What is a Solar Panel Navigator and How Does It Work?

what is solar panel navigator

It's you, me and a boat:

http://www.solarnavigator.net/

...and a movie:

http://www.solarnavigator.net/solar_navigator_the_movie.htm

otherwise, my guess is it's a device or technique for keeping a solar panel pointed at the sun (but that's just a guess

A solar panel navigator is basically a solar tracker which orientates and tilts the solar panel to the correct solar angle throughout the day. Solar panels and arrays which track the sun can collect a higher amount of energy thereby increasing their efficiency than those installed on a roof at a stationary fixed angle.

While a solar tracker maybe expensive to buy and install, the increase in panel efficiency due to the constant tracking of the sun means that a smaller solar panel can be used offsetting the cost or reducing the payback period. This website, www.alternative-energy-tutorials.com/solar-power/solar-panel-orientation.html explains in better detail how a solar tracker works.

But I wonder if in some cases it would make more sense to make the solar array larger rather than investing in a solar tracker. Not only are they more expensive, but there is more to fail, so maintenance costs could be high down the road. If you have the space, consider a larger array to offset the inefficiencies of non-direct sun.