In many solar tracking projects, customers often ask whether the NCU (Network control unit) can be paired with additional sensors beyond the standard wind sensor. To provide clarity, this article explains which sensor types are commonly found in the global solar tracker market, how they are used, and why a wind-speed sensor is usually the only sensor required for optimal system operation.

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1. Sensors Commonly Used in Solar tracking systems

In the global photovoltaic tracking industry, the following sensors are the most frequently mentioned:

(1) Wind Speed Sensor (Anemometer)

✔ Detects real-time wind speed
✔ Triggers automatic stow
✔ Essential for system safety

This is the only sensor widely considered “necessary” in nearly all projects.

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(2) Irradiance Sensor (GHI Sensor)

Measures sunlight intensity.
Used in: AI-based tracking, energy optimization.

Industry reality:

• Not commonly required

• Adds cost and maintenance

• Most plants rely on algorithm-based astronomical tracking

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(3) Snow Sensor

Detects snow accumulation.

Industry reality:

• Only used in extreme-snow regions

• Most projects use seasonal or manual snow modes

• Very low installation rate globally

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(4) Rain Sensor

Detects rainfall.

Industry reality:

• Rain does not require change of tracker angle

• Wind protection already covers storm conditions

• Rarely used in real solar projects

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(5) Temperature Sensor

Measures ambient temperature.

Industry reality:

• Not needed for tracker control

• Low demand outside testing environments

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(6) Accelerometers / Gyro Sensors

Detect vibration or tower movement.

Industry reality:

• Mainly used in wind turbines, not PV trackers

• High cost + low benefit → rarely adopted

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2. Why Most Solar Plants Only Use a Wind Sensor

✔ Wind is the only environmental factor that directly impacts tracker structural safety

High wind can damage tracker structures, making automatic stow critical.

✔ Other environmental factors do not require physical sensors

Modern tracking systems use:

• Astronomical algorithms

• Real-time backtracking

• Structural safety margins

• Manual settings

Which make additional sensors unnecessary.

✔ Extra sensors increase cost and maintenance burden

Adding sensors introduces:

• More wiring

• More failure points

• Calibration needs

• Higher O&M cost

✔ Proven global industry practice

Across major markets including:

USA
Europe
China
Brazil
Africa
India

Wind sensors are the only environmental sensors routinely installed in large-scale solar power plants.

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3. GF NCU — Sensor Compatibility

The GF NCU supports communication with sensors that use standard industrial interfaces, meaning additional sensors can be integrated if a project specifically requires them.

Current compatibility:

• ✔ Wind Sensor (Standard Configuration)

• ✔ RS485-based sensors (Customizable)

However, based on industry experience, the wind sensor remains the most practical and widely used sensor across global solar projects.

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4. GF Engineering Recommendation

Based on years of project deployment and customer feedback:

Wind sensor alone is sufficient for 99% of solar tracking installations.

It provides:

• Real-time wind protection

• Automatic stow

• Complete structural safety

Additional sensors are optional, not essential.

GF can support them upon request, but they offer limited benefit in most real-world applications.

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Conclusion

GF’s NCU is designed with flexibility to support various sensor types. However, global project experience demonstrates that wind-speed sensors are the optimal and most efficient choice for maintaining long-term stability, safety, and cost-effectiveness in Solar tracking systems.
This ensures a reliable system without unnecessary complexity or expense.