HARMONIOUS COEXISTENCE OF ENERGY AND NATURE
► uP TO 25% PRODUCTION INCREASE
SINGLE-AXIS HORIZONTAL TRACKER FOR AGRIVOLTAICS
MAXIMUM PERFORMANCE
Production matching demand
The S2 AGRO utilizes tracking to deliver up to +25% more energy production, with a cost increase that remains near +10% compared to fixed-tilt systems of equal power. Thus, the investment becomes more efficient, with better utilization of installed capacity and more energy from the same area.
Energy production using trackers is distributed more smoothly throughout the day, in contrast to a fixed photovoltaic installation which concentrates most of its energy around noon. This is of increasing importance as the market experiences an energy surplus at noon and a deficit in the morning and afternoon, as solar energy increases its share in power generation.
Furthermore, as producers shift from feed-in tariffs to market-based pricing, those whose production curve matches demand better gain a competitive advantage in Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) negotiations. The S2 AGRO also reduces the cost per generated kilowatt-hour in facilities that include energy storage, as increased production hours proportionally decrease storage requirements.
ENGINEERED TO LAST
HYDRAULIC DRIVE
The S2 AGRO utilizes a hydraulic drive, a reliable choice for harsh environments as proven by decades of use in earth-moving machinery. The hydraulic circuit is sealed from the environment and the hydraulic oil is constantly filtered via a microfilter. This enables operation even in particularly demanding conditions, ensuring reliable, low-maintenance operation for many years.
HIGH TORSIONAL STABILITY
Depending on its length, each Table can feature up to 3 parallel actuators. This means the maximum “free” length from the actuator to the table edge is minimized. This short free length provides exceptional torsional stability. High torsional stability eliminates the need for dampers.
EASY MAINTENANCE
All joints consist of a combination of stainless steel and bronze, requiring no maintenance throughout the life of the machine. Replacement of hydraulic oil and filters is required every 5 years.
All movement and control components of a Power Unit can be removed and replaced within minutes without interrupting the operation of the rest of the plant and without requiring the disassembly of the entire table.
EASY INSTALLATION
No field work, such as drilling, cutting, or welding, is required. This minimizes installation errors and eliminates the need for specialized personnel. The foundation and assembly costs of the S2 AGRO are competitive and often lower than those of a corresponding fixed photovoltaic installation.
SMART ARCHITECTURE AND FLEXIBILITY
Hydraulic power is provided by Power Units distributed throughout the site. Each PU can control up to 6 Tables. The PUs operate at 240V AC, which is converted to 24V DC for safety and to simplify maintenance. Communication between the Master Group Controller and the Power Units is performed via LoRa wireless technology.
INNOVATIVE SOFTWARE
Control
The S2 AGRO features an advanced control system where the MGC communicates with the PUs wirelessly. It includes an anemometer, GPS receiver, wind direction sensor, and snow accumulation sensor. The MGC receives time and position data from the GPS, which the astronomical algorithm uses for the precise calculation of the sun’s position. Based on this, when wind intensity and snow accumulation are within safe limits, the optimal tilt angle is sent to the Tables.
Backtracking
Early in the morning and late in the afternoon, when the sun is low on the horizon, the algorithm continuously calculates the optimal tilt angle so that the Tables do not shadow each other.
REMOTE ACCESS
The MGC features a web server which allows the plant operator remote access to system functions from any web browser.
TELEMETRY-Logging
Every plant transmits its data to a remote server (MQTT Broker) every few seconds, making them available for further analysis either via the client’s SCADA or via MECHATRON’s data processing and visualization portal.
FLEXIBLE FOUNDATION OPTIONS
The innovative six-axis hinge can absorb up to 10 cm of foundation misalignment in any direction, allowing for installation in areas with steep slopes. The S2 AGRO can be installed on slopes up to 15° (27%) in the North–South direction and on unlimited slopes in the East–West direction.
The Tables are independent of each other and can be configured in any way according to project needs (maximum length 38m, width 4.8m, ~66 PV modules). Thus, plots with varying slopes or irregular boundaries are easily covered by combining tables of different sizes.
Option 1 – Rammed Pile
Post rammed into the ground.
Option 2 – Concrete Piling
Post embedded in concrete.
SUITABLE FOR ANY TERRAIN
Easy absorption of East–West terrain abnormalities
Installation on any slope in the East–West direction
Easy absorption of North–South terrain abnormalities
Installation on slopes up to 15° (27%) in the North–South direction
SPECIFICATIONS
Main Features
Type: Horizontal single-axis tracker (rotation axis oriented South–North and parallel to the ground)
Range of motion: −48° to +48°
PV panel orientation: 2 Portrait
PV panel type: Bifacial or Monofacial
Table dimensions:Length: 10m to 38m
Width: up to 4.8m
Installation Features
Foundations:Post driven into the ground (Rammed)
Post embedded in concrete (Concrete piling)
Minimum net height in horizontal position: ≥2.15m
Maximum North–South field slope: 15° (27%)
Unlimited East–West field slope
Electrical Features
Voltage: 240V AC, single-phase
Energy consumption: 480 kWh/year/MWp
Drive
Type: Hydraulic
Maintenance:Annual visual inspection
Hydraulic oil and filter change every 5 years
Control
Tracking method: Astronomical algorithm
Tracking accuracy: 1°
Measuring system: Inclinometer
Backtracking: Yes
Monitoring and remote handling: Full, in real time via Internet
Plug & Play: uses GPS for time and position
Communication system: wireless
Safety
Active safety features (stow):Protection against wind speed
Protection against snow load
Manual stow position by operator for extreme weather events
Operating conditions: up to 50 km/h at any tracking angle and any wind orientation
Structure
Structural studies in accordance with Eurocode
Movement: Hydraulic
Structural components: All parts are made of hot-dip galvanized or Magnelis-coated S355 and S235 steel for durability and corrosion protection
Joints: Stainless steel-bronze spherical bearings, dry-sliding, maintenance-free
PV module support: Panels are mounted directly on the structure without additional mounting components or specialized clamp systems
Environmental Conditions
Operating temperatures: –15 °C to +55 °C
Resistant to any combination of humidity and dust