A Spanish solar racking solutions manufacturer, PV Hardware (PVH), will supply its trackers for a 109.76 MW solar project in Chile. The company has been selected to supply its AxoneDuo Infinity trackers for the Alcones project in Chile. The solar project also includes the development of a 33/110 kV substation and a 9 km transmission line. PVH’s trackers are designed to optimize solar plant performance, providing adaptability to diverse terrains and conditions. Their in-house pre-assembly process reduces on-site components by over 70%, leading to a 40% decrease in installation time. This collaboration will help expand Chile’s renewable energy infrastructure and reduce carbon emissions. The solar farm will generate enough electricity to power more than 86,000 homes once in operation. In solar farm development, cross plate anchors secure structures like solar trackers to the ground. They ensure stability and resistance against environmental forces.
Cross plate anchors consist of a central rod with perpendicular steel plates at the base forming a cross shape. This helps provide enhanced holding capacity when embedded in soil. The use of cross plate anchors in solar farm installation contributes to the reliability and efficiency of the energy production system. This is by ensuring solar panels remain positioned under adverse weather conditions. Solar farms need robust foundations to support photovoltaic panels and solar trackers. The plate anchors also ensure the durability of solar tracking systems, especially those used in large-scale solar projects.
Functions of cross plate anchors in Chile’s solar farm
Cross plate anchors ensure the stability and durability of the solar panel mounting structures. The integration of cross plate anchors in solar farm development in Chile underscores the importance of stability and efficiency in large-scale solar projects. This can help maximize energy output while ensuring long-term reliability and sustainability in Chile’s renewable energy sector. Here are the functions of the cross plate anchors in Chile’s solar farm.
- Structural stability—cross plate anchors secure the mounting structures into the ground. They provide a strong foundation and prevent the solar panels from shifting. They are crucial to ensure the system can withstand seismic forces, which are prone to earthquakes.
- Load distribution—the anchors help distribute the weight of the solar panels and mounting structures across the ground. This is essential in areas with uneven or loose soil to prevent sinking or tilting.
- Resistance to environmental stress—Chile has various climate conditions that can subject the solar farm to extreme weather conditions. The cross plate anchor ensures the system remains stable under high winds, temperature changes, and other conditions.
- Corrosion resistance—the anchors are from galvanized steel or corrosion-resistant materials, which is vital in high-salinity environments.
- Ease of installation—cross plate anchors offer quick and efficient installation, which is crucial for large-scale solar projects.
- Durability—cross plate anchors extend the lifespan of the solar installation by providing a secure and stable foundation. This helps reduce maintenance costs and ensures consistent energy production.
Technological innovations implemented by PVH solar farms in Chile
PV Hardware has introduced several technological innovations other than trackers in its solar farm development in Chile. These innovations enhance efficiency, adaptability, and sustainability. They help contribute to the country’s renewable energy goals and set new standards in solar technology implementation. The following are the technological innovations supporting solar farm development in Chile.
- Solar trackers—PVH’s AxoneDuo Infinity trackers are designed to optimize energy production by following the sun’s path throughout the day. The trackers offer increased adaptability to various terrains and climatic conditions. Solar trackers maintain optimal panel orientation and boost the efficiency of solar installations.
- In-house pre-assembly process—PVH has put in place an innovative in-house pre-assembly process to reduce on-site labor. This helps decrease the number of components needed on-site by over 70%, leading to a 40% reduction in installation time.
- Advanced control systems—PVH integrates smart controllers and advanced SCADA software into their solar tracking systems. The technologies enable real-time monitoring and precise control of the trackers and allow adaptive responses to environmental changes.
- Adaptation to agrivoltaics—PVH has adapted its trackers to support agrivoltaics applications, recognizing the growing trend of combining agriculture with PV systems. This allows for dual land use and enables agricultural activities beneath solar installations without compromising energy production. This adaptability promotes sustainable land management practices and maximizes land utility.