Nextracker is expanding in India with innovative solutions

Market coupling initiatives aim to streamline prices, boost efficiency, and propel India’s power sector to new heights.

Nextracker, a leading US-based solar tracker company headquartered in Fremont, has been at the forefront of providing cutting-edge tracker solutions for utility-based power plants globally. With a primary focus on the intelligent tracking system, Nextracker’s product boasts high-end technology, integrating software and electronics to optimise the positioning accuracy of solar modules. This innovation maximises energy output by adjusting module angles perpendicular to the sun’s position, ensuring efficiency and high uptime.

Global leadership and innovation

Nextracker has consistently maintained its leadership position for the past eight years, holding almost 30 percent of the market share globally. This remarkable achievement is attributed to the company’s commitment to continuous innovation, addressing customer needs, and resolving pain points in the industry. With an impressive track record of 75 gigawatts of installations across all continents, Nextracker’s intelligent trackers have garnered high satisfaction among customers, reflected in their impressive Net Promoter Score (NPS).

Expanding footprint in India

Establishing operations in India in 2013, Nextracker has rapidly grown, currently employing over 200 professionals with diverse skill sets. The team in Hyderabad plays a crucial role in designing global projects, leveraging their expertise in various terrains, environmental conditions, soil types, and load conditions. Nextracker has successfully installed 800 megawatts in India, with an additional 4.5 gigawatts under execution, demonstrating the company’s commitment to contributing to India’s solar energy landscape.

Features and innovations

Nextracker’s ground-mounted solutions, though adaptable for rooftops, are primarily designed for large-scale utility projects due to the need for structural stability. The intelligent software embedded in the trackers, (removed the part on AI) enables seamless movement of modules, a necessity in gigawatt-scale plants where manual intervention is impractical. The company’s solutions have been pivotal in achieving grid stabilisation, ensuring a consistent and flat curve in energy output, a critical factor for grid health.

Showcasing innovations at industry platforms

Participating in industry platforms such as REI Expo and RE+, Nextracker leverages these opportunities to showcase its innovations and connect with industry experts. The company recently launched the NX Horizon XTR Pro, which minimises land grading costs for installations on undulating land. True Capture Advanced, another innovation, also uses intelligent software to optimise module angles based on varying light conditions, enhancing energy output. The Hail Pro addresses challenges in regions prone to hail, reducing damages and associated insurance costs.

Challenges and localised manufacturing

The industry has faced challenges due to the recent pandemic, resulting in increased logistics and steel costs. In response, Nextracker has adopted a strategy of localised manufacturing in India, with 80 percent of components now manufactured domestically. This approach minimises logistics costs, enhances reliability, and gives customers greater control over lead times.

Government support and prospects

Nextracker acknowledges the significant support from the Indian government, which has set ambitious targets of achieving 500 gigawatts by 2030, with 300 gigawatts dedicated to solar energy. To meet these targets, Nextracker emphasises the need for the industry to gear up and align with the government’s renewable energy vision.

Sustainability and carbon neutrality

In line with global sustainability goals, Nextracker actively contributes to reducing carbon emissions. The company’s focus on localised manufacturing, green steel initiatives, and commitment to carbon neutrality aligns with the government’s target of achieving a 50 percent reduction in carbon emissions by 2032. Nextracker’s journey from global leadership to a significant presence in India reflects its commitment to innovation, customer satisfaction, and sustainability. With a strong focus on addressing industry challenges and contributing to the nation’s renewable energy goals, Nextracker stands as a beacon in the solar tracker industry, paving the way for a greener and more sustainable future.

Spokesperson: Rajeev Kashyap- VP & MD- Nextracker India