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09 June 2025
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Jun 09, 2025PV Magazine
Hainan Drinda New Energy Technology has signed a strategic cooperation agreement through its Hong Kong subsidiary JTPV with Turkish solar company Schmid Pekintas Energy to build a 5 GW n-type solar cell manufacturing facility in Turkey, starting with a 2 GW first phase.
Drinda said Turkey currently hosts 15 GW of module capacity – ranking first in Europe. But it has less than 2 GW of solar cell capacity, creating a structural bottleneck that depends on imports. The partnership seeks to address this imbalance.
Schmid Pekintas Energy, founded in 2014 as a joint venture between Turkey’s Pekintas Holding and Germany’s Schmid Group, ranks among the country’s top photovoltaic companies and was listed in the 2025 Turkey Fortune 500.
Drinda will supply solar cell technologies and production processes, while Schmid Pekintas will oversee construction and staffing of the facility.
Drinda, which specializes in n-type solar cells, has separately announced a 5 GW production project in Oman, expected to come online by the end of 2025. The company has secured 1 GW to 2 GW in orders from the North American market and views global expansion as a way to enhance delivery capability and hedge against trade barriers in Europe and the United States.
The Turkey project aligns with the government’s HIT30 Plan to reinforce regional solar supply chains. Drinda and Schmid Pekintas aim to establish a high-efficiency cell hub serving Turkey, Europe and the Middle East.
Turkey offers zero-tariff access to the EU under a customs union and benefits from strong solar potential, averaging over 1,500 kWh/m² annually. Under the country's 2035 energy roadmap, solar and wind capacity is forecast to reach 120 GW, with 7 GW to 8 GW of new solar capacity added annually.
Drinda listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange in 2024, becoming the first Chinese solar cell manufacturer to hold both A-share and H-share listings. While the company has reported losses for four consecutive quarters, its first-quarter loss narrowed on growth in overseas orders and offshore production. International shipments now account for over half of total sales.
Industry analysts said Chinese solar firms are facing growing pressure to localize production abroad. Drinda’s “asset-light plus local partner” model may offer a path forward for others navigating tougher trade and localization policies.
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Centre To Float 4 Gw Offshore Wind Tenders In Gujarat And Tamil NaduThe central government is set to float offshore wind energy tenders totalling 4 GW in Gujarat and Tamil Nadu.
The move forms part of the government’s broader strategy to boost wind energy capacity, backed by a 53 per cent increase in the renewable energy budget to Rs 265.49 billion for 2025–26. The centre is focusing on five key areas to unlock India’s wind energy potential—expansion into new states such as Madhya Pradesh, Telangana and Odisha; leasing 4 GW of offshore wind zones; hybrid integration with solar and storage and investments in artificial intelligence based forecasting and grid upgrades; and domestic manufacturing support.
Powerline
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17 June 20255 min readCentre To Float 4 Gw Offshore Wind Tenders In Gujarat And Tamil Nadu
Powerline
17 June 2025
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T1 Energy Advances Us$850 Million Planned 5 Gw Solar Plant CellT1 Energy Inc. has announced the selection of Yates Construction as contractor for pre-construction services and site preparations for its planned US$850 million, G2_Austin 5 GW solar cell facility.
The commissions of Milam County, Texas, also unanimously voted to provide T1 Energy with a long-term tax abatement package, subject to the company meeting or exceeding employment and investments thresholds at the facility. The facility is expected to begin producing cells by the end of 2026, creating up to 1800 full-time jobs.
G2_Austin is a key part of T1’s strategy to build a domestic solar and battery supply chain to provide America with scalable, reliable, and low-cost energy. In combination with the company’s fully operational G1_Dallas 5 GW solar module facility, T1 plans to address unmet customer demand for US solar cells and modules using TOPCon technology.
T1 Chairman of the Board and CEO, Daniel Barcelo, commented: “Solar energy is a foundational part of American power grids. Our facilities will manufacture solar cells and modules to invigorate our economy with abundant energy. We’re excited to work with Yates and Milam County to bring American advanced manufacturing to the heart of Texas and to unlock our most scalable energy resources.”
