Novel Methods for the Installation of Single-Axis Trackers

ABSTRACT

To realize the full potential of solar power, a host of technical and socio-economic issues needs to be resolved. One of them is a growing demand for land. That means that the further development of more efficient solar panels should go hand in hand with the improved methods of their installation on complex sites. The challenge is intended for the identification of installation techniques that reduce the weight of tracking systems and increase the ease of their installation. The Challenge is also looking for new and improved methods of installation of single-axis trackers for solar panels on complex sites.

This Theoretical Challenge requires only a written proposal.

OVERVIEW

Solar power holds a tremendous potential to become an unlimited source of clean energy; however, to fully realize this potential, a host of technical and socio-economic issues needs to be resolved. One of them is a growing demand for land as more and more land is needed for the installation of new solar panels.

That means that the further development of more efficient solar panels should go hand in hand with the improved methods of their installation. In particular, it is necessary to develop innovative methods allowing complex areas (e.g., brownfields, landfills) to be used for installation as well as green fields.

This calls for installation techniques that increase the ease of their installation and anchoring of tracking systems for targeting complex grounds. This Challenge is looking for new and improved methods of installation of single-axis trackers for solar panels.

This is a Theoretical Challenge that requires only a written proposal to be submitted. The Challenge award will be contingent upon the theoretical evaluation of the proposal by the Seeker.

To receive an award, the Solvers will not have to transfer their exclusive IP rights to the Seeker. Instead, Solvers will grant the Seeker a non-exclusive license to practice their solutions. 

Submissions to this Challenge must be received by 11:59 PM (US Eastern Time) on January 9, 2023.

Late submissions will not be considered.

ELIGIBILITY

Employees of the Iren Group and its subsidiaries (and members of their families) are not eligible to receive awards for this Challenge.

ABOUT THE SEEKER

Iren is one of the largest and most dynamic multi-utility companies in Italy. It operates in many sectors including the generation and distribution of electricity, production of thermal energy for district heating, and gas. It also manages electric grids and provides integrated water services, as well as environmental and technological services.

Iren serves a multiregional area in the Northwest of Italy. It employs more than 9,000 people and provides a portfolio of services in the energy sector (2 million customers), integrated water sector (2.8 million customers), and waste cycle sector (2.9 million customers). Iren is the largest operator in Italy in the production of thermal energy for district heating. Iren is also managing more than 140 MW of solar plants both on the ground and on rooftops, which will be expanded.

Iren operates mainly through its business units that are represented by the controlled companies Iren Energia, Ireti, Iren Mercato, and Iren Ambiente. The current Challenge is sponsored primarily by Iren Energia, a company dealing with electrical energy production (e.g., gas turbines, hydro-plants, and renewable energy systems).

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This Challenge is a Theoretical-Licensing Challenge, meaning that the Seeker is requesting non-exclusive rights to use the winning solution. Solvers that do not win retain the rights to their solution after the evaluation period is complete. The Seeker retains no rights to any IP not awarded.