Choosing an Actuator for Solar Tracking Systems: 5 Critical Criteria

Why are actuators different in solar tracker applications?

Unlike fixed-mount PV systems, solar trackers continuously move panels to follow the sun’s daily path. That motion projects the full set of outdoor criteria — wind load, thermal cycling, UV exposure and long-life expectation — onto the actuator.

1. Wind load and static force endurance

In solar trackers the highest mechanical load comes from wind. A 4 m × 12 m panel surface can generate 6-8 kN of static load at a wind speed of 24 m/s. Maximum push/pull values should be at least 1.5× this load. The Hedron solar series is validated for 12,000 N static endurance in this category.

2. IP class: minimum IP66, IP67+ preferred

Outdoor rain, snow and dust exposure exceeds standard IP65. Fertilizer/water vapour in inland farm installations and salt/sand effects in coastal/desert installations are additional factors to evaluate.

3. Wide temperature range

Tracker actuators must perform reliably from -30°C winters to +75°C summer panel temperatures. Lubricant viscosity and capacitor selection must hold up across this range; otherwise starting torque drops noticeably in winter.

4. Stroke and horizontal/vertical axis choice

400-800 mm stroke is typical on single-axis trackers; 200-400 mm on the second axis of dual-axis systems. Stroke length directly drives the angular range and impacts panel height and shading efficiency.

5. Feedback and drive compatibility

As investor reporting expectations grow, the actuator’s ability to report its position back to the PLC or tracker controller becomes critical. Models with hall sensor or encoder outputs should be preferred for precise angle feedback.

Field validation

The Hedron solar actuator series is validated on 500+ PV plant sites across Turkey’s diverse climates. Contact our engineering team for a data-driven sizing report.