William G. Yates III, President and CEO of Yates Construction, added: “We look forward to working with T1 Energy and leveraging our extensive experience in advanced manufacturing facility construction. This is an exciting project, and Yates Construction is committed to being a collaborative partner throughout the execution of the project.”
Yates Construction is part of The Yates Companies, Inc., one of the country's top builders of complex construction projects.
Bill Whitmire, Milam County Judge, concluded: “We’re thrilled to welcome T1 Energy to Milam County – this partnership brings not just innovation, but the kind of high-quality, good-paying jobs that empower our local families and strengthen our community. It’s a powerful step towards a future of sustainable growth and opportunity, right here at home.”
T1 Energy has engaged Yates to provide pre-construction services for G2_Austin and anticipates finalising commercial terms with the company as General Contractor. Yates has joined SSOE Group, which has been providing project engineering for G2_Austin since December 2024.
Energy Global
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17 June 20255 min readT1 Energy Advances Us$850 Million Planned 5 Gw Solar Plant Cell
Energy Global
17 June 2025
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At Least 18 Gw Of Batteries Await Brazil’S Planned AuctionFrom ESS News
ABSAE estimates Brazil already has between 700 MWh and 800 MWh of battery energy storage capacity.
With the nation still awaiting details of an energy storage-dedicated grid capacity reserve auction (LRCAP) planned by the National Electric System Operator (ONS), however, at least 18 GW of developed battery projects are waiting for the green light on the national procurement exercise. As ABSAE president Markus Vlasits points out below, commissioning just 2 GW of that backlog would drive around BRL 10 billion ($1.8 billion) of investment.
Of the planned LRCAP auction, Vlasits says, “Our perception is that there are no longer any fundamental technical doubts [over the auction]. There are choices to be made in the design of the guidelines, in the design of the rules of the regulatory framework.”
To continue reading, please visit our ESS News website.
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17 June 20255 min readAt Least 18 Gw Of Batteries Await Brazil’S Planned Auction
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17 June 2025
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France, Spain Raise Interconnection Link Capacity From 2.8 Gw To 5 GwFrom pv magazine Spain
Earlier this month, EIB President Nadia Calviño announced an agreement to expand the electricity interconnection link between Spain and France. This week, the EIB approved €1.6 billion in financing for the Bay of Biscay electricity interconnection. The funding will be provided through loans to Spain’s electricity transmission operator, Red Eléctrica, and France’s Réseau de transport d’électricité (RTE).
The first tranches of the loans, totaling €1.2 billion, were signed this week at the EIB headquarters in Luxembourg. The financing is in addition to a €578 million grant from the European Union under the Connecting Europe Facility.
The project will connect the two countries’ alternating current systems using a high-voltage direct current submarine link. At each end, converter stations in Cubnezais, France, and Gatika, Spain, will transform the current for integration into the national transmission grids. Last week, Red Eléctrica announced that construction had begun on the underground section of the line on the Spanish side.
The interconnection will consist of four cables, two for each link. The double submarine and underground direct current line will stretch nearly 400 km between the Cubnezais substation near Bordeaux and the Gatika substation near Bilbao. Each end of the link will feature a converter station to convert direct current into alternating current for grid connection.
The link will run between the Gatika substation and the Cubnezais substation. From the Spanish Basque coast to the French Médoc coast, approximately 300 km will be submarine, with a short underground section to bypass the Capbreton submarine canyon.
Planners have said that they plan to minimize the impact of the project on fishing activity.
Cable-laying vessels will place each cable on the seabed. Where possible, the cables will be buried; in areas where the seabed is too hard, they will be covered.
The interconnection is designated as a European Project of Common Interest (PCI). Inelfe, a joint venture between RTE and Red Eléctrica, is developing the project, which will enter service in 2028. Once completed, the project will nearly double electricity exchange capacity between France and Spain to 5 GW.
