Trackers have risen to prominence for larger scale application because they can add between 15%-30% to your yield.
Not all trackers are made equal and neither do they follow the same design principle. Having implemented a range of trackers across South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa, we have significant experience in addressing the challenges of their design and implementation.
For this reason, we work closely with the market leaders on the subject.
Application:
While single row 2p trackers have been historically popular for bifacial application, more recently the single row 1p trackers have gained popularity. Whilst we offer a 2p tracker, the 1p is the preferred choice for most applications.
While possible to do smaller projects, we generally advise project owners and EPCs to consider trackers from 5MWp. In smaller applications it often makes more sense to install more modules on a fixed tilt to render the kWh commitment.
Ideal use for
Utility-scale solar
power plants
Significantly increasing energy output per unit area.
Industrial
installations
High energy consumption sectors such as data centres, manufacturing and large commercial buildings.
Agrivoltaics
Spaces requiring dual use such as where solar panels are installed above crops.
Research and
Development projects
Research being done to test new solar technologies and configurations.
Why use a PV tracker
system with Caracal?
Leading partner
By decoupling the drive unit, Mounting Systems’ Omega TR1 has doubled tracker system efficiencies; its design is ingenious with fewer components.
Improved efficiency
Optimising the angle of the panels ensures the system operates at maximum efficiency throughout the day.
Better land utilisation
The tracker system can produce more energy from the same amount of land compared to fixed systems, making them ideal for space-constrained applications.
Long-term cost savings
Despite higher initial costs, the increased energy production leads to lower overall cost per kilowatt-hour over the system’s lifetime.
Statistically proven
The Omega TR1 structure supports extra-large format modules with no mechanical impact on modules from the torsion system.
Wind protection
Omega TR1 handles wind protection of up to 90km/h with tracking and up to 260km/h in storm position.
No galloping
This benefit is due to the self-locking properties of the Omega TR1.
European standards
Omega TR1 applies design principles of Eurocode 0 – basics, Eurocode 1 – actions on structures and Eurocode 3 – steel construction.
Manufacturing
Notes
Omega
OEM: Mounting Systems
Based on standard industry components, with self-locking features and a fully encapsulated drive system, Omega TR1 is the standard of reliability, durability and simplicity.
The tracker system is designed with the goal to achieve static stability and eliminate galloping during operation. It creates a smooth and low friction system that ensures a low level of energy demand.
The system not only offers standard sun-tracking but also adaptive backtracking (with or without offset), various farming modes, project and terrain-based wind zoning, low light management as well as snow management. When used in agri-mode, the drive system is protected against negative effects from irrigation and fertilisation.
Designed for harsh environments, the Omega TR1 can withstand wind speeds of up to a remarkable 260km/h.
Features include:
- Up to three strings per tracker row
- Operating wind speed up to 45km/h at max inclination
- Base wind load in stow position up to 150km/h
- Atmospheric corrosivity up to C4
- No practical limits for soil corrosivity
- Annual power consumption (standard operating cycles) of 0.25kWh
- Ground slope of up to 10 degrees along tracker row.
- Optimised for bifacial gain.
No two solar projects are the same, as needs and priorities are different for every business. Whether you're focused on price, aesthetics or versatility, we'll deliver quality, high-performing trackers that are built to last.
Interested in solar PV trackers for your business?