Strackers are elevated dual-axis solar trackers that produce significantly more power than same-sized rooftop or fixed ground-mount systems while maintaining full use of the property below. As a result, Strackers are a perfect photovoltaic (PV) solution for homes and businesses with roofs that have no solar access; for parking lots of any kind; for industrial and agricultural operations; and for open fields and schoolyards. Keeping their powerful large PV arrays pointed directly at the sun throughout the day, Strackers are the most efficient solar energy harvesting systems available.
These robust units, designed and manufactured by Stracker Solar in Ashland, Oregon, are currently the only UL-listed dual-axis PV trackers in the U.S. and are the only ones that qualify for Energy Trust of Oregon incentives. In addition, the all-steel Strackers are certified for 120 mph winds and come with 30-year production and structural warranties. Additional options like pole lighting and EV charging stations are available, and customers can choose from a wide variety of colors for their units.
Strackers Versus Rooftop Solar
A Stracker holds an array of 28 PV panels atop a 20-foot high single pole, making the system look like a giant mechanical sunflower. And just like young sunflowers, the array moves with the sun — something rooftop solar cannot do — assuring maximum energy collection at all times. As a result, Strackers produce up to 70% more solar power than an equivalent-sized fixed rooftop installation.
Strackers Versus Other Ground-Mount Solar Systems
Compared to traditional ground-mount solutions that sit low to the ground and require that the owner dedicate a specific area to solar power generation, often with fencing all around, Strackers’ 14-foot ground clearance allows the continued use of the grounds below. This clearance makes them ideal for farms, playgrounds, yards, and parking lot applications. Not just people and cars, but even tractors, semis, and firetrucks can pass easily under the Stracker array. Beyond the ground usage benefit, Strackers also provide up to 70% more solar power than same-sized fixed ground-mount systems and up to 30% more power than single-axis solar trackers.
While Strackers do require a minimum of maintenance, such as annual greasing, it can be done by the owner or through Strackers’ maintenance services; and snow removal is not an issue. Snow does not remain on Strackers as it does on fixed systems since the tracking movement of the array naturally sheds snow in its most vertical position, which occurs twice a day. If additional snow shedding is needed, a press of a button brings the array into a full-tilt position at any time.
Where Strackers Excel
Strackers excel where rooftop solar is not feasible or wouldn’t provide the desired amount of electricity and do so without compromising the usage of the property. Commercial, industrial, governmental, and residential customers, as well as community solar developers, who have sites where land use and maximum solar generation are important, will find Strackers the most suitable solution.
Even when a home or building has an excellent solar orientation, Strackers may still be a good choice if:
- Net zero is the goal, but the customer doesn’t have enough roof area to achieve that.
- The customer prefers not to deal with any needed upfront roof preparation and has concerns about future leaks or having to remove the system for future re-roofing.
- The condition of the roof doesn’t allow solar installation, or roof replacement would be due during the lifetime of the solar installation.
- The customer prefers not to have electric equipment installed on their roof with its potential fire hazard, even though the risk is slight.
Parking Lots
Parking lots are a natural fit for Strackers. Traditionally carport systems have been the chosen PV solution for parking areas, but due to their fixed nature, they lack harvest efficiency, one of Strackers’ key benefits. Instead of closing in parking lots with stationary carport systems, several stand-alone Strackers can meet customers’ energy needs while minimally affecting property use and aesthetics. In addition, Strackers come fully ready for Level 1, 2, or 3 EV charging stations. As a result, auto dealerships can power their operations and charge their electric vehicles without hiding their cars on display under carport solar installations.
That’s why Ashland’s TC Chevrolet chose Strackers as their solar power generating system, which they will install later this spring. The elegant lot display lighting the units provide with their state-of-the-art LED lights will be a bonus.
Agricultural Applications
For farms with crops or livestock, Strackers can be installed without interfering with agricultural operations. Strackers offer customers the opportunity to either produce solar power for their facilities without compromising the use of their land or generate additional income by participating in a community solar program and selling the electricity to participating members.
Cost-Effectiveness
Strackers’ patent-pending drive core, all-steel structure, fail-safe control system, accurate GPS validated 220-degree tracking range, and optimal bifacial capability make them one of the highest quality products available. They combine the best of solar with high-quality state-of-the-art engineering.
Yet the cost difference per installed kWh between a Stracker solar installation and a rooftop solar one is usually minimal. For example, in recent competitively bid Southern Oregon projects, Strackers came out as the solar solution with the lowest cost per kWh compared with local residential rooftop systems. However, every project is site-specific, and it’s often difficult to define the cost difference between installations in different markets. For example, in Ashland, Oregon, residential rooftop solar prices might be much higher than residential or commercial prices in Austin, Texas. So Stracker Solar develops site-specific cost and energy production analyses for each project that allows customers to compare the cost-effectiveness of Strackers with other PV solutions.
Net Zero with Strackers
Homeowners and businesses with poor solar orientation or lack of sufficient roof space often have difficulty achieving net zero energy. This is where Strackers come in. Their sales team discusses the option of net zero energy with every potential customer, and those who haven’t originally identified it as their goal are usually very receptive to choosing that path. As a result, Stracker Solar has helped many customers successfully meet their net zero energy goals while competitive solutions fell short for both power production and cost-efficiency. Of the Stracker installations to date, there are seven net zero residences, a net zero dental facility, and an off-grid ranch fully powered by Strackers. Also, seven vacation rental cottages and an office have become net zero thanks to a 6-Stracker community solar installation.
The Stracker Vision
Stracker Solar is a growing start-up on a mission: to provide the most efficient solar solutions that allow homes and businesses to get on the net zero path and enable communities to maximize their solar production via land-use preserving community solar installations. To make Strackers available beyond their current service area, they are planning a targeted national expansion in the second half of 2022 through licensing of prequalified welding facilities in several promising markets, combined with a certification program for area PV installers. The expansion plan will be supported by targeted marketing campaigns and direct partner outreach.
Strackers Solar has an excellent opportunity to make a difference for many homeowners, businesses, and communities looking to go solar who have inadequate roofs or no land to give up. Working with local solar installers, Stracker Solar can provide efficient solar solutions that best utilize available spaces and resources and make solar available to those for whom it otherwise would not be feasible.
By Joe Emerson, Founder of the Zero Energy Project.
Based on an interview with Jeff Sharpe, Founder of Stracker Solar, who welcomes inquiries from solar installers interested in becoming Strackers resellers.
