OMCO launches Star tracker control system with long-range LoRa networking
New controller for Origin single-axis trackers promises faster commissioning, fewer gateways, and under-3-minute battery swaps; built in OMCO’s U.S. factories with domestic content
OMCO Solar is adding its own brain to its factory-direct trackers. The company today introduced the OMCO Star tracker control system, a wireless controller designed to pair with OMCO’s Origin single-axis trackers and reduce commissioning time and total cost of ownership.
As we’ve written previously, the change is networking: Star uses LoRa long-range wireless with site communication distances of more than a mile, which can shrink the number of network controllers or gateways needed on large sites. Fewer devices means fewer terminations and less troubleshooting, and it simplifies site expansion phases.
What’s new and why it matters
- Field-replaceable battery in under three minutes for quick maintenance turnarounds.
- Direct communication to many devices with fewer gateways required, leveraging LoRa’s long-range, low-power profile.
- Advanced weather features designed to respond to wind, hail, snow, overcast conditions, and flooding.
- DC-only controls, eliminating AC runs, conduit, and trenching at the row level.
“The launch of the OMCO Star Tracker Control System is the culmination of years of collaboration by our engineering and in-house software teams, alongside valuable feedback from customers, installers, and partners,” said Lepolve Varpilah, director of electrical and software engineering. “We are proud of the results — a solution that redefines how single-axis trackers perform in the field.”
Factory-direct angle and availability
Star is manufactured in OMCO Solar’s U.S. facilities and ships with the company’s Origin factory-direct trackers. OMCO cites its domestic manufacturing footprint and direct access to engineering as drivers for shorter lead times and on-time shipments, along with full domestic content options. The company notes a 70-plus-year steel manufacturing history and more than 12 GW of mounting structures delivered within the United States.
“Through its factory-direct model, OMCO Solar delivers the industry’s shortest lead times, on-time shipments every time, complete domestic content, and direct access to engineering, manufacturing, and support teams,” said Gary Schuster, OMCO’s president and CEO. “The addition of the OMCO Star Tracker Control System demonstrates OMCO Solar’s dedication to continuous innovation and product development that meets the evolving needs of the solar industry.”
