Rooftop PV power system has been gaining attention in Shanghai, as a potential solution to the massive power consumption by its huge population. Thanks to cross-Taiwan Strait cooperation, a rooftop duo-axis solar tracking system, the first such system in China, in Shanghai is nearing completion. The system, installed in the Shanghai International Automobile City, actually results from cross-Taiwan Strait cooperation, as its 40kW iPV tracker is provided by Taiwan's BIG SUN Group.

As a focal item of the national auto technology development plan of Shanghai, the Shanghai International Automobile City, still under construction, has attracted many international automakers and auto research bodies to set up shop there, as it is projected to become a major auto technological base in China. In cooperation with research bodies, PV firms, and the State Grid Corporation of China, the Shanghai City Government promulgated regulations on distributed PV generation systems, effective May 1.

China's First Rooftop Two-Axis Solar Tracking System

The 40kW duo-axis solar tracking system atop the office building of the Shanghai International Automobile City has caused quite a stir in the PV industry, as it is the first such facility in China ever.

Builder of the project entrusted Linyang Group for the provision of EPC service and Taiwan's BIG SUN for the provision of iPV tracker duo-axis solar tracking system. The facility employs a 3kW iPV tracker consisting of 12 275W mono-si modules, provided by Linyang, with its power output meant for use by the office building.

It took only five days to install the facility. Summer Luo, BIG SUN chairman, points out that the base of the iPV tracker system is made of specialty steel and is not embedded in the roof, to avoid damaging the waterproof layer and the roof itself. In addition to short construction period, the facility can be easily dismantled, such as for the sake of capacity expansion, and reinstalled. Despite higher cost, it is relatively light, without the need of cement grouting, weighing only 40 kilos per square meter, which greatly lessens the load on the building.

Luo notes that for its small scale, the 40kW system may be applied in other buildings in the Shanghai International Automobile City and buildings in neighboring areas.

The base of the specially designed  iPV Tracker .

Affirmation for iPV Tracker

In order to cut cost, a common quest in the PV industry, BIG SUN has endeavored to enhance power output and lower cost per kilowatt/hour of the system. Via improvement in hardware equipment and adoption of modules capable of power generation on both sides, Luo anticipates great potential for iPV tracker. Luo points out that the iPV tracker can generate 50% extra power with the bifacial module, 30% from the front side and 20% from the back side.

Summer Luo, Chairman of BIG SUN Group.

The iPV tracker has been gaining growing acceptance, following its installation throughout the world, which dispels customers' concern about its stability. The facility is marching towards the milestone of 100MW in installed capacity worldwide.

EnergyTrend has learned that the iPV tracker may be put under the auspices of the new "Top Runner Program" of mainland China, in acknowledgement of the high power output of its technology. iPV tracker is making major inroads into some markets, such as North America, where it has received large orders exceeding 100MW in scale each from Array Technologies and NEXTracker recently. Along with continuing improvement of iPV Tracker’s quality, it looks to the goal of GW level worldwide.