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					</table>Single-axis solar trackers in India&#8217;s utility-scale solar market are expected to rise to nearly 60% to 70% over the next three to five years, driven by demand for higher energy output, better project economics, and more consistent power.
Solar trackers are increasingly being deployed alongside bifacial and higher-wattage modules to improve energy yields and reduce the levelized cost of electricity (LCOE).
According to solar tracker manufacturer <a href="https://nextpower.com/products/trackers" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Nextpower</a>, single-axis trackers can generate 14% to 18% more electricity than fixed-tilt systems, potentially reducing LCOE by approximately 10%.
In an exclusive interview with Mercom India at REI Expo 2026, Hemanshu Sugandhi, Vice President, Science and Business Development at Nextpower, discussed the evolution of solar tracker technology, the economics of single-axis tracking systems, challenges associated with larger solar modules, and the company&#8217;s plans for the Indian market.
How has solar tracker technology evolved in recent years, and what is driving its adoption in utility-scale solar projects?
Solar tracker technology has evolved significantly to accommodate advancements in solar modules, particularly the increasing adoption of bifacial technology.
Trackers are now designed to maximize energy generation from both sides of bifacial modules while adapting to different terrain and environmental conditions.
Our XTR terrain-following technology allows trackers to adapt to undulating terrain, reducing the challenges associated with developing solar projects on uneven land. We have also introduced advanced tracking algorithms that consider site-specific weather conditions and optimize module positioning to improve generation.
These technologies can increase energy yields by about 2% to 4%, supporting the growing adoption of trackers in utility-scale solar projects.
What are the latest technological advancements Nextpower is introducing to improve solar tracker performance?
One of our latest developments is an enhanced TrueCapture technology that now incorporates diffuse light tracking.
This technology accounts for changing weather conditions at a project site and adjusts the tracking algorithm to optimize energy generation. We have also improved shading management, particularly for projects using half-cut solar modules.
Traditionally, tracking algorithms have focused on avoiding shading across the entire module. However, our technology can optimize generation from a module&#8217;s upper half even when the lower half is shaded.
This allows the system to capture additional energy instead of sacrificing generation to avoid partial shading.
We are also developing foundation solutions for difficult terrain, including hard rock and locations affected by frost heave. For example, instead of relying on a conventional single-pile foundation, we can use A-frame structures supported by two legs.
These structures are particularly useful where soil conditions make deep piling difficult or impractical.
How does Nextpower differentiate its solar trackers in terms of mechanical reliability, durability, and performance under extreme weather conditions?
Reliability is a major focus because solar tracking systems must operate throughout the 25-year lifespan of a solar project. We have established a 13-acre center of excellence in Hyderabad, where we continuously test tracker components to ensure they can meet long-term performance requirements.
Our NX Horizon platform is designed to address different site conditions while maintaining mechanical reliability.
We also recognize that the solar modules mounted on trackers represent a substantial investment. Although trackers account for approximately 10% to 15% of a project&#8217;s system cost, they support some of its most valuable equipment.
Therefore, protecting modules during extreme weather is critical.
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We follow a high-stow strategy under which trackers move modules to a protective high-angle position during high winds or hailstorms.
Our electromechanical design allows trackers to reach their protective stow position in less than four minutes. This rapid response is intended to reduce the risk of damage to modules and supporting structures during extreme weather events.
What is the current adoption rate of solar trackers in India, and how do you expect the market to evolve over the next three to five years?
Over the past three to four years, solar tracker adoption in India&#8217;s utility-scale market has remained around 40% to 50%.
We expect this to increase substantially over the next three to five years, potentially reaching 60% to 70%. One major driver will be the growing need for more consistent, firm power from renewable energy projects.
The rapid expansion of data centers is also creating demand for reliable electricity supply.
Tracking technology can help solar projects generate electricity over a wider portion of the day and improve their generation profiles. As developers increasingly focus on energy yield and project economics, we expect more utility-scale projects to adopt trackers.
What are the major barriers preventing wider adoption of solar trackers in India?
One of the biggest challenges is the perception that trackers require significantly more maintenance than fixed-tilt mounting structures.
There are also concerns about higher upfront costs. However, these concerns should be evaluated in the context of overall project cost and long-term performance.
Even if a tracker system is 20% more expensive than a comparable fixed-tilt structure, the incremental impact on the overall power plant cost can be approximately 0.5%.
The more important consideration is whether the tracking system can operate reliably over the project&#8217;s 25-year lifespan. Land conditions can also pose challenges, but technological advances are helping address them.
How do single-axis trackers compare with fixed-tilt and dual-axis systems in terms of energy generation and project economics?
Single-axis trackers typically generate 14% to 18% more electricity than fixed-tilt systems.
Although trackers require additional capital expenditure, the increased energy generation can significantly improve project economics.
Based on our experience, single-axis trackers can reduce the LCOE by approximately 10% compared with fixed-tilt installations. This means developers can achieve a lower cost of electricity over the project&#8217;s operating life despite the higher initial investment.
Dual-axis trackers are significantly more expensive than single-axis systems.
How is the growing adoption of bifacial and larger solar modules influencing tracker design?
One important consideration is ensuring uniform solar irradiance on the rear side of bifacial modules.
We designed our tracker structures to avoid placing active components directly under the modules, reducing obstruction and allowing more uniform irradiance on the rear side.
This approach can improve power generation by approximately 1% to 2% through better bifacial performance. As solar modules become larger, mounting structures must also accommodate their dimensions and structural requirements.
Are steel module frames becoming a commercially viable alternative to aluminum frames? 
Steel frames can be cost-competitive with aluminum frames while offering better resistance to structural deformation. Aluminum frames can experience approximately three times the deflection of comparable steel frames under load.
This makes steel an attractive alternative for larger module formats where structural stability is important. The market is already moving toward commercial adoption.
We have contracted a 3 GW order for steel module frames in the U.S., and deliveries are underway. We are also seeing increasing adoption of steel frames among developers in the Middle East and India.
As utility-scale projects get larger, do you expect tracker designs to become more site-specific rather than standardized?
As solar projects expand to gigawatt-scale capacities, developers can no longer rely entirely on standardized tracker designs. Each project has different terrain, soil conditions, wind characteristics, and environmental requirements.
We conduct detailed wind and corrosion studies to understand conditions at each project site.
Based on these assessments, we select appropriate structural designs and components. The objective is to optimize tracking systems for each project&#8217;s specific conditions rather than applying a single design across locations.
What are Nextpower&#8217;s technology and business priorities in India over the next three to five years?
Our priority is to continue delivering reliable tracking systems that support India&#8217;s growing energy requirements.
We see significant opportunities in the country&#8217;s expanding renewable energy market and the growing electricity needs of data centers. At the same time, we want to expand beyond solar trackers and become a comprehensive provider of solutions for the DC side of solar power plants.
We intend to introduce additional products, including electrical balance-of-system solutions, robotic systems, and automation technologies, in the Indian market.

hemanshu-sugandhi

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