Page 38 - North American Clean Energy March April 2018 Issue

solar spotlight: tracking systems
Tracking Systems
SEE AD ON PAGE 21
An advanced mounting system for photovoltaic panels, solar trackers maximize the sun’s energy by tracking its progress across the sky. Versatile enough to provide highly e icient solutions for both large and small projects, solar trackers can generate more electricity in the same area as their fixed-tilt counterparts. Below, we explore some of the solar tracking systems available on the market today.
SEE AD ON PAGE 37
AllEarth Renewables Type of Tracker: Dual-axis
Drive System: GPS-based tracking powered by a hydraulic power unit
Tracker Length: 20' to 25' (6.09m to 7.62m)
Tracker Height: 18' to 20' (5.48m to 6.09m)
Pile Count: 1; supported on a single pole
Modules per Row: 4 panels in landscape orientation
Module Mount: Rail and clamp system Slope Tolerance: Maximun 10% grade
Tracking Range: Yaw range 0° to 360°. Tilt range 0° horizontal to 60° off horizontal
Preventative Maintenance Required: Hydraulic fluid change every 8-10 years. Annual inspection recommended
Tracker Power Consumption:
Approximately 50kWh per year
Key Features:
• American designed and manufactured;
• Individually tested pre-engineered system;
• 120 mph wind rating;
• 10-year limited warranty. www.allearthrenewables.com
Soltec
Type of Tracker: Horizontal single-axis
Drive System: Enclosed slewing drive, DC motor
Tracker Length: 147' 12" (45.1m) Tracker Height: 12' 12" (3.95m) Pile Count: 7 piles per 90 modules Modules per Row: 90
Module Mount: Omega rails with cinches, rivets, or bolts
Preventative Maintenance Required:
Yes
Tracker Power Consumption: 249kwh/ MW-year
Certifications: UL 3703, IEC 62817, EN 1090, IEC 61326-1
Key Features:
• Limited shadowing, high bifacial performance;
• Best captures early and late day bifacial potential;
• No special parts or installation operations;
• All other Soltec’s SF7 cost- effectiveness features included.
www.soltec.com
Slope Tolerance: n/s 17%; e/w unlimited Tracking Range: 120° +
Standard Configuration: 2 x 45
Innovation for simplicity
Solar Trackers and Fixed Structures
www.stinorland.com
Scorpius Trackers, Pvt., Ltd. Type of Tracker: Horizontal single-axis, tilted
single-axis, dual-axis
Drive System: Linear actuators (array), gear motor drive (row)
Tracker Length: 206' (63m) (n/s row length) Tracker Height: Up to 6' (1.8m)
Pile Count: Between 225 to 450, depending on configuration
Modules per Row: Up to 126
Module Mount: Clamps or bolts and washers
Slope Tolerance: e/w 14%, n/s 5%, row tracker
Sun Action Trackers
Type of Tracker: Single-axis, dual-axis
Drive System: Slew drive, linear actuator
Tracker Length: 130' (39.6m)
Tracker Height: 5' (1.5m)
Pile Count: 42 panels per pole, dual-axis; 6.75 mods per pile, single-axis
Modules per Row: Up to 60
Module Mount: Direct bolt or clamps
Slope Tolerance: 10° e/w, 4% n/s
Tracking Range: +/- 60°
Standard Configuration: 360 modules per linear actuator
Preventative Maintenance Required:
Annual
Tracker Power Consumption: 800MWh/yr/ MWdc
Certifications: UL3703 www.sat-energy.com
Tracking Range: +/-60° in e/w
Standard Configuration: 2 or 1 up in portrait, 2 or 4 in landscape
Preventative Maintenance Required: Not required
Tracker Power Consumption: self-powered Certifications: Wind tunnel, Independent
Engineers Certification
www.scorpiustrackers.com
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MARCH•APRIL2018 /// www.nacleanenergy.com
Over
2 GWp worldwide
Robust & Reliable