Solar Tracker Pivot Bearing

Solar Tracker Pivot Bearing must support simultaneous radial, axial, and moment loads caused by wind, module weight, and actuator forces. Bearings are engineered with optimized contact surfaces and raceway geometry to distribute these loads uniformly, reducing stress concentrations and fatigue. The design ensures structural integrity under uneven terrain-induced deflections and torsional forces. 

Material Grade & Specification

AISI 1045 Steel (or equivalent), ASTM A516 (for bearing load and durability)

Dimensional Tolerances

±0.005 inches (±0.13 mm) for critical dimensions, ±0.002 inches (±0.05 mm) for bore and mounting surfaces

Surface Finish Requirement

Ra ≤ 3.2 µm (125 µin) for bearing contact surfaces, Ra ≤ 6.3 µm (250 µin) for non-critical areas

Heat Treatment Specification

Quenching and Tempering (QT) to 28-32 HRC (Hardness) for high wear resistance and improved durability

Bearing Load Capacity

10,000 N (or as per custom requirements) for continuous tracking under solar panel weight and forces

Product Description

Solar Tracker Pivot Bearing is designed to accommodate angular misalignment between structural tubes and actuator arms without compromising rotational precision. Through the use of spherical bearing seats and compliant bushing materials, the system compensates for minor axis skewing due to thermal or assembly variations, maintaining motion stability across tracker rows. 

Lubrication and Sealing Requirements

Grease lubrication for internal bearings, sealing to IP65 or higher for protection against dust and moisture

Hardness Requirement

28-32 HRC (for bearing contact surfaces) to ensure optimal wear resistance and operational longevity

Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) Requirement

Ultrasonic Testing (UT), Magnetic Particle Testing (MT), Dye Penetrant Testing (DPT) as per ISO 9712 or custom specification

Coating/Plating Requirement

Zinc Plating, Epoxy Coating, or Zinc-Aluminum Alloy for corrosion resistance, especially for outdoor exposure

Certification Standard

ISO 9001:2015, IEC 61215, IEC 61730 (for solar components), CE Marking

Technical Advantages

Solar Tracker Pivot Bearing utilizes low-friction polymer or composite interfaces, significantly reducing the breakaway and operational torque required for daily solar tracking movement. This low-friction interface limits back-driving resistance, thereby extending actuator life and maintaining consistent azimuth or tilt movement, especially in high-cycle systems. 

Solar Tracker Pivot Bearing components are manufactured using UV-stabilized polymers, stainless alloys, or coated steels, ensuring mechanical performance under UV exposure, sand abrasion, and moisture ingress. Sealed or self-lubricating configurations prevent contamination-induced wear, preserving performance in high-dust or coastal installations without frequent re-greasing. 

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Industry Applications

Utility-Scale PV Plants

Supports high-load solar tracker mechanisms in multi-megawatt installations subjected to wind, thermal, and dynamic structural deflection stresses. 

Agrivoltaic Systems

Maintains precise tracking alignment over soft, uneven terrain where torsional loads and ground variability affect structural bearing alignment. 

Desert-Based Solar Farms

Withstands abrasive sand, thermal cycling, and UV exposure while maintaining mechanical articulation without performance degradation or material fatigue. 

Coastal Solar Installations

Resists salt corrosion and humidity-driven creep in rotating joints exposed to saline atmospheres and high wind pressure variations. 

Floating Solar Trackers

Compensates for dynamic platform movement and hydro-induced tilt variations using flexible axial load-bearing interfaces and low-friction surfaces. 

Hybrid CSP-PV Systems

Enables high-precision angular rotation in systems requiring both photovoltaic orientation and thermal concentrator adjustments on the same axis. 

Thermal Dimensional Stability and CTE Matching

Solar Tracker Pivot Bearing materials are selected with matched coefficients of thermal expansion to prevent binding or clearance loss over wide temperature ranges. This ensures bearing geometry remains stable from -40°C to +90°C, preventing actuation stalls or structural stress due to diurnal thermal fluctuations. 

Solar Tracker Pivot Bearing is engineered to exceed 60,000 full-load operational cycles under IEC 62817 structural and durability test conditions. Design life supports continuous exposure to dynamic wind loads, positional cycling, and seasonal misalignment effects, aligning with the expected 25-year utility-scale solar plant operation timelines. 

 

Solar Tracker Pivot Bearing

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Check all our Frequently Asked Question

How does Frigate ensure dimensional consistency in Solar Tracker Pivot Bearings during large-scale production?

Frigate uses CNC-machined tooling with tight process control to maintain tolerances within ±0.05 mm across batches. Automated in-line inspection verifies bore diameter, concentricity, and bushing seat alignment. Dimensional repeatability is critical to avoid misalignment in tracker rows. All parts undergo final gauge verification before dispatch. 

What surface treatments does Frigate apply to enhance corrosion resistance of Solar Tracker Pivot Bearings?

Frigate applies zinc-aluminum flake coatings or duplex surface treatments to exposed steel parts. These coatings offer over 1000 hours of salt spray resistance as per ASTM B117. For marine or coastal zones, stainless steel or polymer-based housings are also available. Surface treatment selection is based on site-specific corrosion class and design life. 

How are Frigate’s Solar Tracker Pivot Bearings tested for dynamic loading performance?

Frigate simulates cyclic rotational loads using actuator test benches to replicate ±60° angular motion under varying moment loads. Bearings are tested up to 60,000 cycles to verify fatigue life. Load-deformation curves are measured to detect any stiffness loss or wear progression. Testing aligns with IEC 62817 structural durability standards. 

 

What mounting interfaces are supported in Frigate's Solar Tracker Pivot Bearings?

Frigate supports flanged, press-fit, and through-bolt interfaces compatible with torque tube and bracket assemblies. Hole patterns are customized for specific tracker OEM geometries. All interfaces are analyzed for stress concentration and fatigue under bolted joint conditions. Custom bush inserts are also supplied for composite or dissimilar metal contacts. 

How does Frigate address friction management in Solar Tracker Pivot Bearings?

Frigate uses PTFE or POM-lined bushings with controlled interference fits to manage friction over time. The design avoids stick-slip by maintaining constant surface pressure under varying loads. Grease-free operation is possible for up to 5 years in sealed variants. Torque values are validated through real-world actuator simulation. 

 

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LOCATIONS

Global Sales Office

818, Preakness lane, Coppell, Texas, USA – 75019

Registered Office

10-A, First Floor, V.V Complex, Prakash Nagar, Thiruverumbur, Trichy-620013, Tamil Nadu, India.

Operations Office

9/1, Poonthottam Nagar, Ramanandha Nagar, Saravanampatti, Coimbatore-641035, Tamil Nadu, India. ㅤ

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Solar Tracker Pivot Bearing

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