Single-axis PV module trackers to dominate US ground mount installations – IHS

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Reddit
Email

Market research firm IHS expects continued adoption of single-axis PV module trackers for large-scale ground mounted PV power plants globally, while it expects the systems to become the preferred technology in North America through the next five years. 

According to IHS, global single-axis tracker revenues are expected to increase 120%, to reach nearly US$2 billion in 2019, with deployments increasing on average by 7% per annum and reach 33GW of installs. 

This article requires Premium SubscriptionBasic (FREE) Subscription

Try Premium for just $1

  • Full premium access for the first month at only $1
  • Converts to an annual rate after 30 days unless cancelled
  • Cancel anytime during the trial period

Premium Benefits

  • Expert industry analysis and interviews
  • Digital access to PV Tech Power journal
  • Exclusive event discounts

Or get the full Premium subscription right away

Or continue reading this article for free

“The United States leads growth in the single-axis tracker market,” said Cormac Gilligan, senior analyst, solar supply chain, IHS Technology. “Chile, Mexico and other emerging markets that have high irradiation are also favouring single-axis trackers, especially as prices have fallen rapidly in recent years.”

The US is expected be the largest global market for single-axis trackers in 2019, accounting for 36% of all global installations. 

Key to the preference for single-axis trackers in the US market is due to major US-based companies such as SunPower First Solar and SunEdison having extensively used the technology as well as other leading EPC’s in the country. 

“When single-axis trackers are installed in high irradiation locations, the additional energy yield means that customers can generate a higher return on investment,” Gilligan said.

IHS also noted that China and India are forecast to rank second and third in the adoption of single-axis trackers, comprising almost 2GW of installations in 2019.

China and India currently prefer fixed-tilt trackers, due to the abundance of large domestic steel manufacturers and low labour cost, suppliers like Tata International are installing seasonally adjusted trackers, which allow the angle of trackers to be changed seasonally by humans, rather than with motors. 

However, IHS expects installations with single-axis trackers to increase rapidly, as existing suppliers develop new products and as new suppliers enter the market.

Global installations of single-axis trackers are forecast to reach over 9GW in 2019 driven mainly by the growth of utility-scale installations.

Read Next

Premium
October 10, 2025
Gaëtan Masson of IEA PVPS warns of overcapacity, collapsing prices and slipping module quality in the new Trends in PV Applications report.
October 10, 2025
The European solar module market has reached a “state of equilibrium” in recent weeks, with stable prices and regular demand.
October 10, 2025
US solar recycling firm OnePlanet has achieved the R2v3 certification from electronics sustainability non-profit SERI, which represents the “highest standards of traceability”.
October 10, 2025
NTPC Renewable Energy Limited has signed an MoU with the Government of Gujarat to develop 15GW renewable energy projects in Gujarat.
October 10, 2025
Australia's renewable energy sector recorded its slowest month of the year for additions in September, with 5.8GW of new projects added to development pipelines, according to data from Rystad Energy.
October 9, 2025
The Australian government has announced the results of the fourth Capacity Investment Scheme (CIS) tender, with 6.6GW of renewables awarded long-term contracts.

Subscribe to Newsletter

Upcoming Events

Solar Media Events
October 21, 2025
New York, USA
Solar Media Events
November 25, 2025
Warsaw, Poland
Solar Media Events
December 2, 2025
Málaga, Spain
Solar Media Events
February 3, 2026
London, UK