Higher Requirements for Industrial Actuators in Solar Tracking Systems
2026-05-25
Solar Tracking Projects Are Changing
As more utility-scale solar projects are built in different regions around the world, industrial actuator requirements are also continuing to change.
Compared with earlier solar tracking systems, today’s projects are paying more attention to:
- higher load capacity
- stronger static load performance
- outdoor waterproof protection
- long-term operating reliability
- lighter structure design
- lower maintenance requirements
Larger tracker structures and tougher outdoor conditions bring new challenges for actuator design.
*Project imagery referenced from publicly available updates shared by GameChange Solar.*
Outdoor Conditions Continue Becoming More Diverse
Some solar projects in dry desert regions may experience very little rainfall during most of the year. However, when sudden heavy rain or flooding happens, tracker actuators can remain in lower positions for long periods and become exposed to temporary water immersion conditions.
As solar tracking projects continue expanding into different climates and environments, some projects have also started paying more attention to higher waterproof protection requirements in specific outdoor conditions.
At the same time, protection level selection still depends on practical project considerations, including project budget, installation environment, long-term operating conditions, and overall system requirements.
To improve outdoor waterproof performance, the U20G Heavy Load Linear Actuator for Solar Tracker Systems series adopts a patented roof-style waterproof structure design that helps form a natural barrier against rainwater and liquid ingress during outdoor operation.
Coastal and High-Wind Projects Bring Different Challenges
As solar tracking systems continue expanding into more regions, some projects are also being installed in coastal environments with high salt exposure.
In these environments, projects often place higher requirements on corrosion resistance and salt spray protection for long-term outdoor operation.
At the same time, larger tracker structures are also creating higher requirements for load capacity and static load performance, especially in high-wind environments.
Some projects are also paying more attention to lighter actuator structures in order to improve transportation efficiency and increase container loading quantity.
In high-wind applications, additional damping structures may also be used to help reduce vibration and improve tracker stability. Products such as the U21A damper are developed for these types of outdoor operating conditions.
Long-Term Reliability Is Becoming More Important
Long-term vibration and repeated movement in solar tracking systems are also creating higher requirements for operational stability in outdoor applications.
To improve long-term outdoor reliability, the U20G series additionally adopts patented anti-loosening screw technology together with an anti-vibration structure design to help maintain stable operation under long-term outdoor conditions.
Different solar tracking systems may also use different drive approaches. Some projects use independent drive systems, while others continue using mechanical linkage structures to reduce actuator quantity and simplify part of the tracker structure.
Products such as the U18C linkage switch actuator are also used in these types of linkage applications.
Industrial Actuator Requirements Continue Increasing
From 12,000N to 50,000N load ranges, industrial actuator requirements in solar tracking systems continue changing together with real project conditions and outdoor operating environments.
As solar tracking applications continue expanding into different climates and project environments, industrial linear actuator requirements are also expected to keep increasing in future utility-scale projects.
Referenced from publicly available updates shared by GameChange Solar.
Recommended Reading
Why High Static Load Matters for Solar Tracker Actuators
From 12,000N to 50,000N: Solar Tracker Actuators at SNEC 2026
