The French company Luciole & Basilic has developed a tracking system that can be manually adjusted to the zenith every 15 days. The startup recently introduced the first prototype and is now looking for retailers.
French startup Luciole & Basilic has developed a locator for solar power installations in residential buildings, which is said to offer 12% more energy production.
“The principle is simple,” said company founder Nicolas Ditleblanc pv-lehti France. “We have developed an adjustable mounting system linked to an app called Zenitrack that shows the optimal angle of inclination of the solar panel towards the zenith all year round.”
PV system owners can slightly change the angle of their solar panels every two weeks so that it always faces the sun. They can move the structure manually using a telescopic rod.
“We have utilized the function of the power handle, which is a handle used in sailing to precisely adjust the length of the telescopic tube,” said the inventor. “Thanks to the scale system, the user can adjust the inclination of his solar panel between 15 degrees and 80 degrees so that it follows the zenith.”
Ditleblanc claims that the system can increase the electricity output of the solar panels by 12% over the course of a year.
“We compared a 1 kW system on a fixed roof, oriented at a 30-degree angle, and a 1 kW Zenitrack system placed on the ground in a garden,” he explained. “During the summer months, the difference is minimal, but in the winter months – when production is low and household electricity consumption is at its maximum – our adjustable device enables 30-50% advantages compared to a fixed installation.”
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April issue pv magazineHitting the streets today, the publication looks at how the long-established connection between solar energy and cannabis cultivation can help improve margins as the drug’s medicinal and recreational use comes out of the weed. We take a trip Down Under to explore why communities are rebelling against planned renewable energy zones, which are seen as being delivered by rail without sufficient local consultation, and consider the wave of ‘solar crime’ sweeping the UK and Europe.
The system can be used with any solar panel up to 1.20 meters wide. The production of the first prototypes has already started.
“Our structure is aimed at small living for own consumption, one, two or even three panels and we would like to sell it for less than €170 ($186) including taxes,” said Ditleblanc. “We are currently looking for distributors across Europe.”
