Nextracker has achieved a significant milestone in US clean energy manufacturing by delivering the first-ever solar trackers expected to meet 100% domestic content requirements under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). These US-made trackers are set to power SB Energy’s Pelican’s Jaw solar project in Kern County, California, showcasing a turning point for renewable energy manufacturing in the US.
The Pelican’s Jaw project, a 570 MW solar farm with 954 MWh of energy storage, is being constructed by SOLV Energy and highlights the potential for large-scale clean energy projects to source critical components entirely within the US. Nextracker’s focus on US manufacturing began in 2021 to overcome global supply chain disruptions, resulting in the expansion or launch of over 25 factories across the country with an annual production capacity of over 30 GW.
By localizing their manufacturing efforts, Nextracker ensures compliance with IRA incentives while reducing lead times, improving shipping logistics, and cutting emissions. The IRA provides clean energy projects with a 30% Investment Tax Credit, with additional incentives available for projects that meet domestic content requirements and are installed in eligible Energy Communities.
Nextracker’s founder and CEO, Dan Shugar, emphasized the benefits of their localized approach, stating, “By focusing our manufacturing partnerships close to customer project sites, we secure the supply chain and provide on-time delivery and cost savings for project development. We’re also significantly decarbonizing our products with US-made clean steel.”
The deployment of Nextracker’s US-made solar trackers at the Pelican’s Jaw project marks the beginning of a new era for renewable energy manufacturing in the country. SB Energy co-CEO Abhijeet Sathe praised Nextracker for their achievement, highlighting the creation of high-paying manufacturing jobs and the strengthening of supply security.
The growth of the solar industry has led to the creation of well-paid jobs in the US and globally, with the American Clean Power Association reporting that the US solar industry supported 279,000 jobs in 2023. The passage of the IRA has played a crucial role in stimulating renewable energy growth and domestic manufacturing, with companies like Nextracker exemplifying the potential of these incentives.
In conclusion, Nextracker’s success in delivering US-made solar trackers for the Pelican’s Jaw project underscores the importance of domestic manufacturing in the renewable energy sector. The IRA has been instrumental in driving innovation and job creation in the clean energy industry, and it is essential that policymakers continue to support and prioritize these initiatives for a sustainable future.
