Technology / Network Control Unit
Network Control Unit (NCU)
The NCU is the site-level controller that manages all Tracker Controller Units (TCUs) on a solar farm. It coordinates field communications, aggregates data for cloud transmission, and provides autonomous site operation when cloud connectivity is unavailable.
Each TrackLab site has one or more NCUs depending on size, with each NCU managing its section of TCUs and connecting upstream to the cloud monitoring platform.
Where the NCU Fits
Technical Specifications
TCU Management
Hundreds of TCUs per NCU
Upstream Connectivity
Defined per site deployment architecture
Field Communication
LoRa, RS485, CAN-2.0, Fibre (TCP/IP)
Local Autonomy
Continues operation if cloud link drops
Data Handling
Aggregation, buffering, and forwarding
Configuration
Remote via cloud portal
Key Capabilities
Centralized TCU Management
The NCU manages all TCUs on a site or site section. It broadcasts tracking parameters, schedules, and configuration changes to every connected TCU.
Cloud Connectivity
Connects site data into the TrackLab monitoring workflow through the deployment’s selected upstream network model. Data is aggregated on-site and transmitted efficiently to support remote visibility and management.
Local Autonomous Operation
If the cloud link drops, the NCU continues managing TCUs autonomously. Weather stow, tracking, and parameter broadcasting all continue without cloud connectivity.
Parameter Broadcasting
Broadcasts tracking parameters, backtracking schedules, weather stow commands, and firmware updates to all connected TCUs simultaneously.
Remote Configuration
Every NCU setting can be changed remotely from the cloud portal. No on-site visit required for configuration changes, parameter updates, or firmware deployment.
Data Aggregation
Collects telemetry from all TCUs, aggregates it efficiently, and forwards to the cloud platform. Includes local buffering to handle intermittent connectivity.
Deployment & Configuration
Site Installation
- Central location with connectivity to all TCUs
- Upstream network path defined during deployment planning
- Weather station integration for environmental data
Network Topology
- Star topology with NCU at centre
- LoRa, RS485, CAN-2.0, or Fibre (TCP/IP) to TCUs
- Mix protocols across site sections
Remote Management
- Full configuration via cloud portal
- OTA firmware updates to NCU and TCUs
- Real-time diagnostics and status monitoring
Related Documentation
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TrackLab Solar. (2026). Network Control Unit (NCU). Retrieved from https://tracklabsolar.com/technology/network-control-unit
Planning a site deployment?
Our engineering team can help you determine the right NCU configuration for your solar farm layout and communication requirements.