500 each and complete the ground works for another Ј500 ....
  However, planning will likely restrict the array positioning and size ... even if full consent is sought (as opposed to PD) it's unlikely that you'd be able to place the trackers within 5m of any boundary, have a total height of