The future of solar doesn't track the sun

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 Claim 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. 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 destruc ... Read full article.