Array Technologies, a utility scale solar tracker supplier, has launched Skylink, a photovoltaic powered wireless tracker system based on the functionality of the company's DuraTrack and OmniTrack tracker series.


Array Technologies has launched Skylink, a photovoltaic powered wireless operating system for its solar tracker series.

The Array DuraTrack and OmniTrack that support Skylink have many new features, including an eight row linkage architecture with passive wind resistance, brushless DC motors powered by photovoltaic series, Zigbee wireless communication, and a set of SmarTrack functions.

Array Technologies CEO Kevin G. Hostetler said, "Array is committed to continuously improving our products, supporting customers by reducing costs and installation time, and addressing the increasingly severe challenges of extreme weather conditions. As destructive storms become more frequent, our new Skylink tracking system ensures uninterrupted solar production during grid outages and adverse weather conditions with its reliable wireless communication. This advanced system provides the protection needed to sustain solar production, especially in areas prone to snow and hail, ultimately supporting the wider adoption of sustainable energy solutions

Regardless of the status of the power grid, photovoltaics will provide power to the solar tracker's mobile control system to ensure that the tracker retracts when it detects hail or snow in SmarTrack's automatic snow response and hail alert response, without relying on batteries operating in low temperature and extreme weather conditions. This is combined with Array's patented passive wind retraction technology.

DC motors and wireless communication can reduce trenching, wiring, and power supply. Skylink can be installed using commonly used tools. The system aims to use SmarTrack backtracking to minimize inter row occlusion and achieve better yields for sites with hills or valleys. Skylink adopts an eight row linking architecture, making the layout of dispersed sites easier.