Designed and supplied by Mecasolar, the new solar trackers modular, low height structure results in simple assembly that does not require cranes or lifting equipment, thus saving time in the installation. The assembly of this tracker is faster than that of a fixed mount system; in addition, it can increase power output by 30 percent, depending on the latitude of the location, as compared to fixed systems thanks to the horizontal tracking function.
Another remarkable aspect of the assembly in the field is that all the parts (beams, rails, etc.) are held together with fasteners and no welding is required, which saves time and reduces costs. The tracker can have up to 12 axes moved by a single motor. Each axis can carry up to 48 modules, 11.6kW per axis. This means that each horizontal tracker with a single motor can reach a power of 140kWp and a solar panel area of 960m2.
Not only is this new type of tracker easily assembled, but it is easily delivered as well, because it is made of separate parts. It was designed at the Mecasolar R&D Department to be carried disassembled in standard containers. This means there are two transport possibilities: in pairs of 2 MW in 9 containers, or in single units of 1MW in 5 containers. For example, you need 41 standard containers to carry 9MW to the site. This way, Mecasolar can supply trackers the world over from its manufacturing plants in Spain, Italy, Greece, USA, Canada, Australia and India.
The fact that you can use different types of foundations saves time in ground preparation too. The foundations you can use include concrete footing in situ, precast footing, Mecascrew foundation screws from Mecasolar or any compatible foundation devices available on the market. Besides, the hot-dip galvanised steel and the Dacromet coated fasteners ensure durability and robustness.
In addition, the low height (50cm) means lower environmental impact and little
construction work because the pillar section is small. The simple modular design of the axes allows for perfect adaptability to different types of ground and dimensions. Besides, the system requires almost no maintenance and consumption is very low (motor consumption: 165kWh/year).
Global manufacturing
The new HORIZONTAL single-axis solar tracker from Mecasolar, whose global launch has been scheduled for this June, adds to the POLAR tracker, which the company started to sell last December. Both trackers were developed by the multinational companys R&D Department to complete the product portfolio, including dual-axis and single-axis trackers, fixed structures and foundation screws.
Mecasolar meets a wide array of customer needs for different types of structures and facilities, from trackers and fixed mount systems for plants in BIG UTILITIES to fixed roof mounted solutions for the RESIDENTIAL market and single- or dual-axis trackers foFrom 2005 to 2011, Mecasolar supplied a total 343.4MW. This is equivalent to 27,169 solar trackers manufactured and installed. Currently, the companys single- and dual-axis solar trackers and fixed structures can be found in 498 solar PV farms around the world.
According to Mecasolar sources, Mexico, South Africa and India are the target markets where the company is planning to expand in the near future. Also, the firm is considering product diversification strategies to include other solar technologies using tracking systems.
