Nextracker, a US-based provider of ground-mount solar tracker technologies, today inaugurated its Center for Solar Excellence (CFSE) in Hyderabad, India. Spanning 13 acres this state-of-the-art facility will serve to advance solar tracker technology.
The CFSE will feature a 30,000 square foot, state-of-the-art lab, a comprehensive solar tracker installation, and training facilities encompassing the entire project lifecycle—from structural, mechanical, and electrical design to construction, operation, and maintenance. Working closely with supply chain partners, customers, and third-party laboratories, Nextracker’s cross-functional team of experts will develop, test, and commercialize technologies.
Nextracker president Howard Wenger said, “Nextracker is further deepening its commitment to developing solar technology in India with a new Center for Solar Excellence in Hyderabad. This state-of-the-art facility advances our ability to optimize our local customer’s needs into the product design.”
Today, Nextracker has over 35 utility-scale projects aggregating to over 5 GW delivered and under fulfillment in India. The company has achieved 95% localization of content for its products. Through this new center in Hyderabad, it aims to develop high-performance solar trackers that significantly enhance energy capture, particularly during critical peak periods in the early morning and late afternoon.
Shripad Naik, Minister of State, Ministry of New & Renewable Energy, Government of India, said, “Nextracker’s Center for Solar Excellence is a forward-looking initiative that will help inform India’s clean energy journey. Through cutting-edge research and development, this center will drive innovation, making solar more affordable and accessible. As India strives to meet its ambitious 2030 renewable energy goals, R&D efforts like these are critical to ensuring the reliability and performance of our solar assets. This collaboration exemplifies how industry and government can work together to advance our renewable energy mission while protecting the environment and ensuring energy security.”
The CFSE will also play a significant role in fostering local workforce development by delivering regular PowerworX Academy installer training courses. Seasoned instructors will provide cross-functional, hands-on instruction to regionally based engineering procurement and construction companies (EPCs) and third-party installers on solar tracker best practices for design, installation, commissioning, software, and operations and maintenance of advanced PV tracker systems.
Rajeev Kashyap, Nextracker SVP and general manager for India, Middle East and Africa, said, “High uptime of solar projects is extremely critical for our customers. We are committed to providing advanced technologies and services that help power plant owners, EPCs, and other stakeholders optimize the performance of their assets. By using local expertise and infrastructure, we aim to propel India and surrounding markets towards a cleaner, more sustainable energy future. Our focus is also to help develop a skilled workforce, bolster manufacturing capability in the region, and advance product and quality planning (APQP) training and skill development.
Subrahmanyam Pulipaka, CEO of the National Solar Energy Federation of India, added, “Focused research and development of this nature is critical for India, not only to accelerate the deployment of solar energy but also to ensure that cutting-edge technology and high-quality standards are maintained throughout the process. The real-world testing and validation capabilities offered by Nextracker’s new facility will play a crucial role in driving the adoption of advanced solar solutions, ultimately contributing to the country’s renewable energy goals.”
Today, 95% of Nextracker’s tracker components are manufactured in India, supported by robust local partnerships that enable more than 10 GW of annual production capacity. Nextracker combines comprehensive support—from on-site project management and engineering to the seamless delivery of systems designed for quick installation—with advanced software, world-class tracker technology, and robotic cleaning solutions to maximize performance.
Nextracker has two other R&D and test lab facilities in Northern California (headquarters) and in Sao Paulo, Brazil. In comparable size and scope, these facilities enable Nextracker to incubate and commercialize PV technologies, localized for regional needs and demand.
This content is protected by copyright and may not be reused. If you want to cooperate with us and would like to reuse some of our content, please contact: editors@pv-magazine.com.
I hope this R&D Center will also cater to “dual land use” AgriVoltaics (AV) and not just ground hugging PV Panels that waste the land beneath them….
Unlike the USA.. India is desperately short of land as it tries to Feed it’s 1.4+ Billion people .. and growing… it but steadily..