Array Technologies’ utility trackers mount over 1200 large-format PV panels per motor. The tracking system moves the panels so that they follow the sun as it travels across the sky. The tracking system provides the maximum possible exposure of the solar panels to the sun’s radiation. The arrays adapt to a diverse range of topography, environmental conditions and site configurations so they can be mounted almost anywhere.
Their design solution generates more power with fewer motors per megawatt than any other utility scale tracking system. The Array Technologies solar mounting system can be combined to form a field filled with solar panels, enough to produce significant power for Array Technologies’ utility customers.
The clamp that holds the panels together
Connecting the solar panels and holding them in position is accomplished thanks to an aluminum clamp. Hydro extrudes the clamps at our Phoenix, Arizona, facilities. The alloy is cast in-house at our remelt facilities. It contains more than 70 percent recycled aluminum.
The alloy provides the strength needed for the clamps along with an excellent finish when anodized. Since the clamps are exposed between the solar panels, it’s important that they are durable and maintain a quality look.
Hydro supplies the extruded clamp profiles to Array Technologies in 250-inch lengths. The components are nested together in pairs and shipped to Array Technologies. In their Albuquerque facilities, Array Technologies cuts the extrusions to length and punches the holes needed for mounting before shipping them to the field for installation.
Wendy Beach, communications manager for Array Technologies, said, “We have found Hydro to be responsive and flexible. They have worked well with our engineers to deliver what we need. They’ve met our bundling requirements. It is important to us that Hydro makes its own aluminum because they have control over their process.”
“We were extremely pleased that Array Technologies chose Hydro as one of their aluminum vendor partners because they are a growing company, and we hope to grow with them,” said Walt Brown, fabrication sales manager for Hydro.
