FS Track-2
MOUNTING
Power per tracker: ~200 kWp Drive type: Linear actuator Range of motion: 90° and 110° standard Slope tolerance: S/N 3° standard, up to 8° with sloped terrain set E/W 3° standard Backtracking: Yes Wind protection: None required, safety windstow included
Schletter’s FIRST TRACKER for the U.S. market Solar mounting manufacturer Schletter unveiled its first tracker for the U.S. market, the FS Track-2, at Intersolar 2015. With a single actuator and push-bar design, the tracker will be on display again during SPI at Schletter’s booth, No. 2916. Based on experience overseas, Schletter designed the FS Track-2 with a stainless steel spherical bearing that ongoing accelerated life testing has shown to be more durable than plastic or nylon bearings, said David Wallerstein, product manager at Schletter. The company, which offers popular fixed-tilt systems for ground, roof and carport projects, has entered the tracker market as public support for large projects is squeezed, making energy yield a critical component of positive system economics. Popular sentiment about tracker technology has shifted, too. “The industry has seen a dramatic shift of thought about tracker technology, from seeing it as a risky technology to one with high degree of acceptance,” Wallerstein said. “The transition of larger systems from fixed tilt to trackers will continue to improve economics.” On what differentiates the FS Track-2 from other singleaxis trackers, Wallerstein cited the custom geotechnical surveys Schletter performs for foundations on most projects 4 8 SOLAR POWER WORLD
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250-kW and above. He also said the tracker is cost-effective in equipment, installation and maintenance. The system features reduced foundation posts as well as simple-toinstall and standardized components. Wallerstein said Intersolar produced several domestic orders for FS Track-2 and expects systems to be in the ground by the end of the year. Globally, a 100-MW project in Chile is in final engineering, with components en route, and several “modest” systems will be constructed in Europe soon. SPW
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8/20/15 6:03 PM