NEXTracker’s advanced tracker control system boost yield with self-learning

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Reddit
Email
TrueCapture is claimed to be the first tracker solution to simultaneously solve the above issues, leveraging forecast-based tracking behavior algorithms for clouds, fog or haze and row-to-row (R2R) hybrid closed-loop self-learning that course corrects the panel direction to minimize production loss due to shading and clouds.

NEXTracker, a Flex company has launched ‘TrueCapture’, a first-of-its-kind intelligent, self-adjusting tracker control system for solar power plants. TrueCapture’s technology is designed to continuously refine the tracking algorithm of each individual solar array in response to existing site and weather conditions. 

Problem

This article requires Premium SubscriptionBasic (FREE) Subscription

Unlock unlimited access for 12 whole months of distinctive global analysis

Photovoltaics International is now included.

  • Regular insight and analysis of the industry’s biggest developments
  • In-depth interviews with the industry’s leading figures
  • Unlimited digital access to the PV Tech Power journal catalogue
  • Unlimited digital access to the Photovoltaics International journal catalogue
  • Access to more than 1,000 technical papers
  • Discounts on Solar Media’s portfolio of events, in-person and virtual

Or continue reading this article for free

Solar power plants suffer energy production losses from construction variability, terrain undulation and changing weather, which can limit the yield and LCOE advantages of single-axis trackers. Backtracking was first introduced in 1991, which offered a significant improvement in PV plant energy yield. It was optimized for flat arrays and low diffuse conditions. However, it was not linked to individual row tracking for real world conditions such as hilly terrain and partly cloudy or fully diffuse conditions.

Solution

TrueCapture is claimed to be the first tracker solution to simultaneously solve the above issues, leveraging forecast-based tracking behavior algorithms for clouds, fog or haze and row-to-row (R2R) hybrid closed-loop self-learning that course corrects the panel direction to minimize production loss due to shading and clouds. Wireless self-powered controllers on the tracker sync with the smart panels and the NEXTracker SCADA (supervisory control and data acquisition) system, connected through Flex’s IoT platform, a secure, NERC-CIP compliant, industrial-strength connected intelligence platform. From the Flex IoT platform, communication is continually dispatched to control each independent row. TrueCapture’s technology is said to typically delivering 2-6% energy gains, enabling system owners and developers to maximize solar system performance and enhance profits for solar power facilities. 

Applications

Utility-scale PV power plants using single-axis tracking systems.

Platform

With TrueCapture, proprietary smart panel sensors provide real-time shading information on each tracker row. The data is integrated with design parameters and processed by machine-learning software to build a virtual 3D model of the job site. An intelligent control engine combines the model with the latest meteorological forecast data to calculate and send updated and optimized tracking commands to every independent row. As a result, energy production gets a significant boost. With more production, solar power plants are worth more, adding value for project developers and the long-term owners who will typically operate a facility for up to 30 years.

Availability

July 2017, onwards.

Read Next

July 29, 2025
US-based solar manufacturer T1 Energy has expressed support for the US government’s tariff investigations into global polysilicon imports and solar products from Laos, Indonesia and India.
July 28, 2025
Spanish energy firm Zelestra and Portuguese utility EDP have signed what they call the “first” solar-plus-storage power purchase agreement (PPA) in the Spanish renewables market.
July 28, 2025
French energy major TotalEnergies has begun the construction of its 1GW solar farm in the Basra region of southern Iraq. 
July 28, 2025
Australia’s Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC) has announced it has invested a record AU$4.7 billion (US$3.09 billion) in large-scale renewables, energy storage, and transmission projects during the 12-month period ending 30 June 2025.
July 25, 2025
A round-up of news from the Indian solar sector this week, including Reliance Industries' cell plant, Juniper Green Energy powering solar PV and Solex Energy launching new modules.
July 24, 2025
Spanish independent power producer (IPP) Sonnedix has raised €2 billion (US$2.35 billion) through two refinancing transactions in Europe.

Subscribe to Newsletter

Upcoming Events

Media Partners, Solar Media Events
September 2, 2025
Mexico City, Mexico
Solar Media Events
September 16, 2025
Athens, Greece
Solar Media Events
September 30, 2025
Seattle, USA
Solar Media Events
October 1, 2025
London, UK
Solar Media Events
October 2, 2025
London,UK