TrinaTracker, a leading tracker manufacturer and business unit of Trina Solar, has announced that the TrinaTracker One-in-portrait (1P) tracker system has been validated by RINA Tech Renewables, a reputable inspection, certification and consulting multinational organisation, for compliance with the Australian Building Codes and Standards for deployment in Wind Region C.

The independent assessment is a non-project-specific review examining the tracker structural design and design methods of the single-axis tracker system for compliance with codes and standards relevant for use in the Australian market.

The scope of work includes a review of Trina Solar’s design documentation, as well as a compliance review that confirms the static loads, dynamic wind load effects and aeroelastic effects are determined or considered in accordance with codes. The report also assesses the structural calculations for tracker elements, including connections, as well as wind tunnel procedures.

RINA considers the design basis, construction documentation, structural calculations, wind studies and the methodologies of analysis to represent appropriate industry practice and generally meet the intent of the Australian Building Codes and its referenced standards.

“TrinaTracker has been working with renowned independent engineer RINA for verification and approval for deployment of our single-axis trackers in Cyclonic areas, Wind Region C according to AS 1170,” Trina Solar APAC head of C&I and Utility Solutions Andrew Gilhooly says.

“As more renewable capacity is built and sites become ever more remote, TrinaTracker views this as an important next step in enabling our customers to deploy our technology on these ever increasingly challenging sites with confidence.”

The Australian Wind Region C refers to a part of Australia’s northern coastal area, where wind speeds are classified as cyclonic and can go as high as 248km/h. The strong gusts that characterise the region introduce a range of design and engineering challenges to anyone from developers to independent power producers who are considering solar solutions.

The RINA assessment of TrinaTracker 1P tracker system confirms the performance, feasibility and reliability of the tracker system in harsh conditions, opening up opportunities for deployment on underutilised windy zones, and is testimony to Trina Solar’s commitment to meeting the diverse and unique needs of customers in Australia and beyond.