Greentech Lead America: SolarWorld, a fully integrated
solar manufacturer, will introduce the next-generation of its single-axis
tracker, Suntrac, at Intersolar North America. The new tracker can boost a
system’s electricity production by up to 21 percent while reducing installation
costs and improving mechanical reliability.
“Suntrac expands upon SolarWorld’s legacy of quality
and performance-driven innovation. It offers owners of utility-scale solar
projects a reliable, cost-effective, low-maintenance solution for maximizing
their power generating potential,” said Kevin Kilkelly, president of SolarWorld Americas.
Suntrac has already been specified for 26 megawatts
of utility-scale projects in California.
The U.S. manufactured tracker can be custom-configured
for solar projects of more than 500 kilowatts. Suntrac requires no welding or
fabrication in the field and accommodates various uneven terrains. In addition,
it is designed to allow groups of solar panels to be joined or
“panelized” offsite, further reducing field labor expenses.
Suntrac features dry, low-friction bearings, and an
electric, rather than hydraulic, actuator, resulting lowest ongoing operation
and maintenance costs.
The new-generation Suntrac is expected to be installed
this year in Southern California and the Bay Area. The Suntrac will reduce the
total cost of power production by about 10 percent over the life of a project,
when compared with fixed-tilt systems.
SolarWorld powers American Public University solar system
Recently, American Public University System (APUS), an
online higher-education provider, in association with SolarWorld, set up a
407-kilowatt solar array in West Virginia. The system is comprised of 1,671
high-performance solar panels. The installation is mounted on a carport
structure at APUS’ headquarters in Charles Town.
editor@greentechlead.com