elero Linearantriebstechnik secures a place in the sun

Pößneck, May 2008 – elero Linearantriebstechnik is entering the solar market: The electric push-rod actuators from the Thuringia-based company will be ensuring that free-standing photovoltaic panels track the sun in the future. Such sun-tracking increases the energy yield in solar parks by as much as 35 per cent.

To date the company has produced linear actuators for two main application areas: Industrial use and façade construction. Now the designers at elero have bundled the know-how from both areas, developing new products specifically for the rapidly growing area of solar technology. elero Linearantriebstechnik has acquired the first customers in recent months.

Pilot customers are satisfied
The initial feedback from pilot customers has been very positive. “With our sun-tracking systems we have to be able to rely on the individual components. The linear actuators from elero can withstand major forces and move the module areas reliably over long periods of time – which is why they were the optimum actuator solution for us,” says Karsten Dippel, managing director of the company Elektro Kirchner. This strengthened the resolve of elero to further develop this area for the company.

Experience in the façade sector convincing
In this regard the many years of experience in the façade sector formed the main argument. “For over ten years now we have been constructing actuators that move façade elements such as slats and awnings. So we know how to guarantee products with a long service life, that are climate-proof and maintenance-free – we have now transferred this to the new sun-tracking actuators,” explains Hartmut Blum, the general manager at elero Linearantriebstechnik.

The solar sector now has its own website. At www.elero-solar.de users can gather information on the products, their particular benefits, and on elero Linearantriebstechnik. In addition, the company will be represented with its own trade fair stand at the world’s most important solar trade fair, Intersolar in Munich. “We are hoping for major benefits from our commitment in the solar sector,” says Blum. “This market offers tremendous opportunities for companies that commit themselves at an early stage. This is why we have decided to secure a place in the sun for ourselves now.”