System and method for split battery and multi-panel photovoltaic tracking control

Abstract

Split cell and multi-panel photovoltaic backtracking control systems and methods allow for increased total power production during low solar altitude conditions by shading a percentage of panel modules, thereby allowing lower incident angles on unshaded modules. The control systems and methods involve determining a solar altitude angle, a conventional backtracking angle, a split cell or multi-panel backtracking angle, a single cell or single panel relative light transmittance (RLT) based on a single cell or single panel backtracking angle, and a split cell or multi-panel RLT based on a split cell or multi-panel backtracking angle. If twice the single cell or single panel RLT is greater than the split cell or multi-panel RLT, then the split cell or multi-panel backtracking angle is used; otherwise, the single cell or single panel backtracking angle is used. The control systems and methods can further involve determining a diffuse fraction index (DFI), and if the DFI is greater than a DFI limit, then a DFI tracking angle is used.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates generally to a single-axis solar tracking system equipped with split cells or a multi-panel solar array. More specifically, this disclosure relates to a single-axis solar tracking system capable of performing backtracking to allow for increased total power generation by intentionally shading a certain percentage of the panel modules, thereby allowing for a lower angle of incidence on the unshaded panel modules. Background Technology

[0002] Motorized single-axis solar tracking systems typically employ conventional backtracking algorithms to avoid inter-row shading by adjusting the tracking angle of the solar array platform towards the horizontal during low solar altitude conditions. However, while solar tracking systems operating with conventional backtracking can reduce or eliminate inter-row shading, the resulting high angle of incidence of light on the photovoltaic modules reduces the electricity generated by the modules. Therefore, these systems and methods have proven incompatible or inefficient for split-cell or multi-panel solar arrays. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This disclosure relates to a single-axis photovoltaic tracking system equipped with split cells, vertically multi-panel and horizontally multi-panel photovoltaic arrays. More specifically, this disclosure relates to a single-axis solar tracking system capable of performing backtracking to allow for increased total power generation by intentionally shading a certain percentage of the panel modules, thereby allowing for a lower angle of incidence on the unshaded modules.

[0004] The system disclosed herein may include one or more computers configured to perform the operations or actions by installing software, firmware, hardware, or a combination thereof on the system that causes or causes the system to perform specific operations or actions of this disclosure during operation. In some aspects, one or more computer programs may be configured to perform the operations or actions by including instructions that, when executed by a data processing device (e.g., a microcontroller or a controller including a processor and memory), cause the device to perform specific operations or actions. In a general aspect, this disclosure is characterized by a method for controlling a single-axis solar tracker.

[0005] The method includes determining a solar altitude angle and, based on the solar altitude angle, determining a backtrack angle for a single-cell or single-panel solar array. The method also includes determining a backtrack angle for a split-cell or multi-panel solar array based on the solar altitude angle. The method further includes determining a first relative light transmittance (RLT) based on the backtrack angle of the single-cell or single-panel solar array. The method further includes determining a second RLT based on the backtrack angle of the split-cell or multi-panel solar array. The method further includes determining that the first RLT and the second RLT satisfy a predetermined relationship. The method further includes, in response to determining that the first RLT and the second RLT satisfy the predetermined relationship, controlling the single-axis solar tracker to rotate the solar array to the backtrack angle of the split-cell or multi-panel solar array. Other aspects include corresponding computer systems, devices, and computer programs recorded on one or more computer storage devices, each configured to perform the operation or action of the method.

[0006] The implementation may include one or more of the following features. The method may include determining that the first RLT and the second RLT do not satisfy a predetermined relationship, and in response to determining that the first RLT and the second RLT do not satisfy the predetermined relationship, controlling the single-axis solar tracker to rotate the solar array to the backtrack angle of the single-cell or single-panel solar array. The predetermined relationship may be that twice the first RLT is greater than the second RLT. The method may include determining a fractional scattering index (DFI), determining that the DFI is greater than a DFI limit, and in response to determining that the DFI is greater than the DFI limit, controlling the single-axis solar tracker to rotate the solar array to the DFI backtrack angle instead of the split-cell or multi-panel backtrack angle.

