Types of Solar Panels

There are three main types of solar panel mounts.  Each are noted below with a brief summary of what makes them unique.  To learn more about each, view diagrams and pictures, and learn how they are different follow the links to their individual page which includes labeled diagram and detailed information on how each type of solar panel works.

The three most common types of solar panels are:

1. Fixed Tilt Non-Tracking Solar Panel:  The fixed tilt solar panel mount is a non-tracking mount, meaning that it does not move mechanically on it’s own.  Once you set the panel in it’s place it will remain pointed to the same point in the sky unless you manually move it. When using a Fixed Tilt solar panel you want to position the face of the panel so it get’s the most sun exposure throughout the entire year.

To learn more about a Fixed Tilt Non-Tracking Solar Panel, and view a diagram with how it works, please go here.

2. 1-Axis Solar Panel:  The 1-Axis mounts has mechanical features that allow for limited automatic movement and tracking.  This is usually more expensive than the Fixed Tilt panel.  The 1-Axis Solar Panel, as you would expect from its name, can move on 1-Axis to track the suns movement throughout the day.

To learn more about the 1-Axis Solar Panel, and view a diagram with how it works, please go here.

3. 2-Axis Solar Panel: 2-Axis solar mounts allow fore the most mechanical movement and usually are more expensive.  Living up to their name, they have the ability to move on both the X and Y axis, so they are able to track the suns movement throughout the day and year.

To learn more about the 2-Axis Solar Panel, and view a diagram with how it works, please go here.

Here is what all three solar panel types look like: