Nextracker unveils solar tracker electronics factory in Silicon Valley

By Billy Ludt | August 8, 2023

Nextracker has opened a manufacturing line with Asteelflash/USI, an electronic components manufacturer, to produce patented self-powered controller (SPC) and high-voltage power supply hardware for Nextracker’s solar trackers. Key components of the Nextracker controller include printed circuit board assembly (PCBA), battery integration and other essential components used in the company’s solar tracking technology deployed globally.

The manufacturing line is housed in a 197,000-sq-ft facility in Fremont, California, and in its first phase is multi-million-dollar effort, creating new jobs. Nextracker controllers are the “brain” and power supply that control the company’s tracker systems such as NX Horizon, the company’s flagship product for large-scale solar power plants. Nextracker’s SPCs are tested to operate in different environmental conditions and are powered by a battery, so trackers can still function if grid power is lost.

“We are delighted to be supply partners for Nextracker’s U.S. self-powered controller line,” said Matt Behringer, VP of USI and AFG EVP. “Asteelflash/USI fully embraces Nextracker’s principles, advocating for a future built on clean economy ideals and creating local jobs by producing essential components like PCBAs which play a crucial role in our daily lives. All these components are proudly manufactured right here in the heart of Silicon Valley.”

With these newly dedicated mechanical assembly production lines, Nextracker is expanding its supply capacity for domestic demand and export, having opened over 10 new U.S. production facilities in the past year with its suppliers. In 2022, the company publicly inaugurated four new steel fabrication lines in Texas, Arizona, Pennsylvania and Illinois. In May, Nextracker announced another steel tracker factory in Tennessee.

“Nextracker is thrilled to work with Asteelflash/USI as we continue to put in place the domestic manufacturing capacity we need to serve the rapidly growing solar market,” said Dan Shugar, CEO and founder of Nextracker. “Our expanding product manufacturing footprint is bringing new jobs throughout the country and enables us to better serve customers. We are pleased to add California to our production capability, with Silicon Valley having some of the best tech talent in the world.”

News item from Nextracker