UL 3703

Solar Trackers

UL 3703

1 Scope

1.1 These requirements cover solar trackers intended for installation as fixed trackers which are not attached to buildings, in accordance with the National Electrical Code, NFPA 70. Trackers intended to be installed in an area where public access is anticipated shall be evaluated for all mechanical hazards as defined in this standard. Trackers intended to be installed in an area where public access is restricted by a fence, secured location, etc. should be evaluated with consideration given to the mechanical hazard requirements of this standard. These requirements also cover freestanding trackers, which are by design not required to be mechanically secured in position.

1.2 These requirements cover the attachment means of solar devices to the tracker platform, in both mechanical and electrical aspects, but do not cover the solar devices themselves. The solar devices shall have all suitable electrical and mechanical characteristics in order to be attached to the tracker evaluated in accordance with this standard. Any solar devices attached to the tracker shall be compliant with the solar devices standard for safety, and the specific mounting, bonding, and grounding means described in the tracker’s installation manual. Alternatively, the combination of tracker and solar device can be evaluated in accordance with this standard and relevant solar device standards, such as, but not limited to, the Standard for Flat-Plate Photovoltaic Modules and Panels, UL 1703, for flat plate PV modules, and the Outline for Concentrator Photovoltaic Modules and Assemblies, UL 8703, for CPV modules.

1.3 The tracker and its functions are to be evaluated with respect to risk of electric shock, mechanical and fire hazards. Any part of the tracker that is utilized for mechanical support, bonding or grounding of the solar devices shall comply with the Standard for Mounting Systems, Mounting Devices, Clamping/Retention Devices, and Ground Lugs for Use With Flat-Plate Photovoltaic Modules and Panels, UL 2703, or as referenced to UL 2703 within the requirements of this standard.

1.4 These requirements cover solar trackers intended for use with solar devices with a maximum system voltage of 1500 V.

1.5 These requirements do not cover:

• a) Equipment intended to accept the electrical or thermal output from the solar devices, such as inverters, converters, charge controllers, and batteries;
• b) Trackers installed in hazardous locations;
• c) Mechanical or structural integrity of the tracker under wind conditions, seismic conditions, and uplift conditions of the tracker base and base to platform connection;
• d) Trackers installed in marine, offshore, and/or locations above standing water; and
• e) Lightning striking the tracker.