Solar Energy Tracking: How Solar Trackers Work and Whether They're Worth It
Solar panels produce the most power when sunlight hits their surface directly. Fixed panels stay at one angle, so they don't follow the sun as it moves across the sky. Solar energy tracking changes that by adjusting the panels throughout the day. The technology is now common on large solar farms across the US, but home installations have different needs. This guide covers how trackers work, the extra energy they can produce, and when a fixed array may still be the better choice.
What Is Solar Energy Tracking and How Do Solar Trackers Work?
A solar tracker is a mounting system that moves panels to follow the sun. Motors and a controller adjust the panels' position during the day, keeping them better aligned with incoming sunlight. There are two main types: single-axis and dual-axis trackers.
Single-axis solar trackers
A single-axis tracker turns panels from east to west as the sun moves across the sky. The panels follow the sun's daily path on one axis, which helps them capture more direct sunlight in the morning and late afternoon. These systems are common on large solar farms because they can adjust rows of panels throughout the day. Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) reports that single-axis tracking accounted for 96% of new US utility-scale solar capacity in 2025. The report also found that 92% of new utility-scale projects that year featured single-axis tracking.
Dual-axis solar trackers
A dual-axis tracker moves panels in two directions. It follows the sun from east to west and adjusts the tilt to account for the sun's changing height through the seasons. This gives the panels more precise alignment throughout the year. Dual-axis systems are less common than single-axis trackers. They're generally found in smaller ground-mounted installations and research settings rather than large solar farms.
Fixed panels vs. solar tracking systems
Fixed panels stay at one angle throughout the day. They're common on home rooftops because they don't need motors or moving parts. Trackers need open space and room for the panels to move, which makes them more practical for ground-mounted arrays.
Type | Movement | Typical use |
Fixed-tilt | None | Rooftops, most homes |
Single-axis | East to west | Large solar farms |
Dual-axis | East to west + tilt | Small number of ground mounts, research |
A fixed array can still perform well with the right orientation and tilt. If you're installing panels on a roof, start by choosing the right panel angle for your location.
Storing the Extra Solar a Tracker Produces: Home Battery Options
Solar trackers can increase daytime production, especially in the morning and late afternoon. But many households use more electricity in the evening, after solar production has started to fall. A home battery can store surplus energy during the day and make it available later. The battery's solar input needs to match the array. A system with one solar input may suit a smaller array, while a larger setup may need two separate inputs. EcoFlow's TITAN 5000 and EcoFlow TITAN 5000 Plus offer different solar input capacities for these setups.
EcoFlow TITAN 5000 for a single solar input
The EcoFlow TITAN 5000 has one high-voltage solar input rated for up to 4,000W. It stores energy in a 5kWh LFP battery, which can expand to 30kWh with compatible extra batteries. Its 7,200W split-phase output supports 120V and 240V home circuits when installed with the Smart Home Panel 10 by a licensed electrician. The single solar input makes it an option for an array that fits within its 4kW input limit. Check the panel string's voltage and current before connecting it. The EcoFlow TITAN 5000 stores energy from your array; the solar tracker and its mounting hardware are separate equipment.
EcoFlow TITAN 5000 Plus for larger solar arrays
The EcoFlow TITAN 5000 Plus has two solar inputs, each rated for up to 4,000W. Together, they accept up to 8,000W of solar input. Separate MPPT tracking manages the two inputs, which can help when an array uses two different strings. Like the EcoFlow TITAN 5000, it has a 5kWh LFP battery that can expand to 30kWh with compatible extra batteries. Its rated output is 7,200W, with up to 10,000W available when solar and AC input are combined, according to EcoFlow. It also connects to home circuits through the Smart Home Panel 10, which requires installation by a licensed electrician.
Which EcoFlow TITAN model fits your array?
The main difference is the amount of solar power each model can accept. The EcoFlow TITAN 5000 has one 4kW input, while the EcoFlow TITAN 5000 Plus has two inputs for up to 8kW combined.
Feature | EcoFlow TITAN 5000 | EcoFlow TITAN 5000 Plus |
Solar inputs | One | Two |
Maximum solar input | 4,000W | 8,000W |
Battery capacity | 5kWh | 5kWh |
Expandable capacity | Up to 30kWh | Up to 30kWh |
Best suited for | An array that fits one 4kW input | Larger arrays or two solar strings |
Both models store solar energy, but neither includes a solar tracker. Check your array's string voltage and current against the battery's input limits before installation. The Smart Home Panel 10 also needs a qualified, licensed electrician. Its supported grid connection is no-export. If you're comparing battery inputs, how MPPT charge controllers work can help explain how the system manages power from the panels.