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17 June 20255 min readFrance, Spain Raise Interconnection Link Capacity From 2.8 Gw To 5 Gw
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17 June 2025
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Philippines Reveals Timeline For 10 Gw Renewables AuctionThe Philippines Department of Energy (DOE) has revealed that it has launched the fourth round of its GEA-4 program to accelerate renewable energy development and integration across the country.
The renewables procurement process began with the issuance of an initial notice on March 29, 2025, followed by advisory updates on May 28 and June 11.
The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) posted the Green Energy Auction Reserve Prices on June 13, setting the price caps for bids in GEA-4, according to the DOE. Registration for qualified suppliers opened on June 16 and will close on June 20.
The DOE has outlined a detailed timeline of activities, including pre-bid evaluations from June 23 to June 27, notification of qualified bidders by July 2, and a pre-bid conference scheduled for July 25 to July 28. Submission of bid bonds is due between Aug. 12 and Aug. 27, and the auction itself will take place on Sept. 2.
The DOE will validate submitted bids from Sept. 11 to Sept. 17, with approval and issuance of subscription offers targeted by Sept. 30. The award process, including DOE secretary approval and issuance of certificates, is expected to conclude by Jan. 9, 2026.
GEA-4 offers more than 10 GW of solar and wind capacity, with projects expected to begin commercial operations between 2026 and 2029. The auction aims to increase the renewable energy share in the Philippines’ power mix, improve grid reliability, and bolster energy security, the DOE said.
The department said it is committed to running a transparent, competitive procurement process designed to attract investment and support the country’s sustainable energy goals.
Earlier this year, the government revealed that the third green energy auction (GEA‑3) had drawn 7.5 GW of bids, mainly driven by pumped‑hydro storage and far exceeding its 4.65 GW target.
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17 June 20255 min readPhilippines Reveals Timeline For 10 Gw Renewables Auction
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17 June 2025
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India Launches 2 Gw Solar, 4 Gwh Storage TenderFrom ESS News
SECI is tendering for 2 GW of grid-connected solar projects with 1 GW/4 GWh of energy storage systems (ESS). The projects, to be developed on a build-own-operate basis, can be set up anywhere in India.
The developer must install ESS capacity of at least 500 kW/2 MWh for each 1 MW of solar project capacity contracted. The ESS component may either be owned by the developer or tied-up separately with a third-party for the supply of power.
SECI will sign 25-year power purchase agreements (PPAs) with the selected developers.
To continue reading, please visit our ESS News website.
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16 June 20255 min readIndia Launches 2 Gw Solar, 4 Gwh Storage Tender
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16 June 2025
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California Fast-Tracks 4.6 Gw Battery Project With 1.1 Gw Of SolarFrom pv magazine USA
The California Energy Commission (CEC) approved the Darden Clean Energy Project, the first to be fast tracked under its Opt-In Certification program.
The CES said that this battery storage project is destined to be the largest in world. An up to 4,600 MW battery energy storage system (BESS) will be paired with a solar installation of 300 million solar modules providing 1.1 GW of solar, it will generate enough electricity to power 850,000 homes for four hours.
The Darden project, which is owned by IP Darden I, LLC, a subsidiary of Intersect Power, will connect to the PG&E grid and be located on 9,500 acres of land in western Fresno County that the CEC said is no longer able to support agricultural production.
The CEC’s Opt-In Certification Program that was authorized by Assembly Bill 205, passed in 2022, requires the CEC to review applications 30 days of the submission and make a determination of completeness. The CEC then has 270 days to complete the environmental review. This program was developed with a goal of achieving California’s mandate that all retail electric sales come from renewable energy and zero-carbon resources by 2045.
“The transition to 100 percent clean electricity by 2045 requires bold, utility-scale projects like Darden,” said CEC chair David Hochschild. “This project is significant not only for its size but its cutting-edge design and safety measures.”
