Global solar mounting manufacturer Schletter Group is showcasing its latest product solutions at RE+ in Anaheim, California next week, including its new one-in-portrait solar tracker, which is making its North American debut.

“Fewer kilos of mounting material for every square meter of surface covered yet with the same or better load-bearing capacity — this is a common thread running through our product development,” said Tilman Elsner, senior VP of engineering for North America and deputy head of global engineering for Schletter. “With our new 1P tracking system in particular, we have taken another massive step forward in terms of the ratio of material to power.”

Schletter developers have taken its existing tracker and optimized it for simpler configuration with large-format modules with lengths up to 250 cm (almost 99 in.). The compact “1P” tracker system accepts large-format modules in a vertical orientation, is optimized for bifacial modules and uses less material per kilowatt than the company’s previous model.

“This is a very crucial point at the moment, especially in view of the high cost of steel, logistics and transport,” Elsner said.

The 1P tracker shares some of the same features as Schletter’s existing two-in-portrait (2P) tracker, using a patented mechanical self-locking mechanism — a “Geneva drive” at each post that locks the module table at any tilting angle to mitigate wind-related vibrations. When stowed horizontally, the system can withstand wind speeds of up to 260 kph (about 161 mph).

Schletter plans to show its GMax fixed-tilt racking at RE+ as well. The steel-based single-post system requires fewer support posts per-kilowatt than previous models and is built for quicker installation.

Next up is Schletter’s FixGrid Pro flat roof system. According to wind tunnel testing, the system requires fewer ballasts than its existing FixGrid racking.

“Our wind tunnel tests have shown that there are clear aerodynamic advantages if the maintenance aisle is positioned between the upper edges of the upright modules,” Elsner said. “This means that up to 10 percent of the ballast can be saved. It also makes mounting the modules and wiring them much easier.”

Schletter developers have designed FixGrid Pro to be reconfigured for panel orientation (either horizontal or vertical), panel size and panel angle with several components made for universal application.

“Our new FixGrid Pro always allows an optimal support and clamping position for the module – no matter what the angle or size,” Elsner emphasized.

Schletter is also showing Proline, a pitched roof mounting system that can be installed by using a single internal connector.

“In the European market, we have a high market share in the pitched roof sector and we want to offer our tried and tested range, increasingly in the North American market too,” Elsner said.

Schletter will be exhibiting at RE+ from September 19 to 22 at booth #738.

News item from the Schletter Group

Billy Ludt is associate editor of Solar Power World and currently covers topics on mounting, installation and business for the magazine.

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