NEXTracker’s NX Horizon at a 1.1-MW array in Huron, California.
UL 3703 certification ensures that a solar tracker has met the stringent safety requirements of the National Electrical Code, NFPA 70. It indicates a manufacturer has complied with the highest electrical and mechanical engineering standards. UL 3703 certification lets county building inspectors and other authorities having jurisdiction (AHJs) speed up third party evaluation processes, which can mean faster commissioning for utility-scale solar projects.
The requirements of UL 3703 certification involve rigorous inspection and evaluation of a tracker platform and all of the trackers’ mechanical and electrical aspects, including mounting, bonding and grounding, as described in an installation manual.
All of a tracker’s characteristics are examined and assessed, ensuring they comply with UL 2703, including requirements within the standard for mounting systems, mounting devices, clamping and retention devices and ground lugs for modules.
Evaluation includes humidity and temperature cycling, rain tests and safety testing for the electromechanical systems of the controller. Testing takes into account the maximum system voltage of 1500V. Solar devices attached to the trackers also must comply with electrical and mechanical standards.
Product and worker safety is paramount for NEXTracker, which is why NEXTracker NX Horizon delivers the highest level of safety. That our entire tracker offering meets UL 2703 and UL 3703 certification requirements underscores NEXTracker’s commitment to safety, reliability and quality standards.
By Dan Shugar, CEO, NEXTracker
Hi,
Is it necessary for a manufacturer to apply both the UL 3703 + UL 2703 product mark to the Tracker System (Mechanical & Electrical) for sale and use in the USA?
Is a solar tracker the same as a solar panel?
This certification sounds like an important step towards getting more solar electric devices in use.
Thanks for sharing.
Hi Tony. No its not. A solar tracker includes PV cells but it itself is more than just panel. A solar tracker comes as single or dual axis (in accordance with its allowed motion) and follows the sun from sunrise to sunset to a very good degree of accuracy (plus or minus 1 degree if I’m not mistaken). This ability to “track” the suns motion allows it to have around a 30% markup in efficiency as compared to a fixed solar panel. Hope that helps.