Projects seeking approval through the Opt-In Certification program must pay prevailing wages and provide community and economic benefits. The Darden project is expected to employ more than 2,000 people during the construction period, which will last from 1.5 to 3 years. In addition, owners of the project have committed to $2 million in community investments over the next decade starting with a $320,000 commitment to Centro La Familia Advocacy Services, a non-profit supporting crime victims, family wellness, and civic engagement in rural communities.
“Today’s clean energy projects must do more than just deliver megawatts. They should create value in the communities where they’re built,” said CEC Commissioner Noemí Gallardo. “This project exemplifies a community-focused approach that advances the state’s energy goals while creating benefits for local workers and residents.”
According to the CEC, California leads the nation in battery storage, with more than 200 utility-scale battery energy storage systems and more than 250,000 commercial and residential systems statewide. Battery storage helps stabilize the grid by storing excess energy produced during peak production periods and discharging it when demand is high or generation drops, such as in the evening or in the event of a power outage. However, battery fires are a concern, such as the one in January at the Vistra Energy lithium battery plant in Moss Landing.
With battery safety in mind, Governor Newsom initiated an effort in 2024 to update the California Fire Code with specific fire safety requirements for stationary lithium-ion battery storage systems, and the California Public Utilities Commission’s approval of new safety.
In addition, shortly after the fire, the Battery Energy Safety & Accountability Act (AB 303) was presented to the legislature. The bill proposes significant restrictions on BESS developments, including:
While the Moss Landing fire was a wake-up call, the Wood Mackenzie Q1 2024 and 2023 Year in Review found that roughly 7.9 GW of grid-scale energy storage was installed in the United States in 2023. Reported to be a 98% increase over the total installed capacity in 2022, this indicates that, while the number of incidents roughly stayed constant, the number of installed units vastly increased, lowering the failure rate of these systems.
“California is moving faster than ever before to build the clean energy we need – now with the world’s largest solar and battery project,” said Governor Gavin Newsom. “With a record amount of clean energy capacity added last year, we’re creating jobs and supporting local communities – all while building a cleaner, more reliable power grid.”
San Francisco-based Intersect Power, a solar-plus-storage specialist, reports it currently a base portfolio of 2.2 GW of operating solar and 2.4 GWh of battery storage in operation or construction, representing ~$4B of capital investments. Intersect expects to break ground on an additional 4 GW of solar PV and 10 GWh of battery storage, representing ~$9B of assets in 2025.
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PV Magazine
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16 June 20255 min readCalifornia Fast-Tracks 4.6 Gw Battery Project With 1.1 Gw Of Solar
PV Magazine
16 June 2025
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Seci Floats Tender For 2 Gw Solar Projects With 4 Gwh EssSolar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) has issued a request for selection to develop 2,000 MW of interstate transmission system (ISTS)-connected solar projects along with 1,000 MW/4,000 MWh energy storage systems (ESS).
According to the tender guidelines, the project scope includes establishing the ISTS connectivity up to the delivery point, securing necessary land, and ensuring ownership, approvals, and interconnection. The minimum bid capacity allowed for a single bidder is 50 MW, and the maximum bid capacity is 1,000 MW. The bidders must also ensure the ESS is set up at a minimum ratio of 0.5 MW/2 MWh per 1 MW of solar capacity. Furthermore, the bidders must submit a money deposit of Rs 1.4 million. The modules and cells used in the projects must be sourced from the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers. The deadline for bid submission is July 22, 2025.
According to the eligibility criteria, the bidders must have a net worth of at least Rs 14.24 million in the last financial year. Additionally, they must have an annual turnover of Rs 8 million in the same period.
Renewable Watch
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16 June 20255 min readSeci Floats Tender For 2 Gw Solar Projects With 4 Gwh Ess
Renewable Watch
16 June 2025
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Kuwait Reveals Prequalified Bidders For 1.1 Gw Solar ProjectThe Kuwait Authority for Partnership Projects and Kuwait’s Ministry of Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy has issued a request for proposals from six prequalified bidders for a 1.1 GW solar project.
