Scaling tracking systems to accommodate module trends

During my 15+ years in the solar industry, I’ve watched system equipment evolve for the better as technology advances. Module frames, cells and form factors have been steadily trending larger in size to increase overall system efficiency. Larger modules are heavier, wider and more challenging to mount for standard tracking companies. But our engineers expertly design Ideematec trackers to scale to meet a wide range of sizes, tailored to each individual project’s needs.

Our core differentiators support unique module sizes

Because of our signature decoupled drive technology, all of our trackers are designed to accommodate a variety of module sizes. Unlike our competitors, we isolate the motor from the module wing, distributing the load to the foundational posts, away from the modules and motors. Because there are less posts required to support the load, our trackers require up to 4x fewer foundations and gearboxes than standard tracking systems. This dramatically reduces long-term operational costs and provides more system design flexibility regardless of module size.?

The decoupled drive technology means module wings can support 2 modules in portrait and span up to 190 meters in length––nearly twice as long as competing systems that only support 1 module in portrait. This not only translates into more watts per row, but it also means fewer, longer rows of the modules of your choice.

“The L:Tec Horizon tracker is especially well suited to accommodate larger module sizes for both 1P and 2P configurations. The innovative locking system secures standard, bifacial and XXL modules safely in position against extreme winds, snow, seismic loads and also protects against high-risk corrosion environments,” said Nathalie Kermelk, Civil Engineer and Executive Manager at Ideematec.

Our tracking systems secure modules in place to withstand up to 180 mph winds. Ideematec systems can be converted into a fixed array, at a zero degree stow position. This is especially useful when protecting a larger module frame from extreme weather conditions, and protects the entire array against torsional galloping. This also means that each motor experiences 40% less velocity pressure, extending the lifetime of the array and lowering operational costs.?

Systems you can count on for the long haul

We provide long term technology our clients can grow with. There is no threat of needing to learn the ins and outs of a new tracking system with each new module size trend. As module sizes continue to grow to increase energy yield, we ensure our tracking systems are prepared to adapt to these ever increasing scales.