[0007] Determining the backtrack angle of a single-cell or single-panel solar array can involve evaluating the following expression: Where θ s It is the solar altitude angle relative to the horizon, θ t The backtrack angle is relative to the zenith, and GCR is the ground cover. Determining the backtrack angle of a split-cell or multi-panel solar array can involve evaluating the following expression:

[0008]

[0009] Where θ s It is the solar altitude angle relative to the horizon, θ t It is the backsight angle relative to the zenith, and GCR is the ground cover rate.

[0010] Determining the backtrack angle of a split-cell or multi-panel solar array may involve evaluating the following expression:

[0011]

[0012] Where Δh is the height difference between adjacent solar tracker columns, and θ s It is the solar altitude angle relative to the horizon, θ t It is the backsight angle relative to the zenith, and GCR is the ground coverage. GCR is the span or width of the solar array divided by the column-to-column distance between rows of columns.

[0013] In another general aspect, this disclosure features a solar tracker system. The solar tracker system includes a first solar array comprising a first segment and a second segment. The first solar array is rotatably coupled to a first support column and a first motor, the motor being used to drive the rotation of the first solar array. The solar tracker system further includes a second solar array comprising a first segment and a second segment. The second solar array is rotatably coupled to a second support column and a second motor, the second motor being used to drive the rotation of the second solar array.

[0014] The solar tracker system further includes one or more controllers coupled to the first motor and the second motor. The one or more controllers determine the solar altitude angle; determine the backtrack angle of a single-cell or single-panel solar array based on the solar altitude angle; determine the backtrack angle of a split-cell or multi-panel solar array based on the solar altitude angle; determine a first relative light transmittance (RLT) based on the single-cell or single-panel solar array backtrack angle; determine a second RLT based on the split-cell or multi-panel solar array backtrack angle; determine that the first RLT and the second RLT satisfy a predetermined relationship; and in response to determining that the first RLT and the second RLT satisfy the predetermined relationship, control the first motor to rotate the first solar array to the backtrack angle of the split-cell or multi-panel solar array.

[0015] The implementation may include one or more of the following features. The one or more controllers may determine that the first RLT and the second RLT do not satisfy a predetermined relationship, and in response to determining that the first RLT and the second RLT do not satisfy the predetermined relationship, control the first motor to rotate the first solar array to the backtrack angle of the single-cell or single-panel solar array. The predetermined relationship may be that the first RLT is twice greater than the second RLT. The one or more controllers may determine a fractional scattering index (DFI), determine that the DFI is greater than a DFI limit, and in response to determining that the DFI is greater than the DFI limit, control the first motor to rotate the first solar array to the DFI tracking angle.

[0016] Determining the backtrack angle of a single-cell or single-panel solar array can involve evaluating the following expression: Where θ s It is the solar altitude angle relative to the horizon, θ t The backtrack angle is relative to the zenith, and GCR is the ground cover. Determining the backtrack angle of a split-cell or multi-panel solar array can involve evaluating the following expression:

[0017]

[0018] Where θ s It is the solar altitude angle relative to the horizon, θ t It is the backsight angle relative to the zenith, and GCR is the ground cover rate.

[0019] Determining the backtrack angle of a split-cell or multi-panel solar array may involve evaluating the following expression:

[0020]

[0021] Where Δh is the height difference between the first and second support columns, and θ s It is the solar altitude angle relative to the horizon, θ t It is the backsight angle relative to the zenith, and GCR is the ground coverage. GCR can be the span of the first solar array divided by the distance between the first and second support columns. The first solar array can be a split-cell solar array, a horizontal multi-panel solar array, or a vertical multi-panel solar array. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1 This is a block diagram illustrating the tracking angle and measurement related to a single-cell or single-panel backtracking system;

[0023] Figure 2 The relationship between the electrical generation and the angle of incidence of a solar tracking system according to aspects of this disclosure is described;

[0024] Figure 3 This is a block diagram illustrating the tracking angle and measurement in relation to a split battery or multi-panel backtracking system according to aspects of this disclosure;

[0025] Figure 4 A flowchart depicting a method for controlling a backtracking system according to aspects of this disclosure; and

[0026] Figure 5A and 5B Examples of tracking trajectories based on aspects of this disclosure are provided. Detailed Implementation

