The new MECASOLAR solar tracker is modular and scalable. In addition, it can be easily delivered and installed (assembled) at the location. -- It has 44 tilted axes on which an area of up to 7,855 sq ft (730 sq m) of PV panels can rotate. -- Increasing output by 30% as compared to a fixed mount system and reducing costs per Wp, it is the most competitive and profitable on the market. -- MECASOLAR will introduce the new product in these international conferences and exhibitions: SOLAR CANADA 2011 (December 5 and 6, Toronto) and INTERSOLAR India (December 14-16, Mumbai).

November 21, 2011. MECASOLAR, a multinational company specialising in the design, manufacture and sale of solar trackers, fixed structures, and foundation screws, has recently launched a new polar aligned tracker, the only PV solar tracker that can drive up to 114.4 kWp with a single controller and motor, thus reducing the costs per installed Wp. This new product allows easy transport and installation because it is fully modular and scalable, which means the final assembly can be done at the location.

This new single-axis polar aligned solar tracker (MS-1EP) by MECASOLAR carries up to 44 tilted axes on a north-south line on which the PV panels rotate. Each axis can carry a total of 2.6 kWp and all of them are interconnected via a transmission bar. One motor can drive up to 730 sq m of PV panels (max. 114.4 kWp).

Its structure is modular and scalable to 10 modules per axis, or 440 modules per tracker. The MECASOLAR polar aligned tracker is astronomically controlled. Backtracking can be used as well, which allows for increased output (+30%) and PR in the installation as compared to a fixed mount system.

MECASOLAR's new product is the result of broad experience in the PV industry and a hard-working R&D team. Competitive advantages include simple modular assembly at the solar installation, easy transport of the tracker's parts, and robust structure made of hot-dip galvanised steel (under ISO 1461 standard) that provides corrosion protection and durability.

The technicians at MECASOLAR explain that the new tracker has been designed to be used with different foundation systems (with or without concrete, via foundation screws), which saves time in assembly and ground preparation too. "Land levelling, which is not permitted by environmental authorities in certain locations, is not required, which reduces work costs and avoids affecting the land," they add.

Foundation screws can be used to fix MECASOLAR's new tracker; for example, MECASCREW, the universal foundation screw the company launched in June 2011. Compatible foundation screws are admitted in the structure as well.

Furthermore, thanks to the axes' simple modular design, they can be used with other PV modules available on the market. In addition, the system requires low maintenance and involves reduced consumption. Also, it has an active wind protection system including an anemometer and a vane to determine the safest position.

Technical specifications Product specifications
Type of tracking system Single-axis polar aligned tracker with or without backtracking
Max. peak power 114.4 kWp per tracker, 2.6 kWp per axis with 290 Wp modules
kWp per axis 2.6 (depending on power of PV module)
Tilt angle 20-25-30º (varying with project and customer's needs)
Control type PLC programming with optional backtracking and wind protection system
Movement sensor Inclinometer
Rotation angles +45º to -45º
Rotating system Electromechanical
Transmission mechanism Linear, driving up to 44 axes
Maximum module area 7,855 sq ft (730 sq m), depending on PV module area
Structure material Hot-dip galvanised steel under ISO 1461 standard
Size 29.5 ft long x 8.2 ft wide x 14.7 ft high (9 m x 2.5 m x 4.5 m). Max. height varies with tilt position
Max. module weight 23,148 lb (10,500 kg)
Max. wind speed 87 mph (140 km/h) in 3-sec gusts
Weight (tracker) 24,251 lb (11,000 kg)
Height over the ground
(lower end of modules) 1 ft (0.3 m), varying with depth of screw and relief features of the area
Fixing MECASCREW or similar foundation screw or foundation footings
Warranty 2 years (extended warranty available)
Compliance with standards Eurocodes; Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC, Low Voltage Directive 2006/95/EC, Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive 2004/108/EC, ISO 14121-1:2008, ISO 12100-1:2004

Ongoing expansion

Since its establishment in 2005 and the launch of the MS Tracker 10 and MS Tracker 10+ dual-axis trackers, MECASOLAR has been growing steadily. Proof of this are the manufacturing plants set up in Greece (2008), the USA (2009), Italy (2009), and Canada (2010). As a result, the number of solar trackers manufactured in all five plants has risen to 24,000, with 311 MW installed trackers.

The increase in manufacturing capacity and a stronger global presence have led to an enlarged product catalogue after a series of new releases:

· December 2008: MS-1E TRACKER 15 and MS-1E TRACKER 15+ single-axis azimuth trackers
· February 2009: MS1F/2F/3F-V Vertical and MS1F/2F/3F-H Horizontal fixed structures
· June 2009: Improved MS-2E TRACKER 10 and MS-2E TRACKER 10+ 13.16 kWp dual-axis trackers, receiving the Solar Award 2009
· June 2011: MECASCREW universal foundation screw for fixed installations in all types of ground
· November 2011: New single-axis polar aligned modular solar tracker

The MECASOLAR products are available in all five continents, Europe being their "natural" market, followed by America, Asia, Oceania, and Africa.