Overview
SOLYS Gear Drive (GD) is Kipp & Zonen's premium sun tracker for high-accuracy solar measurements in extreme environments. Designed to operate from −50°C to +55°C, it combines a rugged gear drive mechanism, support for payloads up to 80 kg, integrated remote management capabilities, and a standard active sun sensor for exceptional tracking performance. Whether deployed in polar regions, deserts, or high-wind locations, SOLYS GD delivers the precision, reliability, and flexibility required for the most demanding scientific and research applications.
Applications include:
- Atmospheric and climate research
- Solar resource assessment
- Renewable energy research and development
- Polar and desert monitoring stations
- Calibration and reference measurement facilities
- High-accuracy radiometric observation networks
To view the list of accessories, click here.
Benefits
Designed for extreme climates, with reliable operation from −50°C to +55°C
Supports heavy instrument payloads up to 80 kg
Advanced remote operation and monitoring via GPS, Ethernet, and RS-485 communications
High-precision gear drive technology for superior tracking accuracy and long-term reliability
Specifications
Technical Attributes
| Casing IP Rating | IP65 |
| Tracking Accuracy | < 0.1° |
| Operating Temperature Range (DC Power) | -20°C to +50°C |
| Operating Temperature Range (AC Power with Heater) | -40°C to +50°C |
| Storage Temperature Range | -40°C to +50°C |
| Compliance Certifications | CE, RoHS |
| Integrated Logger | No |
| Power input | 18 to 30 VDC (nominal 24 VDC); 90 to 264 VAC, 50/60 Hz (nominal 100 to 240 VAC) |
| Power Consumption (Sun Cycle) | 20 W max (DC), 120 W max (AC with heater) |
| Power Consumption (Night / Sleep Mode) | 13 W max (DC), 113 W max (AC with heater) |
| Communication | Ethernet, Web Interface, RS-485 |
| Interface | Ethernet (RJ45), RS-485 (4-wire isolated) |
| Application | Meteorology, climatology, BSRN stations, solar resource assessment, solar energy monitoring |
| Battery | No internal battery |
| Payload | 20 kg |
| Weight | 23 kg |
| Analogue Outputs | None |
| Bubble Level Accuracy | < 0.1° |
| Antenna | Integrated GPS antenna |
| Housing material | Cast aluminium housing |
| Dimensions | 500 × 340 × 380 mm |
| Transmission System | Inverted tooth belts |
| Software | SOLYSMonitor |
| Rotation Range | 540° Azimuth, 110° Zenith |
| Sun Sensor | Optional (standard on Gear Drive only) |
| Automatic Restart After Power Interruption | Yes |
| Environmental Protection | Suitable for all-weather outdoor use |
| Pointing Accuracy | < 0.1° (meets BSRN requirements) |
Resources
Manuals (3)
Manuals
Certificates (2)
Guides (2)
White Papers (1)
Brochures (2)
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