Lecture Notes on Pursuit Solar Tracker

Introduction

Mechanism:
- Uses industrial wax, a piston, and a parabolic dish.
- No motors, controllers, or PLCs required.
- Simple mechanical design, which reduces points of failure.
Functionality:
- The tracker can hold up to 18 full 72-cell solar panels, but the demo shows one panel for demonstration purposes.
- Demonstrates the ability to lift 2000 pounds approximately 4 inches, showcasing its strength and capability.
Tracking Performance:
- Estimated to increase solar production by about 20%.
- Tracked daily from morning to afternoon based on sunlight availability.
- Issues may arise on cloudy days or when sunlight is insufficient; may not track if conditions are poor.

Heliotropism Concept:
- Mimics sunflowers, which track the sun throughout the day.
- Resets daily in the morning to align with the sunrise.
Demo Unit vs. Production Model:
- The demo model showcases the mechanism but does not represent the final product.
- The production model is expected to hold 12 panels primarily.

Trackers are generally more expensive than fixed pole or ground mounts.
If space allows, adding more panels to a fixed ground mount may be more cost-effective.
Calculating additional production from trackers vs. adding more panels is crucial for decision-making.

Increased interest in trackers despite previously declining demand.
Some companies have gone out of business; others are emerging with new technologies.
Mention of an upcoming tracker presentation that will be less expensive and traditional in design.

Encouragement to explore and discuss solar trackers further.
Contact Eddy Bug from Pursuit Solar for more information on the product and installation.
Speaker's personal excitement about the technology and future developments in the tracker market.