The Al Dibdibah Power and Al Shagaya Renewable Energy Phase III Zone I solar project will be built at the Shagaya Renewable Energy Park in Jahra Governorate, located west of Kuwait City.
An initial tender ran last year with two companies and four consortia qualifying for this latest stage.
The eligible companies are France’s TotalEnergies Renewables and Vietnam’s Trung Nam Construction Investment Corporation.
The four consortia include a coalition between Saudi Arabia’s ACWA Power and Kuwait’s Alternative Energy Projects Company, alongside another consisting of France’s EDF Renewables, Kuwait’s Abdullah Al Hamad Al Sagar and South Korea’s Korean Western Power.
The third eligible consortium features China’s Jinko Power with Japan’s JERA and Kuwait’s National Technology Enterprises Company, while the fourth is made up of the UAE’s Masdar alongside Kuwait’s Fouad Alghanim & Sons.
The successful applicant will be responsible for the development, financing, design, supply, engineering, construction, testing and commissioning of the solar power plant, alongside a 400 kV power transmission substation. They will also enter into a 30-year power purchase agreement with the ministry, commencing from the commercial operation date.
The six eligible bidders are asked to submit their technical and commercial bids by Sep. 14, 2025.
Last month, KAPP launched a tender for two solar plants with a combined capacity of 500 MW. The plants will also be located in the Shagaya Renewable Energy Park, which consists of wind, solar, concentrated solar power (CSP) and battery storage projects.
Kuwait had approximately 50 MW of installed PV capacity and 50 MW of CSP capacity by the end of 2024, according to figures from the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA).
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16 June 20255 min readKuwait Reveals Prequalified Bidders For 1.1 Gw Solar Project
PV Magazine
16 June 2025
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T1 Energy Advances $850 Million Planned 5 Gw Solar Cell PlantThe commissioners of Milam County, Texas, also unanimously voted to provide T1 Energy with a long-term tax abatement package, subject to the company meeting or exceeding employment and investment thresholds at the facility. The facility is expected to begin producing cells by the end of 2026, and create up to 1,800 full-time jobs.
G2_Austin is a key part of T1’s strategy to build a domestic solar and battery supply chain to provide America with scalable, reliable and low-cost energy. In combination with the Company’s fully operational G1_Dallas 5 GW Solar Module Facility, T1 plans to address unmet customer demand for U.S. solar cells and modules using TOPCon technology.
“Solar energy is a foundational part of American power grids. Our facilities will manufacture solar cells and modules to invigorate our economy with abundant energy. We’re excited to work with Yates and Milam County to bring American advanced manufacturing to the heart of Texas and to unlock our most scalable energy resources,” said T1 Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer Daniel Barcelo.
"We look forward to working with T1 Energy and leveraging our extensive experience in advanced manufacturing facility construction," said William G. Yates III, President and CEO of Yates Construction.
Yates Construction is part of The Yates Companies, Inc., one of the country's top builders of complex construction projects.
T1 Energy has engaged Yates to provide preconstruction services for G2_Austin and anticipates finalizing commercial terms with the company as General Contractor. Yates joins SSOE Group which has been providing project engineering for G2_Austin since December 2024.
Renewable Energy Magazine
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16 June 20255 min readT1 Energy Advances $850 Million Planned 5 Gw Solar Cell Plant
Renewable Energy Magazine
16 June 2025
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Aatmanirbhar Solar Joins Hands With Cliantech To Establish Madhya Pradesh’S First Ai-Powered 1.6 Gw Solar Module Manufacturing Facility – EqCliantech to deploy cutting-edge automation and global equipment, including technology from Gaorun, in a landmark step for solar manufacturing in Central India
In a landmark initiative aimed at advancing India’s clean energy future, Aatmanirbhar Solar Pvt. Ltd. has partnered with Cliantech Solutions to set up Madhya Pradesh’s first AI-enabled solar module production line, with an impressive capacity of 1.6 GW. This move not only enhances domestic manufacturing capabilities but also solidifies Central India’s position on the country’s renewable energy map.