[0027] One aspect of this disclosure relates to a single-axis solar tracking system for split-cell, lateral multi-panel, or longitudinal multi-panel solar arrays, the system comprising a series of mechanically independent single-axis solar tracking platforms capable of performing backtracking in such a manner that it allows for increased total power generation during low solar altitude conditions by intentionally shading a certain percentage of the panel modules (e.g., the panel modules closest to the horizon), thereby allowing for lower incident angles on the unshaded module portions. Another aspect of this disclosure relates to a mechanism for determining the optimal power conversion for backtracking of a single-cell or single-panel (e.g., longitudinal or lateral single-panel) solar array. Individual tracking platforms can operate independently, are self-powered, and do not require communication with other tracking platforms in the system. In other aspects, the system may include a wireless communication network and a monitoring and control system.

[0028] Figure 1 This describes a backtracking system 100 for a single-cell or single-panel (e.g., vertical or horizontal single-panel) solar array. The backtracking system 100 includes multiple rows of solar trackers 111a, 111b. Although in Figure 1 The description specifies two rows of solar trackers 111a and 111b, but the backtracking system 100 may contain more than two rows of solar trackers, for example, 20 rows. Each row of solar trackers 111a and 111b includes a post 112 supporting a single-cell or single-panel solar module 114. The solar module 114 is rotatably coupled to the post 112 and mechanically driven by a motor 116. A controller 118 operates the motor 116 to drive the solar module 114 to a desired angle.

[0029] Each of the controllers 118 may include: a memory storing instructions for performing the methods described herein and operating the motor 116; a processor coupled to the memory and executing the instructions; and motor driver circuitry coupled to the processor and controlled by the processor according to the executed instructions. The memory may include volatile and non-volatile memory. For example, the memory may include random access memory (RAM) and read-only memory (ROM). The processor may be an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessor, or any other suitable circuitry for performing the methods described herein and controlling the motor driver based on instructions stored in the memory.

[0030] like Figure 1The description indicates that each row of solar trackers 111a, 111b may include a controller 118. In some aspects, more than one controller 118 may be coupled to each row of solar trackers 111a, 111b. In several aspects, the controller 118 may include communication circuitry, such as wireless or wired communication circuitry. Where the controller 118 includes wired communication circuitry, the controllers 118 may be connected to each other via communication lines or cables. The communication lines or cables may be integrated with power cables that can be connected to each row of solar trackers 111a, 111b. The backtracking system 100 may also include a supervisory controller (not shown). The supervisory controller may include wireless or wired communication circuitry configured to communicate with each of the controllers 118, such that the supervisory controller (which may implement a supervisory control system or be part of a system forming a supervisory control system) can manage and / or coordinate the operation of each row of solar trackers 111a, 111b. In some aspects, the supervisory controller may communicate with the controllers 118 via a wireless communication network.

[0031] The backtracking system 100 for a single-cell or single-panel solar array operates by reducing the solar tracking angle 115 according to the following relationship between the solar altitude angle 105 and the solar tracking angle 115:

[0032]

[0033] Where θ s It is the solar altitude angle relative to the zenith, θ = 105°. t The solar tracking angle 115 is relative to the zenith, and GCR is the ground coverage. The solar altitude angle 105 can be obtained from a solar position calculator, which can be implemented by software that determines the solar altitude angle 105 based on celestial trajectories. These celestial trajectories can be stored in the database of the monitoring and control system and accessed by the controller 118 as needed. GCR can be expressed as the span or width of the solar array (from top to bottom) divided by the column-to-column distance L between the rows of support columns 112, assuming uniform spacing between the columns. Figure 1 The explanation is as follows.

[0034] The backtracking system disclosed herein provides backtracking, which results in avoiding inter-row shading during low solar altitude angle conditions of 105°. It also results in low incident angles on all solar modules 114 in the tracking system 100. (As...) Figure 2 It was confirmed that as the angle of incidence on solar module 114 increases, the relative light transmittance decreases significantly after 30 degrees. Considering the sharp decrease in photovoltaic output power associated with the high angle of incidence of sun 102 on solar module 114, it is expected that the angle of incidence of sun 102 on solar module 114 will be reduced during the backtracking period.

