TrinaTracker’s Solar Tracker Passes DNV Wind Tunnel Review

TrinaTracker, the solar tracker division of Trinasolar, has received a third-party technical review from independent energy expert and insurer DNV for its wind tunnel testing program on the Vanguard 1P tracker, the company announced. A wind tunnel for a solar tracker is a controlled testing facility used to simulate wind conditions and study how wind forces affect the structural integrity, performance, and safety of solar tracking systems.

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The tests, conducted at Tongji University’s TJ-3 wind tunnel, the world’s second-largest facility of its kind, involved rigid model pressure measurements and advanced dynamic analysis of the Vanguard 1P structure. The wind tunnel used a large-scale, multi-row network model measuring 5m × 2.2m to simulate realistic wind loads and operating conditions.

Independent Evaluation 

DNV provided an independent evaluation of the methodology and results, confirming the reliability of the Vanguard 1P tracker under diverse environmental scenarios. The technical assessment aims to enhance the system’s wind resistance and operational safety.

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“As a critical component of PV systems, the long-term reliability of trackers directly affects investor returns,” said Xie Tao, Managing Director of Energy Systems for Mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau at DNV. “This study validates an innovative testing method by Tongji University and TrinaTracker—an important step during the energy transition.”

TrinaTracker has an established focus on wind engineering research, working with global institutions including Tongji University, RWDI, and CPP. The collaboration with DNV, the company said, represents a new model for global technical assurance.

The company plans to continue investing in innovation to deliver advanced solar tracking solutions worldwide.