First Solar Tracker
HIGHER ENERGY YIELDS WITH INTELLIGENT TRACKING
RAPID
INSTALLATION
Streamlined
mechanical structure
and preassembled
components for easy
installation
Minimal site
preparation needed
with low-impact on the
environment
Engineered for
high-velocity
installation with
few individual parts
and no specialized
installation tools
required for rapid infield deployment
First Solar Tracker is a uniquely engineered, single-axis tracker designed to optimize
the performance of First Solar PV modules and maximize energy production. These
proven and reliable systems combine uncomplicated, low-environmental-impact
installation with up to 25 percent higher energy yields than fixed mount systems.
PROVEN ENERGY YIELD ADVANTAGE
DAILY POWER PRODUCTION
BOOST FROM
TRACKING
• Proven to generate up to 25 percent
more energy than conventional fixed
mount systems
• Smart control system with WindShift™
Technology automatically adjusts
the structure’s position during high
wind conditions, lowering stress
on components while maximizing
energy yield
• Demonstrated annual energy
increase by using an optimized
true-tracking algorithm, compared
to traditional backtracking
First Solar Tracker follows the sun throughout
the day to maximize energy output.
ADVANCED PERFORMANCE
AND RELIABILITY
• Efficient design requires no
scheduled maintenance on any parts
including bearings and actuators
• Integrated tracker controller monitors
system function, collects data, and
reports status for each row and across
the entire plant
First Solar, Inc. | firstsolar.com | info@firstsolar.com
02012_DS_A4_01AUG14
CONVENTIONAL TRACKER COMPARED TO FIRST SOLAR TRACKER
CONVENTIONAL “GANGED” TRACKER ARCHITECTURE
DISTRIBUTED ACTUATION ARCHITECTURE™
With single tracker systems, a single problem can shut
down a large portion of the array (typically 200-500kW).
With the First Solar Tracker, issues can be isolated
to smaller portions of the array (~6kW).
FAILED MOTOR/ACTUATOR
FAILED MOTOR/
ACTUATOR
POWER
METER
POWER
METER
Distributed Actuation Architecture uses independent
low-voltage DC linear actuators on each tracker to
maintain continuous system performance.
• Maximizes energy yield by limiting point of failure
to single tracker in array
• Easier installation on sloped terrain or irregular shaped
sites means that a smaller footprint is required
STANDARDS
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Tracker Controller
and Actuator
UL3703
Tracker Weather
Station
Tracker Gateway
Optional Backup
Power System
(BPS)
Architecture
Distributed Actuation
KW per Tracker
Approximately 5.8 kW (depending on the module used)
UL61010
Actuators per Tracker
1
UL61010
Certifications
FCC, CE (as Applicable)
Controls
True Tracking – proven to give increased energy yield and thus preferred over backtracking
when used with First Solar thin film modules, Wind Shift™, obstruction sensing, GPS timederived positioning
Actuation
DC Electric, 0.050 kWh / Day / Tracker max energy usage (including controller)
Range of Motion
+/- 45° from Zenith
Anemometer
Dual Anemometers with 15 ft. Mounting Tower Included – 4 to 8 per site
Data Collection
Included in Tracker Controller
Dimensions
North/South: Approximately 60 feet (18.3m)
East/West Width: Approximately 8.3 feet (2.5m)
Foundations
Driven Posts (typical). 4 foundations per 60 modules
Structural Materials
Steel hot dip galv. and/or roll-formed pre-galv. steel sheet
Operating dB
Motor: 65 dBA @ 3ft
Installation
No in-field welding required. Design optimized for high installation velocity
Design Loads
Per IBC2012 and 3rd party wind tunnel testing
Wind
Up to 115 mph 3 Sec Gust, Exposure Category C, Occupancy Category II
Snow
Up to 20 psf
Seismic
Category D, Sds = 1.55, Sd1 = 0.699
Modules Supported
Optimized for all First Solar PV modules
UL1778
Note: All specifications subject
to change. Foundation type depends
on site conditions. Additional
or alternate certifications or design
standards may not be available, or
may drive additional cost premiums.
firstsolar.com | info@firstsolar.com