CityFreighter presents “Solartrackr” for mobile homes – production-ready new product with maintenance-free motion plastics

To be able to supply mobile homes with electricity independently, the company CityFreighter has developed a solar tracker that automatically orients itself towards the sun and thus ensures maximum energy output. Its mechanics are made of lubrication-free igus motion plastics. They ensure precise and maintenance-free movement of the solar panel, even in adverse weather conditions.

Just imagine you have the perfect spot by the lake, but once again there is not enough power because the solar panel is staring rigidly in one direction. This is exactly where the new “Solartrackr” from CityFreighter comes into play – a mobile solar tracker that automatically orients itself towards the sun and thus maximises the energy yield. An integrated anemometer ensures that the system retracts automatically in strong winds. In addition, it can be extended to a predetermined height to avoid collisions with roof hatches. At a price of just €1,381 (plus solar flex panel), the Solartrackr is a cost-effective alternative to a more expensive and heavier model from California, which costs around €5,000. Both systems are the world’s first series-produced solar trackers for mobile homes. With a weight of just 21kg – in combination with a large 340W panel – the Solartrackr is light, mobile and ideal for owners of mobile homes. However, the potential goes far beyond this: bus stops and remote locations could also benefit from this technology.

Lubrication-free motion plastics withstand wind and weather

The components from igus form the centrepiece of the solar tracker. The PRT-04 slewing ring bearing, for example, allows for precise and lubrication-free alignment of the solar panels in any direction. In addition, printed igus gears ensure precise angular adjustment of the slewing ring bearing. This way, the best angle to the sun is always found, which significantly increases the energy yield. The height of the module is adjusted with the help of a robust stainless-steel trapezoidal lead screw and the matching lead screw nut made of the high-performance plastic iglidur J, which works precisely even in changing weather conditions. To optimise the scissor bearings, CityFreighter also uses various igus plain bearings and thrust washers made of the endurance runner materials iglidur J, iglidur G and iglidur W300. These components are characterised by their durability, freedom from maintenance and wear resistance, which makes them ideal for use in harsh environments. “The igus components are a decisive factor for our Solartrackr. Their lubrication-free operation, precision and durability enable us to offer a reliable and maintenance-free solution that is not only efficient but also cost-effective,” explains Michael Schoening, CEO of CityFreighter Europe GmbH. The Solartrackr is currently in transition from prototype to series production, with the company preparing for high volumes. To drive this process forward, Michael Schoening has launched a presale campaign on a crowdfunding platform. Early supporters or buyers have the chance to be the first to purchase the Solartrackr and benefit directly from this pioneering technology.