Soltec, a manufacturer of highly innovative single-axis trackers, has adapted its SF Utility solar tracker to the extreme conditions of the Continental Climate with its hot summers, cold winters, high winds, high snowfall and frost heave. Control electronics temperature range is increased to -40° F, stow-response is cut down, structural loading capacity is increased up to 50 psf, and snow removal smart controls are added.
“It is always a challenge to face extreme climatic conditions. Earlier we adapted our tracker to the Desert Climate, and now to the Continental Climate where high snow loads and sub-zero temperatures define the design. Our R&D team has re-designed the control electronics, and a new high-speed motor design moves the tracker from the maximum tilt (60˚) to the horizontal position (0˚) in less than 3 minutes for rapid stowing against high winds,” said José Alfonso Teruel, R&D Manager Soltec.
To deal with higher snow loads structurally, Soltec specified a higher grade of steel and modified tracker dimensions. In addition, SF Utility incorporates a new snow removal control to move the tracker and manage accumulating snow with much less personnel labor.
“We have developed exclusive piles to maintain tracker equipment stability in heavy snow and deeply frozen earth. The electronics have been adapted for temperatures reaching -40° F, and we’ve added tracker snow load removal control and management of snow accumulation below trackers. We are pleased to offer advanced and innovative tracking solutions at reasonable costs,” said Raúl Morales, CEO Soltec.