Chinese PV tracker manufacturer Arctech has unveiled the SkySmart-2, a single-axis tracker for utility scale solar projects which is said to solve the instability issues associated with a two-modules-in-portraitset-up consisting of panels mounted in two rows and vertically oriented.
Arctech says the tracker design, with four driving – fixed – points and two-stage worm gears, provides increased stability due to stronger resistance to difficult weather conditions, particularly strong winds.
The Kunshan-based manufacturer said the SkySmart-2’s 20% south-north slope – equivalent to 11.3 degrees – is the largest ever seen in the tracker industry.
The structure was described as compatible with 1500 V four-string systems, bifacial panels and all commercially available PV modules. Arctech added, it also requires require fewer foundations. “If 370 Wp modules are installed on a row, only 202 foundations will be used for 1 MW; if 420 Wp modules are installed on a row, only 178 foundations will be used for 1 MW,” the company said.
Lower costs claim
Arctech claims installation and operations and maintenance costs for the SkySmart-2 are also lower than rival trackers, as the new model relies on only one motor and controller and all worm gears are connected through a mechanical synchronizing shaft.
The Lora wireless radio frequency technology, with a range of around 8 km and low electricity consumption, is used for plant monitoring. That technology, the company added, can keep the signal stable under various climate conditions.
The new tracker is at the final stage of internal testing and is set to enter the global market shortly, Arctech added.
This content is protected by copyright and may not be reused. If you want to cooperate with us and would like to reuse some of our content, please contact: editors@pv-magazine.com.
By submitting this form you agree to pv magazine using your data for the purposes of publishing your comment.
Your personal data will only be disclosed or otherwise transmitted to third parties for the purposes of spam filtering or if this is necessary for technical maintenance of the website. Any other transfer to third parties will not take place unless this is justified on the basis of applicable data protection regulations or if pv magazine is legally obliged to do so.
You may revoke this consent at any time with effect for the future, in which case your personal data will be deleted immediately. Otherwise, your data will be deleted if pv magazine has processed your request or the purpose of data storage is fulfilled.
Further information on data privacy can be found in our Data Protection Policy.