Soltigua is based in Italy and since 2007 has been active in the field of high precision solar tracking for concentrating solar thermal collectors (CSP), a few years ago Soltigua expanded its portfolio to PV trackers.
BiTracker has been designed to maximise the view factor, i.e. the portion of reflected solar radiation which can be received and processed by the rear side of the bifacial PV modules.
To maximize the view factor, one needs to maximize the relative height of the tracker, i.e. the height of tis rotation axis divided by the width of the rotation table.
In optimising the design of BiTracker, Soltigua relied on extensive test and simulation data, based on wind tunnel test in Germany and the US, and on well-respected and dedicated solar software such as PVSyst and Reliance.
“We examined in depth both 1V and 2V configurations – says Soltigua’s CTO Vittorio Orioli – After careful consideration we chose 1V because of two reasons.
First, 1V makes it possible to optimize the view factor while keeping a reasonable tracker height, with a maximum height of the tracker below 2.5 meters. This is less than half of the 5+ meter height required to reach the same view factor with a 2V configuration!
Second, BiTracker’s 1V architecture reduces the average wind pressure on PV modules by 40 to 80% compared to 2V configurations. This reduces the risk of microcracks which can reduce the performance of the modules.”
BiTracker will be also equipped with an innovative Sub-GHz wireless architecture, which can operate over longer distances and connect more nodes per control unit than current state of the art systems such as ZigBee. Soltigua’s wireless system will reduce consumption and allow a longer battery duration. It will be supported by Soltigua’s proprietary mobile app for commissioning and field supervision.
“We welcome the advent of bifacial and the engineering dedication that it requires – say’s Soltigua’s CEO Francesco Orioli – Bifacial complexity is shifting competition towards greater attention to every detail, an aspect which is already embedded in our company’s DNA, thanks to our CSP expertise.
Quality and innovation are the way forward for solar – particularly in Europe, as we have learnt by collaborating with some of Europe’s leading solar research institutions such as Fraunhofer ISE and ENEA.
