Solar tracker systems, which help optimize power generation by ensuring panels face the sun’s path, have an important role to play in energy transition. Solar projects with trackers use smaller space to produce the same amount of energy as projects not using trackers.

GameChange Solar, headquartered in Norwalk, Connecticut, U.S., specializes in high-performance trackers, racking, and balance of systems for the renewable energy sector. In this exclusive interview with Mercom India, Andrew Worden, the company’s Founder & CEO, shares his insights on India’s solar tracker market and his company’s offerings for the renewable energy sector.

What is your assessment of India’s solar tracker market? What growth opportunities do you see for GameChange Solar’s business in India?

The tracker market in India has matured significantly. A few years ago, adoption was limited, but now, it’s becoming the default choice for large utility-scale projects. That shift is driven by the fact that customers want more energy from the same land at the lowest possible cost.

We see this shift reflected in our own growth. We closed FY 2025 with over 7 GW in tracker orders and a cumulative capacity of 13 GW in India. The demand comes from clients who are building at speed and scale and who need partners who can execute reliably. As India moves towards more large-scale and complex projects, we’re well positioned to support that next phase of growth with a strong local supply chain and a team that’s deeply embedded in the market.

What has been the response to your company’s product offerings in India?

The response has been strong and, more importantly, consistent. What we hear from customers is that they value a product that performs, but they stay with us also because of how we deliver. From design to logistics to onsite support, we’ve worked hard to ensure that our innovative product offerings not only meet specifications but also real project pressures.

We’ve seen a steady increase in repeat orders, which tells us we’re adding value where it matters. Our Genius Tracker™ has proven itself across diverse terrains and conditions, and the trust we’ve built with some of India’s largest developers is what we value most.

How are your tracker systems designed for India’s unique climatic conditions and topography?

India’s geography demands a very practical approach to tracker design. You’re dealing with high winds in Rajasthan, extreme heat in Gujarat, sites that are rarely flat and in fact, in many cases, land shape is irregular. Our systems are built to handle that kind of variability without adding complexity for the client.

We’ve engineered our Genius Tracker™ to work on undulating terrain without the need for heavy grading. The drive system is maintenance-free and built for long life, which is especially important at remote sites with limited access. In high-wind zones, SmartStow™ automatically adjusts the stow angle to protect modules during gust events. These features weren’t designed in isolation; they were shaped by what we’ve seen in the field, including across projects in India.

What is your experience operating in India? At the policy level, do you have any suggestions for making India friendlier than it is for foreign companies to operate, especially in the context of GameChange Solar’s Make-in-India plans?

India has been an important part of our journey. It’s a complex market, but also one that moves fast sets bold targets, and increasingly rewards execution. We’ve built a strong local presence here, and that’s helped us serve the market better.

That said, like any fast-growing sector, there’s still work to do. Delays in land handover or grid connection, even if they don’t affect us directly, have a knock-on effect. Our systems are typically one of the first onsite after civil work, so when schedules slip, it affects delivery planning, logistics, and overall project coordination. What would help companies like ours is greater visibility and predictability in how upstream bottlenecks are managed.

How are the current tariff uncertainties around the world affecting your business plans?

We haven’t seen any significant impact on our India business from recent tariff developments. Our local supply chain gives us the flexibility we need to stay focused on execution and deliver reliably.

Solar developers in India have faced long lead times for transformer supplies for their projects. Given India’s ambitious renewable energy demand and a large pipeline of projects, what role can GameChange Solar play in meeting the demand?

Reliable supply chains are just as important as reliable technology. That’s something we’ve understood clearly from our experience working in fast-moving solar markets like India. Long lead times for key components like transformers can delay entire project schedules, which puts pressure on everyone across the value chain.

Through our transformer division, GameChange BOS, we’ve set up a dedicated manufacturing facility in Maharashtra. The facility spans 180,000 square feet and has a production capacity of 5,400 MVA annually – roughly 1,800 medium-voltage transformers per year. Production has already begun, and the facility has been built with the clear goal of improving supply-side certainty. A significant portion of these transformers will be exported, but we’re also committed to supporting the domestic market where timelines and delivery reliability matter.

This is very much in the spirit of Make in India but also Make in India for the world. It’s about building locally, delivering globally, and helping strengthen the ecosystem for everyone.