Soltec releases bifacial-ready single-axis solar tracker

Soltec, a global manufacturer and supplier of single-axis solar trackers, has unveiled its new SF8 tracker. The SF8 has a new minimum 2-by-60 panel configuration and a 4- to 6-string module connection.

“We think our SF8 will revolutionize the solar tracking market. Its 2 by 60 minimum configuration will not only reduce installation and maintenance costs, [but] it will also yield more energy and increase overall photovoltaic plant performance. At Soltec we are very pleased with both this development and the optimization it will bring about in terms of power generation in large photovoltaic parks,” said Raúl Morales, Soltec’s CEO.

A rendering of the single-axis SF8 tracker. Soltec

The new tracker can adapt to different terrain, has a reinforced torque tube, a new geometry and an autonomous self-stow system for resistance to adverse weather conditions. The SF8 tracker increases the rigidity of its structure by 22% more than the previous generation of Soltec tracker, the SF7.

“We have made use of all our acquired knowledge, in collaboration with RWDI, to design the most robust tracker in the marketplace,” said Sergio López, Soltec’s COO.

The SF8 is specially designed for larger 72 and 78 cell modules, an increasing market trend.

“As tracker manufacturers, our designs adapt to market trends with the aim of providing clients with the best performing trackers,” Morales said.

The SF8 has 5% fewer parts per module than the previous generation of Soltec trackers. Each SF8 tracker is equipped with, at least, 4 strings, contributing to ease electrical module connections.

Bifacial yield

The SF8 has a full-wireless system enabling complete plant and inter-tracker connection. The “Open Thread” system developed by Google contributes to plant protection and to damage prevention by anticipating weather conditions.

The SF8 tracker has seen up to 8.6% more power generation when bifacial modules are installed, the company stated in a press release.

“With the TeamTrack system, Soltec was already capable of producing 6% more energy. Now we have improved and adapted this algorithm to bifacial modules, for an extra yield of up to 0.5%. This extra bifacial gain of SF8 trackers adds to the 2.1% of bifacial gain yielded by our bifacial tracker in comparison to 1-in-portrait configuration trackers of competitors,” says José Alfonso Teurel, CTO at Soltec Innovations.

News item from Soltec

<!–
–>
Original Source: https://www.solarpowerworldonline.com/2020/09/soltec-releases-bifacial-ready-single-axis-solar-tracker/