The future of solar doesn't track the sun

Summary

PV modules are cheap enough today that the simple fixed East-West arrays are cheaper and faster to install than the industry’s darling, the single-axis tracked array. Xavier Dedenbach, Terraform Power Electronics Engineer Originally posted on April 20, 2025. Summary This article takes you on a journey to explore whether East-West fixed solar arrays are now more economical than the dominant variant, single-axis tracked arrays. If you just want the answer, feel free to jump to the end or read this summary. But if you have 15 minutes to follow along, the juice is worth the squeeze. We’re hiring at Terraform! 💡Today’s ClaimPV modules are cheap enough today that the simple fixed East-West arrays are cheaper and faster to install than the industry’s darling, the single-axis tracked array. Arguments Against Single-axis tracked arrays still significantly outperform East-West fixed arrays in energy production on a per-panel basis. There is one weather pattern (severe hail) so destructive that I would choose the more expensive single-axis tracked array if I experienced it regularly. Arguments For East-West arrays require less material and labor to install. East-West arrays use substantially less land for the same power output. As PV modules become cheaper, the economic benefits of East-West arrays get even better. Conclusion If price per watt delivered were the only important factor, East-West arrays would be the clear choice everywhere. However, nature is metal, and in some regions, we currently lack sufficiently resilient panel technology to support East-West arrays. Introduction Like many technologies, photovoltaic (PV) cells, which convert sunlight into usable energy, started out expensive and uncompetitive. They had to compete in one of the most competitive industrial sectors: the energy sector, which is filled with behemoths like coal, natural gas, and hydropower. On top of that, photovoltaic technology was handicapped by limited daylight hours and an above-average vuln...