SerpApi.Org
A photovoltaic system uses dual-axis tracking to follow the sun’s path, thereby raising electricity generation at dawn and dusk.
Designed by the Institute of Electrical Measurement and Sensor Technology at TU Graz in Austria, this new system is called FLAPTrack (Face-to-Face Lay-Down Anti-Degradation Protection).
Best of all, this system knows how to take cover. When severe storms, hail, or snow threaten the area, the panels quickly fold together for ultimate protection.
To prove the concept, the researchers have already deployed a 1.8 kWp prototype on the roof of an office building at TU Graz’s Inffeldgasse campus.
Dual-axis tracking
Solar panels produce the most power when sunlight hits them directly at a 90-degree angle. If the light strikes at an angle, it spreads out and reflects away, wasting valuable energy. Tracking systems solve this by actively following the sun, keeping the panels perfectly aligned to maximize power output throughout the day.
The system continuously tracks the sun horizontally and vertically using a patented linear actuator.
This single, innovative component handles daily sun-tracking while also powering the protective folding sequence. These combined functions reduce installation and operating costs, improving overall profitability.
The FLAPTrack system achieves optimal sun alignment through a ground-level engineering design: a belt drive that rotates along a circular guide handles horizontal movement, while a vertical actuator tilts the panels. This continuous tracking makes sure the panels remain face-to-face with the sun throughout the day.
As a result, the panels deliver an average energy yield increase of nearly 40 percent compared to fixed PV modules, with performance peaking at an impressive 56 percent extra yield on highly favorable days.
“In the mornings and evenings, when general electricity consumption is particularly high, FLAPTrack, with its optimal sun position tracking, delivers more than twice as much electricity as traditional PV systems, which also contributes to relieving grid congestion,” said Armin Buchroithner.
The device shines brightest during the winter months and at higher latitudes, where the sun stays low on the horizon. Also, the folding mechanism keeps the panels entirely free of snow and reduces the steep winter efficiency losses that typically plague conventional solar systems.
Active weather defense
As severe hailstorms and unpredictable weather become the new normal, protecting solar investments is suddenly a top priority.
Standard photovoltaic systems are passive and sit under open skies, completely vulnerable to the elements. When giant hailstones start falling, or howling winter winds threaten to tear solar panels from the roof, the unprotected modules can do nothing but take the beating.
But Austrian researchers have built a system that actively fights back.
Connected to local weather stations and regional forecasting models, the foldable system receives early warnings of incoming storms, extreme snowfall, or hail.
The FLAPTrack system automatically folds its modules “face-to-face” and lays them flat on the ground at night or during impending storms. This movement reduces wind resistance and prevents hail from cracking the internal silicon wafers — a major cause of efficiency-robbing “hotspots.”
An inexpensive, heavy-duty net protects the exposed back sides. Overall, it curbs the physical damage and snow shading that threaten conventional solar arrays.
A 1.8 kWp prototype is currently humming away on a university rooftop in Graz, capturing data on wind resistance and weather patterns. This is a small test project with a big goal: proving that the future green energy grid needs to adapt to shifting power demands.
