Systems and methods for array level terrain based backtracking

A method for operating a first tracker of a plurality of trackers in an array, the method implemented by a physical processor in communication with at least one memory device and a rotational mechanism of the first tracker, the method comprises:

• determining, by the at least one processor, a first angle for the first tracker based on a shadow model and a position of the sun at a first specific point in time;
• determining a relative height for each tracker of the plurality of trackers in the array for the first specific point in time;
• adjusting the first angle based on executing the shadow model with the plurality of relative tracker heights associated with the plurality of trackers in the array;
• determining a first amount of irradiance to be collected based on the first angle, the plurality of relative tracker heights, and the shadow model;
• determining a second amount of irradiance to be collected based on the adjusted first angle, the plurality of relative tracker heights, and the shadow model;
• comparing the first amount of irradiance to be collected with the second amount of irradiance to be collected;
• determining whether to transmit instructions for the first angle or the adjusted first angle based on the comparison;
• and
• transmitting the determined instructions to the rotational mechanism to change a plane of the tracker.

A tracker system comprising:

• a first tracker attached to a rotational mechanism for changing a plane of the first tracker, and wherein the first tracker is in an array including a plurality of trackers;
• and
• a controller in communication with the rotational mechanism, the controller comprising a physical processor in communication with at least one memory device, wherein the processor is programmed to:
• determine a first angle for the first tracker based on a shadow model and a position of the sun at a first specific point in time;
• collect a relative height for each tracker of the plurality of trackers in the array for the first specific point in time;
• adjust the first angle based on executing the shadow model with the plurality of relative tracker heights associated with the plurality of trackers in the array;
• determine a first amount of irradiance to be collected based on the first angle, the plurality of relative tracker heights, and the shadow model;
• determine a second amount of irradiance to be collected based on the adjusted first angle, the plurality of relative tracker heights, and the shadow model;
• compare the first amount of irradiance to be collected with the second amount of irradiance to be collected;
• determine whether to transmit instructions for the first angle or the adjusted first angle based on the comparison;
• and
• transmit the determined instructions to the rotational mechanism to change the plane of the tracker.