How Much Do Solar Trackers Improve Yield?
The extra energy from a solar tracker depends on where the array sits and how much sunlight the location receives. Sunny areas generally have more to gain than places with frequent cloud cover. The type of tracker and the fixed-panel setup used for comparison also affect the results.
What the research says
LBNL's 2026 utility-scale solar report found that tracking adds an average of 5 percentage points to median capacity factors compared with fixed-tilt systems. Within individual regions, the average increase was about 3 percentage points. The US Energy Information Administration (EIA) gives another example in a 2017 analysis using PVWatts. In its Los Angeles model, a 10kW single-axis system produced 21% more electricity than a fixed system tilted at 20 degrees. The modeled dual-axis system produced 31% more. Those figures describe one modeled location and setup. They aren't guaranteed gains for every solar installation.
What capacity factor means
Capacity factor compares the electricity a system actually produces with the amount it could produce if it ran at full rated output all the time. For example, a solar array's capacity factor accounts for nighttime, cloudy weather, and changes in sunlight during the day. Tracking can raise this figure by keeping panels better aligned with the sun. The actual increase still depends on local conditions and system design. Panel performance also depends on the equipment that converts solar power for use. Choosing the right solar inverter matters when planning an array, alongside the mounting system.
Are Solar Trackers Worth It for Homes?
Solar trackers can make sense for a home with open land and plenty of direct sunlight. They can increase production from the same number of panels and improve output earlier and later in the day. But they also add moving parts, installation needs, and maintenance.
When a tracker makes sense
A ground-mounted tracker may suit a property with enough clear space for the panels to move without hitting trees, buildings, or other obstacles. It can also be worth considering in a sunny location where the extra production has practical value. Before choosing one, consider:
Available space: The system needs room to move throughout the day.
Local weather: Wind and snow can affect the mounting structure and its operating requirements.
Maintenance: Motors, controllers, and moving parts need inspection and upkeep.
Installation: Ground-mounted systems need suitable land and a mounting setup designed for the site.
When fixed panels are the better choice
Most homes use fixed rooftop panels because they don't need moving parts or extra ground space. If you have a ground-mounted array, you can adjust its tilt by season or add more panels if space and electrical capacity allow. Compare the added output with the cost and maintenance of a tracker. For smaller off-grid systems, it's also useful to understand MPPT and PWM controllers before choosing how to manage solar input.
Conclusion
Solar energy tracking helps panels follow the sun and capture more direct sunlight throughout the day. Single-axis trackers are common on large solar farms, while dual-axis systems also adjust for the sun's seasonal height. For most homes, fixed rooftop panels remain a practical choice. If you have a suitable ground-mounted array, compare the added production with the space and maintenance a tracker needs. To store surplus solar, size an EcoFlow TITAN 5000 or EcoFlow TITAN 5000 Plus to your array and have the home connection installed by a licensed electrician.
FAQs
What is a solar tracker?
A solar tracker is a mounting system that moves solar panels to follow the sun across the sky. Motors and a controller adjust the panels' position to help them receive more direct sunlight during the day.
How much more energy does a solar tracker produce?
The increase depends on location and system design. LBNL found that tracking adds about 5 percentage points to median capacity factors compared with fixed-tilt systems. In one EIA modeled example for Los Angeles, a single-axis system produced 21% more electricity than a fixed system.
What's the difference between single-axis and dual-axis trackers?
A single-axis tracker turns panels from east to west as the sun moves across the sky. A dual-axis tracker also adjusts the panel tilt to follow the sun's changing height through the seasons.
Are solar trackers worth it for a house?
They can be worth considering if you have open land and strong sunlight. Trackers need space, moving parts, and maintenance, so fixed rooftop panels are often a more practical choice for homes.
Can I store solar energy from a tracker in a home battery?
Yes, if the battery's solar input matches the array's voltage and current. The EcoFlow TITAN 5000 accepts up to 4,000W through one solar input, while the EcoFlow TITAN 5000 Plus accepts up to 8,000W across two inputs. Neither product is a solar tracker.
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