Slewing Drives in Renewable Energy: Powering the Movement Behind Green Technology
What Is a Slewing Drive?
A slewing drive is a complete, compact rotary actuator system that integrates a slewing bearing with a driving mechanism—commonly a worm gear or spur gear—along with housing, seals, and input options for electric, hydraulic, or planetary motors. Slewing drives enable rotational movement and load support with high torque transmission and positioning precision.
In the renewable energy industry, particularly solar tracking and wind power applications, slewing drives play a critical role by enabling panels, reflectors, and turbines to precisely follow the sun or wind direction. This movement ensures optimal energy capture throughout the day and significantly improves energy efficiency.
Why Renewable Energy Needs Slewing Drives
With increasing global demand for sustainable energy, the efficiency of solar and wind systems is paramount. The slewing drive addresses several engineering and economic pain points in this sector:
Precision Tracking for Solar Panels
Solar photovoltaic (PV) and concentrated solar power (CSP) systems use slewing drives to rotate on single or dual axes to follow the sun’s position across the sky. This boosts energy generation by up to 40% compared to fixed-tilt systems.
High Load Capacity in Harsh Conditions
Outdoor environments expose components to wind, dust, humidity, and extreme temperatures. Slewing drives used in renewables must be sealed (IP65+) and capable of handling static and dynamic loads under high torque.
Compact and Integrated Design
Given limited space on panel racks or turbine towers, slewing drives offer an all-in-one solution. Their self-locking worm gears also prevent back-driving in windy conditions without the need for extra braking systems.
Low Maintenance, Long Lifespan
Reliable renewable systems must operate with minimal service. Quality slewing drives, like those produced by LDB, offer grease-filled, factory-sealed housings that minimize lubrication and reduce downtime.
Applications in Renewable Energy
| Application | Slewing Drive Function |
| Single-Axis Solar Tracker | East-West movement to follow daily sun arc |
| Dual-Axis Solar Tracker | North-South and East-West movement |
| CSP Heliostats | Aligning mirrors to a central receiver |
| Parabolic Dish Collectors | Tilt and rotation for max sunlight collection |
| Wind Turbine Yaw System | Rotating nacelle to face wind direction |
| Solar Panel Cleaning Robots | Precise navigation for rotating arms |
LDB Slewing Drive Series for Renewable Energy
As a global supplier and high-performance manufacturer, LDB has engineered multiple slewing drive series optimized for the demands of the green energy sector:
SE Series Slew Drives
Self-locking worm gear design
High torque output with compact housing
Ideal for single-axis trackers
SDE-PDE Series Dual-Axis Drives
Simultaneous azimuth and elevation rotation
Accurate positioning for dual-axis solar systems
Integrated motor mount and grease port
HSE and HSE-2 Series
Heavy-duty drives for high-wind applications
Dual worm design for increased torque and redundancy
IP66 protection with corrosion-resistant coatings
Spur Gear Slewing Drives (SG-M / SG-H Series)
High efficiency, lower backlash
Faster response for high-performance solar tracking
Optional servo or stepper motor compatibility
Customized Drive Solutions
LDB offers tailored slewing drives to meet specific voltage, torque, interface, and mounting needs.
Price Insights and Cost Considerations
The price of slewing drives used in renewable energy applications varies based on:
Gear type and torque rating
Input motor configuration (DC, AC, planetary)
Material and coating (e.g., zinc alloy, anodizing)
Sealing, backlash tolerance, and dual-axis capability
Typical Price Range: USD $300 – $2,500 per unit (Custom solutions may exceed this range depending on volume and spec.)
For quotes and consultation, visit www.ldb-bearing.com.
Why Choose LDB for Renewable Energy Projects?
Over 20 years in gear transmission manufacturing
Products in >40 countries powering solar/wind installations
Long lifecycle products (≥25 years) for solar farms
Partnerships with tracker manufacturers and EPC contractors
Certification: ISO 9001, CE, RoHS compliant
LDB not only delivers slewing drives but supports engineering teams with 2D/3D CAD models, torque calculations, and installation training.
Future Outlook
The International Energy Agency (IEA) projects that solar energy will become the dominant power source by 2050. As deployment scales up, demands for smarter, more reliable tracking and rotational systems will grow.
Slewing drives are no longer a hidden component—they are a central actuator in the movement toward clean energy. LDB’s dedication to quality, performance, and customization positions it as a go-to supplier for slewing drives that move the future.
Need help sizing a slewing drive for your tracker system? Contact LDB’s expert engineers at www.ldb-bearing.com and get a custom recommendation within 24 hours.