Solar thermal energy

For an ideal energy output from a solar thermal energy plant, direct sunlight and a consistently low degree of cloudiness are essential. igus® offers various plain and spherical bearings for tracking systems that can withstand these harsh outdoor conditions and prevents downtimes. We will find the perfect bearing solution for your system that is resistant to dirt, UV radiation and temperature and is lubrication and maintenance-free.

Advantages of igus® solutions:

UV-resistant, lubrication-free and maintenance-free
Quiet operation without any torque fluctuations
Extremely low coefficient of friction due to tribo-optimised polymers
For confined installation spaces
Insensitive to dirt and dust
Cost effective

Selected motion plastics for the solar industry

Dryspin lead screw nut on a threaded rod.

iglidur® leadscrew nuts

Ideal for vibration-dampening
Made of robust iglidur® J
Resistant to dirt
Other material options
Available from stock
Find out more

Shop now

Split pillow blocks

Ideal for Fresnel collectors with single-axis systems
Fitting is easily done on site and makes handling of heavy shafts unnecessary
High rigidity and durability
Find out more

Shop now

iglidur® plain bearings

Perfect for use in solar tower power plants: iglidur® J plain flange bearings, combined with galvanised shafts result in up to 30% cost savings compared to metal bearings with chrome-plated shafts
Find out more

Shop now

Applications in use in the Solar industry

Maintenance-free for 20 years

iglidur® plain bearings made of the material iglidur® J UV ensure a permanently smooth operation in around 1,000 bearing points of the Fresnel collectors from Ecotherm. The dry running material was specially developed for use in UV radiation and is therefore durable even in sunlight and maintenance-free.

Roof with blue solar or metal panels and a central support structure on a building.

More cost-effective and durable alternative to rolling bearings

The parabolic mirrors from Mithras Holding are equipped with durable igus® polymer plain bearings. Unlike rolling bearings, they do not require any maintenance due to the solid lubricants integrated in the iglidur® material and these are cheaper to manufacture.