[0035] Figure 3The description includes a backtracking system comprising a single-axis solar tracker equipped with split-cell or multi-panel solar arrays 314a, 314b, which can be arranged as longitudinal and / or transverse solar arrays. The split-cell solar arrays 314a, 314b are formed by cutting standard solar cells into two halves 314a, 314b and connecting them together. When the split-cell solar module is not shaded, the current splits to flow around the two halves 314a, 314b of the split-cell solar module, and then the current from the two halves 314a, 314b is combined before flowing out of the split-cell solar module.

[0036] Split-cell or multi-panel solar arrays 314a and 314b can operate in a manner that allows partial shading of the solar modules during backtracking conditions. For example, solar module segment 314a (which may be half of a split-cell module or a panel of a multi-panel module) is not shaded, while solar module segment 314b (which may be the other half of a split-cell module or another panel of a multi-panel module) is shaded. The backtracking operation of the split-cell or multi-panel solar array can be described by the relationship between a suitable solar altitude angle and a solar tracking angle. For example, the backtracking operation of the split-cell or multi-panel solar array can be described by the following relationship:

[0037]

[0038] Where θ s It is the solar altitude angle relative to the horizon, θ t It is the solar tracking angle relative to the zenith, and GCR is the ground coverage rate.

[0039] In other respects, when the terrain where the tracking system is installed is non-horizontal or otherwise irregularly shaped, causing adjacent rows of solar arrays to be at different heights, the relationship between the solar elevation angle and the tracking angle can be described as follows:

[0040]

[0041] Where θ s It is the solar altitude angle relative to the horizon, θ t It is the solar tracking angle relative to the zenith, GCR is the ground coverage, and Δh is the height difference between adjacent columns 112.

[0042] Electrical decoupling between segments of a split battery module or between panels in a multi-panel array allows for increased power generation from unshaded panels and / or segments by reducing the angle of incidence through backlighting operation that shades a portion of the panels within the array. In contrast, conventional systems operate with an angle of incidence to avoid shading between panels.

[0043] The retrograde system disclosed herein can actively adjust the relationship between the solar elevation angle and the solar tracking angle to account for changes in GCR, and automatically switch back to conventional retrograde if the controller 118 determines that switching back to conventional retrograde will increase total power generation. This can be based, for example, on... Figure 4 The method described in the flowchart is performed autonomously.

[0044] Following box 402, the solar altitude angle is calculated in box 404. Next, the backtrack angle for a conventional single cell or single panel is calculated in box 406, and the backtrack angle for a split cell or multiple panels is calculated in box 408. Boxes 406 and 408 can be executed simultaneously or in parallel, as follows: Figure 4 The instructions are as follows. Alternatively, boxes 406 and 408 can be executed sequentially. For example, box 406 can be executed first, followed by box 408, or vice versa.

[0045] In box 410, conventional relative light transmittance (RLT) is calculated based on conventional backtracking angle, and split-cell or multi-panel RLT is calculated based on split-cell / multi-panel backtracking angle. Conventional RLT and split-cell or multi-panel RLT can be calculated based on one or more suitable models. For example, conventional RLT and split-cell or multi-panel RLT can be calculated based on the IEC 61853-2 standard model, the theoretical air / glass interface model, and / or the empirical model developed by Sandia National Laboratories for glass-clad PV modules, as described, for example, in “Validation of IEC 61853-2 standard (Draft): Angle of incidence effect on photovoltaic modules”, presented at the 39th IEEE Photovoltaic Specialists Meeting (PVSC) (June 16-21, 2013), the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0046] Alternatively or concurrently, conventional RLTs and split-cell or multi-panel RLTs can be calculated using methods described, for example, in “Calculation of the PV modules angular losses underfield conditions by means of an analytical model,” Solar Energy Materials & Solar Cells 70 (2001) 25-38, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. In this example method, the RLT is based on the following angular factor f IαThe experimental value of this parameter can be obtained by measuring the short-circuit current (I) at angle α. sc This can be obtained by dividing by the product of the short-circuit current incident normally (α=0) and the cosine of angle α:

[0047]

[0048] For crystalline (x-Si) and amorphous silicon (a-Si) technologies, with or without an anti-reflective coating, the reflectivity of the PV module... It can be calculated using the following expression:

[0049]

[0050] Where α is the incident angle of irradiance, and a r It is the angular loss coefficient, an empirical dimensionless parameter suitable for specific situations.

