By PV Consult
East-West and canopy-style photovoltaic (PV) arrays are rapidly challenging the dominance of single-axis tracking (SAT) systems in solar energy deployment. As module prices continue to decline, the industry is entering a new phase—one where simplicity, scalability, and reduced capital and operational expenditures are beginning to outweigh the marginal efficiency gains offered by SAT.
The Economic Shift: Efficiency vs. Cost
Recent analysis indicates that East-West PV configurations may soon surpass SAT systems as the preferred choice for both utility-scale solar installations and decentralized microgrid projects. While SAT systems have historically led the market due to their ability to follow the sun and optimize energy yield per panel, their cost advantage is eroding.
Key drawbacks of SAT systems include:
- High structural complexity and foundation requirements
- Increased land usage due to shading mitigation
- Elevated CAPEX and OPEX, especially in remote regions
In contrast, East-West arrays offer:
- Shallow tilt angles that reduce shading and maximize land utilization
- Lower material and installation costs
- Enhanced carbon efficiency and spatial density
For example, the PEG system from Jurchen Technology supports 2.1 MW of DC capacity within the same footprint required for just 1 MW of SAT-based capacity.
Eric Putsman, Managing Director of PV Consult (Africa) states “We are now recommending the PEG East-West array from Jurchen due to its compelling performance and significantly lower cost the industry is increasingly focused on LCOE (Levelized Cost of Energy) per kWh generated. SAT systems carry higher CAPEX and OPEX, whereas East-West canopy arrays are faster to install and deliver more than double the kWh output per hectare.”
A Decade of Declining Module Costs
Between 2010 and 2020, PV module prices dropped by 85%, followed by an additional 58% reduction in the early 2020s. This trend is driven by:
- Economies of scale
- Increased supplier competition
- Abundant high-grade silicon availability
While tracker systems also saw cost reductions—approximately 85% in the 2010s—their structural complexity has created a price floor. In the 2020s, tracker costs have declined by only 17%, making them a growing share of total system costs.
Putsman continues “Clients frequently raise concerns about SAT systems’ long-term maintenance, especially in remote African regions where service and spare parts are costly and difficult to access,” Putsman notes. “PEG systems, which use standard rebar and require no deep foundations, reduce materials, installation, and operational costs by half.”
Design Efficiency and Spatial Optimization
East West arrays such as PEG work like a mesh network, avoiding shading through low tilt angles and enabling up to 250% more installed power per hectare compared to SAT systems. A standard 8° tilt angle is considered optimal, balancing irradiance duration with spatial efficiency and reducing wind-related risks.
While SAT systems may offer an 8% higher yield in northern latitudes, this differential narrows near the equator. In a recent project in Zambia, PV Consult found only a 6% yield difference—while the cost of the East-West system was half that of traditional fixed-tilt designs.
Balance of System (BoS) Advantages
East-West arrays simplify the BoS, including mounting structures, wiring, and labor. This is particularly beneficial in markets with limited access to skilled labor, reducing both installation time and cost.
Weather Resilience and Risk Mitigation
Solar arrays must withstand diverse weather conditions over their 20–30 year lifespan. While lightning and wildfire risks are comparable across configurations, wind and hail expose key vulnerabilities in SAT systems.
SAT structures are prone to wind-induced flutter and torque tube stress, requiring deeper foundations and dampers. In contrast, PEG East-West arrays:
- Maintain a low profile (~1m above ground)
- Minimize aerodynamic lift
- Are rated for wind speeds up to 298+ km/h (185+ mph)
One installation in Southeast Asia withstood a tropical cyclone with wind speeds exceeding 220 km/h (130+ mph), demonstrating the system’s resilience.
Designing for the Future
At PV Consult (Africa), we believe the future of solar lies in systems that are not only technically robust but economically optimized for long-term success. As the industry pivots toward simplicity, resilience, and spatial efficiency, East-West arrays are poised to become the new standard in solar design.