As part of this strategic collaboration, Cliantech will integrate high-performance equipment and intelligent automation from leading global technology providers—Gaorun (line automation), Visual (laminators), Asicpy (EL Testers), and HSPV (Sun Simulators/IV Testers). These smart systems will enable next-generation precision, speed, and reliability in solar module production, critical for meeting both domestic and international quality benchmarks.
Cliantech Solutions, a name synonymous with innovation in India’s solar sector, has already deployed over 30 GW worth of equipment across the country. Known for delivering turnkey manufacturing solutions, the company brings deep expertise, agility, and a commitment to pushing the boundaries of solar technology adoption.
The facility will be established under the leadership of Aatmanirbhar Solar Pvt. Ltd., a Gujarat-based clean energy manufacturer with a strong reputation for quality, compliance, and innovation. The company operates a 300 MW fully automated plant in Kapadvanj, producing high-efficiency Monocrystalline half-cut PV modules (DCR and non-DCR) that comply with MNRE guidelines and are certified under BIS, IEC, and ISO standards. These modules power a wide range of applications—from urban rooftops and rural solar water pumps to large-scale utility projects.
This expansion into Madhya Pradesh reflects Aatmanirbhar Solar’s larger mission—to empower India through sustainable, self-reliant manufacturing. The company’s vision aligns with the national goals of ‘Make in India’, green energy transformation, and carbon neutrality, ensuring that solar power remains accessible, affordable, and technologically advanced.
“We believe the future of solar lies in smart, scalable, and sustainable manufacturing,” said a spokesperson from Aatmanirbhar Solar. “This partnership with Cliantech marks a significant leap in that direction, fostering industrial growth, job creation, and climate responsibility in the heart of India.”
With this project, Aatmanirbhar Solar not only reinforces its commitment to innovation and excellence but also contributes meaningfully to building a resilient, future-ready solar manufacturing ecosystem in India.
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EQ Mazagine
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14 June 20255 min readAatmanirbhar Solar Joins Hands With Cliantech To Establish Madhya Pradesh’S First Ai-Powered 1.6 Gw Solar Module Manufacturing Facility – Eq
EQ Mazagine
14 June 2025
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Global Solar Tracker Shipments Reach 111 Gw In 2024The global solar tracker market had a record year in 2024, shipping 111 GW of product, according to Wood Mackenzie. This represents 20% growth year-over-year for shipments of ground-mount solar tracker systems.
Nextracker remained the top global supplier for the tenth year in a row, shipping 28.5 GW, or about 26% of global market share. The company had 39% year-over-year growth in 2024.
Other global market share leaders included Arctech Solar, Gamechange Solar, PV Hardware and Array Technologies.
Artech Solar, the largest Chinese-headquartered tracker supplier, jumped up market share rankings, overtaking Array, GameChange and PV Hardware. The company held a second-place ranking in the Saudi and Indian markets, which together combined for 28 GW of tracker demand, exceeding the demand of all of Europe in 2024. Chinese suppliers increased focus in overseas supply as domestic tracker demand declined for a second straight year.
“The year was marked by the rapid growth of the Indian and Saudi Arabian tracker markets, which led to a shake-up of the U.S.-dominated podium from 2023, ” said Joe Shangraw, research associate at Wood Mackenzie.
The U.S. tracker market retracted for the first time in eight years with 33 GW of shipments, down 9% from the record year in 2023. GameChange Solar ranked second among U.S. suppliers, surpassing Array Technologies, which had over a 35% drop in domestic shipments in 2024, said Wood Mackenzie.
The top three suppliers – Nextracker, Gamechange and Array – combined for over 90% of the U.S. domestic market.
While the U.S. tracker market is highly consolidated, the European market remains competitive and diverse, with over nine vendors capturing between 5% and 15% of market share, said Wood Mackenzie.
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13 June 20255 min readGlobal Solar Tracker Shipments Reach 111 Gw In 2024
PV Magazine
13 June 2025
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