[0051] In box 412, the Dispersion Fraction Index (DFI) is determined, and the method determines whether the DFI is greater than the DFI limit. The DFI can be calculated using the equation DFI = 1 - (DNI / GHI), where a solar intensity meter is used directly to measure the Direct Normal Irradiance (DNI) and the Global Horizontal Irradiance (GHI). Alternatively, GHI can be measured, and a model can be used to estimate the DFI. In response to determining that the DFI is greater than the DFI limit, in box 414, the DFI tracking angle is selected as the angle at which the solar module is driven by the motor of the solar tracker, and method 400 ends. Exceeding the DFI limit can cause the panel to become more horizontal.

[0052] In response to determining in box 412 that the DFI is not greater than the DFI limit, method 400 includes determining in box 416 whether twice the RLT of a single cell or single panel is greater than the RLT of a split cell or multi-panel. In response to determining in box 416 that twice the RLT of a single cell or single panel is greater than the RLT of a split cell or multi-panel, in box 418, the backtrack angle of the split cell or multi-panel is selected as the angle by which the motor of the solar tracker drives the solar module, and method 400 ends. On the other hand, in response to determining that twice the RLT of a single cell or single panel is not greater than the RLT of a split cell or multi-panel, in box 420, the backtrack angle of a single cell or single panel is selected as the angle by which the motor of the solar tracker drives the solar module, and method 400 ends.

[0053] exist Figure 5A and 5B The example shown is a tracking profile or tracking angle obtained relative to the solar altitude angle. Figure 5AThis describes the tracking angles for split-cell or dual-panel backtracking and single-cell or single-panel backtracking (conventional backtracking) with a ground clearance ratio (GCR) of 50%. For solar altitude angles between 75 and 90 degrees, the tracking angle for split-cell or dual-panel backtracking rapidly increases from 15 degrees to 60 degrees, and then decreases to 0 degrees at approximately a constant rate for solar altitude angles between 75 and 90 degrees. For solar altitude angles between 0 and 60 degrees, the tracking angle for single-cell or single-panel backtracking increases from 0 degrees to 60 degrees. Then, for solar altitude angles between 60 and 90 degrees, the tracking angle for single-cell or single-panel backtracking falls back to 0 degrees. In some aspects, at typical GCRs and latitudes, split-cell backtracking can be turned off when the solar altitude angle is approximately 75 degrees. In other aspects, split-cell backtracking can be turned off when the solar altitude angle is approximately 70 degrees.

[0054] Figure 5B This describes the tracking angles for split-cell or dual-panel backtracking and single-cell or single-panel backtracking (conventional backtracking) with a GCR of 35%. For solar altitude angles between approximately 78 and 90 degrees, the tracking angle for split-cell or dual-panel backtracking rapidly increases from approximately 25 degrees to 60 degrees, and then decreases to 0 degrees at a roughly constant rate for most solar altitude angles between approximately 78 and 90 degrees. For solar altitude angles between 0 and 60 degrees, the tracking angle for single-cell or single-panel backtracking increases from 0 degrees to 60 degrees and then stabilizes until the solar altitude reaches approximately 70 degrees. Subsequently, for solar altitude angles between approximately 70 and 90 degrees, the tracking angle for single-cell or single-panel backtracking falls back to 0 degrees.

[0055] While several aspects of this disclosure have been shown in the accompanying drawings, they are not intended to be limited thereto, as the scope of this disclosure should be as broad as permitted in the art, and the specification should be read in the same manner. Therefore, the foregoing description should not be construed as restrictive, but merely as an example of certain aspects.

Claims

1. A method for controlling a single-axis solar tracker, comprising: Determine the solar altitude angle; The backtrack angle of a single cell or single panel solar array is determined based on the solar altitude angle. The backtrack angle of the split cell or multi-panel solar array is determined based on the solar altitude angle. The first relative light transmittance RLT is determined based on the back-look angle of the single cell or single panel solar array. The second RLT is determined based on the backtracking angle of the split cell or multi-panel solar array. Determine that the first RLT and the second RLT satisfy a predetermined relationship, wherein the predetermined relationship is that twice the first RLT is greater than the second RLT; and In response to determining that the first RLT and the second RLT satisfy the predetermined relationship, the single-axis solar tracker is controlled to rotate the solar array to the backtrack angle of the split cell or multi-panel solar array.

