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The Green Blueprint

Nextracker's blueprint for 100 gigawatts of solar trackers

Mar 26, 2025
In this discussion, Dan Shugar, the innovative founder and CEO of Nextracker, shares his journey in solar tracking technology since the 1980s. He emphasizes customer-centric innovation and how strategic partnerships have propelled Nextracker's growth. The conversation dives into their cutting-edge HailPro system designed to protect solar panels and the impacts of COVID-19 on supply chains and manufacturing. Dan also reveals how AI and machine learning are shaping the future of solar while navigating challenges during Nextracker's transformation into a multi-billion dollar enterprise.
32:14

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • NextTracker's success hinges on its customer-centric innovation strategy, enabling the development of tailored solutions like HailPro technology for real-world challenges.
  • The company's strategic hybrid manufacturing approach, partnering with local suppliers, enhances resilience against disruptions and optimizes operational efficiency during crises like the pandemic.

Deep dives

Driving Innovation Through Customer-Centric Solutions

NextTracker emphasizes a customer-centric approach as the cornerstone of its innovation strategy, enabling it to lead in solar tracking systems. By engaging directly with customers, the company gains insight into their challenges, which informs the development of effective solutions. An example of this approach is the creation of the HailPro technology, designed to mitigate hail damage to solar panels; it allows panels to tilt during storms to minimize risks. This proactive response not only addresses immediate customer needs but also reinforces the company's reputation as a responsive and adaptive innovator.

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