Terrain-following Trackers Now Available in PVcase Ground Mount

PVcase has introduced a new functionality that allows users to add terrain-following trackers to solar projects within the PVcase Ground Mount tool.

Ideal sites for solar installations are becoming harder to find, making terrain-following trackers valuable for adapting solar plants to more complex landscapes. These trackers help mitigate risks associated with uneven terrain and improve project economics. Unlike traditional trackers that require extensive grading and steel foundations, terrain-following trackers use a slope-adaptive architecture that maintains a constant pier reveal height. This approach can reduce grading costs by 30% to 90%.

This design not only lowers earthwork costs but also limits soil erosion, resulting in improved soil integrity and reduced operations and maintenance costs over the asset's operational life. Additionally, reducing grading helps mitigate risks related to environmental reviews, grading-related change orders, and schedule delays throughout the project development timeline.

How do terrain-following trackers work?

A terrain-following tracker is essentially a segmented regular tracker, with segments that allow it to fit more easily onto uneven terrain. For example, a rope laid on the ground follows the undulations, while a plank remains flat. Standard trackers are like planks, whereas terrain-following trackers are like ropes that bend according to the surface.

Terrain-following trackers use sensors to detect the sun's angle and direction, as well as the ground's position and slope. These sensors may include GPS, accelerometers, inclinometers, and other devices. The sensor data is sent to a controller, which calculates the optimal position for the solar panels based on the sun's position and the ground's contour. The controller then commands motors to adjust the panels' positions.

Motors adjust the solar panels in real time, tilting, rotating, or pivoting them to match the ground's contour and maximize sunlight capture. The panels are mounted on a structure designed to be strong and durable, able to withstand movement and weather changes. The system requires a power supply for the sensors, controllers, and motors, which can come from a battery, grid connection, or both.

Benefits of terrain-following trackers

• ​Increased energy production: Terrain-following trackers can boost energy production by 5-15% compared to fixed-tilt systems by optimizing panel angles to capture more sunlight.
• ​More stable output: The panels' angles change throughout the day to match the land's contour, resulting in more stable energy output.
• ​Better adaptability: These trackers are ideal for uneven or sloped terrain, making them suitable for locations where fixed-tilt or standard single-axis trackers are impractical.
• ​Lower costs: By increasing energy production and reducing grading requirements, terrain-following trackers can be more cost-effective than other systems.
• ​Reduced environmental impact: They minimize land use and preserve natural habitats by reducing ground movement, helping protect resources and ecosystems.

Grading multiple areas at once

The new functionality also allows users to grade more than one area simultaneously, saving time on ground-grading tasks. This feature is available under the Ground grading tab in the Civil analysis section. By clicking the "Grade the selected surfaces" button, users can grade their chosen surfaces efficiently.

For more information on this new functionality, users can refer to the PVcase help center or schedule a demo.