2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: It is determined that the first RLT and the second RLT do not satisfy the predetermined relationship; and In response to determining that the first RLT and the second RLT do not satisfy the predetermined relationship, the single-axis solar tracker is controlled to rotate the solar array to the backtrack angle of the single-cell or single-panel solar array.

3. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: Determine the fractional scattering index (DFI); Determine that the DFI is greater than the DFI limit; and In response to determining that the DFI is greater than the DFI limit, the single-axis solar tracker is controlled to rotate the solar array to the DFI tracking angle instead of the split cell or multi-panel backtracking angle.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein determining the backtrack angle of a single cell or single panel solar array comprises evaluating the following expression: ； Where θ s The solar altitude angle θ is relative to the horizon. t The backtracking angle is relative to the zenith, and GCR is the ground cover rate.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein determining the backtrack angle of a split cell or multi-panel solar array comprises evaluating the following expression: ； Where θ s The solar altitude angle θ is relative to the horizon. t The backtracking angle is relative to the zenith, and GCR is the ground cover rate.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein determining the backtrack angle of a split cell or multi-panel solar array comprises evaluating the following expression: ； Where Δh is the height difference between adjacent solar tracker columns, and θ s The solar altitude angle θ is relative to the horizon. t The backtracking angle is relative to the zenith, and GCR is the ground cover rate.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein the GCR is the span or width of the solar array divided by the column-to-column distance between the columns.

8. A solar tracker system comprising: A first solar array comprising a first segment and a second segment, the first solar array being rotatably coupled to a first support column and a first motor, the first motor being used to drive the rotation of the first solar array; The second solar array includes a first segment and a second segment, the second solar array being rotatably coupled to a second support column and a second motor, the second motor being used to drive the rotation of the second solar array; A controller, coupled to the first motor and the second motor, is configured to: Determine the solar altitude angle; The backtrack angle of a single cell or single panel solar array is determined based on the solar altitude angle. The backtrack angle of the split cell or multi-panel solar array is determined based on the solar altitude angle. The first relative light transmittance RLT is determined based on the back-look angle of the single cell or single panel solar array. The second RLT is determined based on the backtracking angle of the split cell or multi-panel solar array. Determine that the first RLT and the second RLT satisfy a predetermined relationship, wherein the predetermined relationship is that twice the first RLT is greater than the second RLT; and In response to determining that the first RLT and the second RLT satisfy the predetermined relationship, the first motor is controlled to rotate the first solar array to the back-track angle of the split cell or multi-panel solar array.

9. The solar tracker system of claim 8, wherein the controller is further configured to: It is determined that the first RLT and the second RLT do not satisfy the predetermined relationship; and In response to determining that the first RLT and the second RLT do not satisfy the predetermined relationship, the first motor is controlled to rotate the first solar array to the backtrack angle of the single cell or single panel solar array.

10. The solar tracker system of claim 8, wherein the controller is further configured to: Determine the fractional scattering index (DFI); Determine that the DFI is greater than the DFI limit; and In response to determining that the DFI is greater than the DFI limit, the first motor is controlled to rotate the first solar array to the DFI tracking angle.

11. The solar tracker system of claim 8, wherein determining the backtracking angle of a single cell or single panel solar array comprises evaluating the following expression: ； Where θ s The solar altitude angle θ is relative to the horizon. t The backtracking angle is relative to the zenith, and GCR is the ground cover rate.

12. The solar tracker system of claim 8, wherein determining the backtracking angle of a split-cell or multi-panel solar array comprises evaluating the following expression: ； Where θ s The solar altitude angle θ is relative to the horizon. t The backtracking angle is relative to the zenith, and GCR is the ground cover rate.

13. The solar tracker system of claim 8, wherein determining the backtracking angle of a split-cell or multi-panel solar array comprises evaluating the following expression: ； Where Δh is the height difference between the first support column and the second support column, and θ s The solar altitude angle θ is relative to the horizon. t The backtracking angle is relative to the zenith, and GCR is the ground cover rate.

14. The solar tracker system of claim 13, wherein the GCR is the span of the first solar array divided by the distance between the first support column and the second support column.

15. The solar tracker system of claim 8, wherein the first solar array is a split-cell solar array, a horizontal multi-panel solar array, or a vertical multi-panel solar array.

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