What Is A Solar Tracker Slew Drive?
A solar slewing drive (often also called a slew drive or slewing drive for solar trackers) is a crucial component in solar tracking systems. Its primary function is to provide the precise rotational movement necessary to orient solar panels or concentrated solar power (CSP) mirrors towards the sun throughout the day, maximizing energy capture.
We are a leading manufacturer of slew drives, our solar slew drives are compact and rugged rotary systems that provide rotational motion while supporting heavy loads, specially designed to withstand high radial, axial and moment (tilt) loads.
Why Do Solar Trackers Need Slew Drives?
Solar trackers absolutely need slew drives because they are the core component that enables the precise, powerful, and stable movement required for solar panels to follow the sun. In essence, slewing drives for solar tracking system provide the necessary strength, precision, and stability that solar trackers demand to effectively and reliably orient solar panels towards the sun, thereby maximizing energy yield and ensuring the long-term performance and profitability of solar power installations.
Type Model Size Data
| Model /Dimensions Parameters： |
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| Model |
External Dimensions（mm） |
Installation Dimensions |
Mounting Holes Data |
| （mm） |
| L |
L1 |
L2 |
L3 |
L4 |
L5 |
L6 |
H |
H1 |
D |
D1 |
D2 |
n1 |
M1 |
| VE3-62 |
270 |
186 |
80 |
100 |
126 |
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109 |
|
126 |
100 |
|
6 |
M10 |
| VE7-73 |
344 |
208.7 |
132.7 |
230 |
270 |
170 |
215 |
85 |
80.8 |
237.5 |
203.2 |
98 |
8 |
M12 |
| VE9-61 |
447.7 |
266.2 |
174.2 |
254 |
294 |
190.5 |
230.5 |
112.8 |
108 |
316 |
270 |
145 |
8 |
M16 |
Single-axis trackers: Rotate around one axis (typically east-west) to follow the sun's daily path.
Dual-axis trackers: Rotate around two axes (horizontal and vertical) to follow both the sun's daily path and seasonal elevation changes, providing the most precise tracking.
Solar Slewing Drive Size Drawing:
In addition to standard-sized precision slew drives, we can also customize solar slew drives.
Features
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The VE series slewing drive is designed with a vertical drive.
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They are mainly used for various kinds of solar trackers and wind turbines.
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More teeth in contact to realize high torque and stable rotation performance.
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Easy installation with a 24V DC electric motor.
Applications Of Slew Drives In Solar Systems:
The most direct application of solar slew drives is in solar tracking systems. Slew drives precisely rotate solar panels (PV) or reflectors/collectors (such as trough concentrated solar power (CSP), heliostats for power towers and parabolic solar power) so that they follow the path of the sun throughout the day or even all year round, thereby maximizing energy capture.
Details
Wind Turbines
Slew drives are critical for the yaw and pitch systems of wind turbines.
Yaw Drive
Rotates the entire nacelle (the housing at the top of the tower containing the generator and gearbox) to orient the turbine blades into the wind for optimal energy capture.
Pitch Drive
Adjusts the angle (pitch) of individual rotor blades to control power output and protect the turbine in high winds.
Tidal and Hydrokinetic Energy
Some experimental or niche applications in tidal or hydrokinetic energy generation might utilize slewing drives for orienting underwater turbines or similar devices to optimize water flow.
How do slewing drives help solar power systems?
Slewing drives are absolutely fundamental to the performance and efficiency of solar power systems, particularly those that utilize solar trackers. They provide the critical mechanical capabilities that allow solar panels or concentrated solar collectors to continuously adjust their orientation to face the sun directly.
✔ Slewing drives enable solar trackers to continuously pivot and tilt the panels, ensuring they remain perpendicular to the sun's rays for the longest possible time. This constant optimization of the angle significantly increases the amount of sunlight absorbed by the panels, leading to a 15% to 40% (or even higher for dual-axis) increase in energy output compared to stationary systems.
✔ Slew drives are designed to minimize backlash and allow for precise positioning, ensuring the panels are always aligned as accurately as possible.
✔ Slewing drives incorporate robust slewing bearings that are designed to simultaneously support significant axial (vertical), radial (horizontal), and overturning (tilting) loads caused by the weight of the panels and the mounting structure.
✔ Solar slewing drives are engineered to withstand the strong tilting moments and dynamic loads generated by wind, ensuring the panels remain stable and in position, preventing damage or structural failure.
✔ Slewing drives are built with heavy-duty materials, sealed housings, and durable coatings to ensure long-term reliability and minimal maintenance in these challenging environments.
About Us
Why choose us?
We have a strong R&D team with rich design experience. Our team not only provides standard products, but also OEM services and customized products according to your specific needs. In addition, based on years of work experience, we can provide users with competitive prices, guaranteed quality and quantity, timely delivery and excellent after-sales service.
Power Jack Motion is a reliable Motion Control Products supplier in China. Specialists in Production of Electric Motor, Linear Actuator, Gearbox. For use in automation, solar energy, smart household appliances, robots, and more.
