Solar Tracking Systems Reduce CO2 Emissions and Increase Solar Power Generation

SKF (UK) Solar Linear Actuator-CASD-60, and SKF Solar Hub CRSD 290 are two solutions that each contribute to the reduction of CO2 emissions by increasing the energy production from one 58 m2 solar panel by 5.8 MWh/year. This equates to a reduction per solution of 4.4 tonnes CO2/year according to the world power grid mix CO2 factor of 0.749 kg CO2e/kWh. Both solutions are part of the SKF BeyondZero portfolio.* 

“Harnessing renewable energy is one of the most effective solutions for reducing carbon dioxide. SKF’s advanced electromechanical technology offers improvements over today’s maintenance-intensive solutions and delivers high performance, accuracy and efficiency by accurately tracking the sun’s position throughout the day and throughout the seasons”, says Markus Behn, Global Business Development Manager, SKF Renewable Energy, Solar Segment.

SKF Solar Linear Actuators and SKF Solar Hub are available to provide single- as well as dual axis movement that tracks the travel of the sun as it moves across the sky.

Both solutions are custom designed to manage extremely harsh conditions in which solar panels operate, and are IP 65 certified. And, both solutions provide highly accurate movement and are virtually maintenance-free with an expected service life of 20 years which helps SKF customers to achieve lower levelised cost of energy (LCOE). SKF Solar Linear Actuators and SKF Solar Hub can be used with photovoltaics, concentrated photovoltaics or concentrating solar power systems.

CO2  figures are valid for 58 m2 panels on a single axis tracker. For a dual axis tracker the results will be further improved. Also for another size of panel, the results will be different. The larger the panel, the larger the environmental benefit, since the production and waste treatment of the actuator is of minor importance to the results.

* The SKF BeyondZero product portfolio contains products that offer enhanced environmental performance characteristics. To be included in the SKF BeyondZero portfolio, SKF products, services and solutions must deliver significant environmental benefits.