Novel Energy Solutions LLC, an EPC and portfolio solar investor based in St. Paul, Minn., signed a new strategic partnership with Mechatron Solar to develop 20 MW of solar in the Midwest, utilizing Mechatron’s unique dual-axis trackers.
“We chose Mechatron for their reliability and high yield production compared to other trackers. We are very excited to begin a partnership with them,” says Cliff Kaehler, Novel’s founder and CEO.
The high-yield M18KD, with its gearless ball-bearing tracker design, can operate in sub-zero and high-heat conditions. Mechatron will manufacture approximately 515 of its flagship M18KD trackers in Stockton for that initial 20 MW. Mechatron sources its components globally, with overlapping country vendors, to assure timely project execution.
The small footprint of the single-mast Mechatron tracker is particularly sought out by EPCs for its high-yield, which can exceed ground-mount solar yields by over 40%. With the use of bifacial solar panels, like those now installed in Nova Scotia, the tracker can add another 10% or more in the yield comparison.
Novel’s experience in Northern-latitude projects is a synergistic fit with Mechatron’s highly-reliable trackers, which have been field proven in locations ranging from Nova Scotia, Canada to Southern California.
“Their strength in the Midwest market complements our growing North American geographic reach, extending from our base in California,” says Michael Fakukakis, CEO of Mechatron.
The M18KD tracker has demonstrated field-proven 99.97% uptime over the past decade across 90 MW in Europe and in North America. This performance represents the highest uptime in the solar tracking industry as well as the lowest maintenance cost over the duration of the project lifespan, according to Mechatron, which puts the ROI of a Mechatron tracker at typically less than four years.
Tags: Mechatron Solar
