EnerTrack: the solar tracker designed for agrivoltaics by Ecostal Engineering

Generating solar electricity without taking a plot away from farming: that is the equation ground-mounted project developers have to solve today, in Belgium as in France or Italy. With EnerTrack, Ecostal Engineering, formerly SigueSol, answers it with a solar tracker designed from the outset for agrivoltaics. Loris, project manager, presents it to you in two minutes, from the demonstrator assembled with his team.

Loris, project manager at Ecostal Engineering, presents the EnerTrack tracker.

What is EnerTrack? A solar tracker that follows the sun from east to west

EnerTrack is Ecostal Engineering’s brand of solar tracker solutions. The principle fits in one sentence: rather than fixing the panels in a single orientation, the structure rotates them on an axis throughout the day.

“A solar tracker is a structure on an axis that rotates the panels from east to west to follow the sun.”

Behind this solution is a field team. Loris is part of it: his role is to act as the link between the engineering department and the client, from the drawings to the installed structure.

“My role in the company is to act as the link between the engineering department and the client. In other words, I turn drawings into a real project in the field.”

A solar tracker designed for agrivoltaics: farm machinery passes underneath

EnerTrack’s main application is agri-PV. The structure has been sized so that farming continues under the panels, without the farmer having to change their practices.

“Our structures are designed to let farm machinery pass underneath and so allow any existing crop or grazing on the field to continue.”

For a developer, this changes the nature of the project: the tracker does not replace the agricultural use of the plot, it is layered on top of it. This is also what makes it compatible with the regulatory frameworks taking shape on several European markets.

Decentralised drive: what sets EnerTrack apart from a conventional tracker

The difference from the usual solar trackers lies not in the principle but in the architecture of the structure.

“Instead of a single rotating axis with the motor at the end, we have a decentralised drive using linear actuators distributed along the tracker and synchronised.”

This design is felt from installation onwards. The EnerTrack demonstrator was assembled by Loris and two colleagues in a single day, something that struck him in this project.

“One thing that struck me about assembling this demonstrator was how easy and straightforward it was to put together.”

EnerTrack tracker warranties: long-term visibility for the developer

An agrivoltaic project is planned over decades. EnerTrack’s warranties have been defined with this in mind:

• 10-year warranty on the structure;
• 20-year warranty against corrosion;
• 25-year availability of parts.

“This gives the developer a long-term view of their project.”

Belgium, France, Italy: three markets for the agrivoltaic tracker

In Belgium, farmland is precious and limited. Agrivoltaic trackers allow farmers to generate electricity while maintaining agricultural activity underneath.

In France, the tracker market is being regulated, with explicit requirements on farm machinery passing under the structures and on maintaining agricultural activity. EnerTrack structures were developed precisely to meet these requirements.

In Italy, conventional ground-mounted photovoltaics is very restricted in agricultural areas. The potential lies in structures with raised panels, which leave room for farming.

An agrivoltaic project under consideration? Let’s talk

Are you developing a ground-mounted plant on an agricultural plot, or looking for a structure compatible with keeping a farm in operation? The Ecostal Engineering teams support you from the engineering department through to assembly on site.

FAQ: EnerTrack solar tracker and agrivoltaics

Can you continue to grow crops or graze livestock under an EnerTrack tracker?

Yes. The structure is designed to let farm machinery pass and to preserve the crop or grazing already in place on the plot.

Who is Ecostal Engineering?

Ecostal Engineering is the engineering and solar structures division of Ecostal Group, previously known as SigueSol. It designs and installs bespoke solar structures for medium to large C&I and agrivoltaic projects.

How does a project with Ecostal Engineering work?

A project manager is your single point of contact. They act as the link between the engineering department, which designs the structure, and your site, where it is assembled.