US-Based NextPower Tops Global PV Tracker Rankings as Industry Consolidates Around Grade A Manufacturers

US-based NextPower has secured the top position in Wood Mackenzie’s global photovoltaic (PV) tracker manufacturer rankings for the first half of 2025, with Chinese manufacturer Trina Tracker in second place and another US-based company, Array, ranking third.

The evaluation covered 24 leading manufacturers across five countries and reflects a market increasingly defined by operational excellence, technological innovation, and adherence to global best practices.

According to Timothy Shen, Senior Research Analyst at Wood Mackenzie, “Our latest global tracker landscape is led by a group of manufacturers that combine production scale with engineering innovation. Increasingly, competitive advantage is defined not just by shipment volume, but by capabilities across pioneering Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) initiatives, service quality, and resilient supply chains.”

The ranking methodology is based on eight weighted criteria, including adherence to ESG and corporate social responsibility standards, aftersales service and warranty, research and development, supply chain stability, capacity utilization, availability of third-party certifications, financial conditions, and manufacturing experience. This score-based approach ensures a comprehensive assessment of both operational performance and long-term reliability.

Wood Mackenzie noted that ESG performance and service quality have emerged as key differentiators among top-ranked manufacturers. Six of the top 10 companies achieved an EcoVadis bronze rating or higher, placing them in the top 30% of companies globally for sustainability. The leading manufacturers have also established rigorous aftersales and warranty standards, designed to reduce long-term risks for asset owners.

Geographic diversification is accelerating as companies seek to mitigate trade risks and supply chain disruptions. Leading manufacturers are increasingly leveraging regionalized assembly to navigate steel price volatility, shifting trade policies, and logistics challenges. Chinese original equipment manufacturers, which occupy four of the top 10 spots, are expanding overseas production to maintain supply reliability and strengthen access to markets in North America, Europe, and emerging economies.

Despite ongoing market consolidation, innovation remains robust. All top 10 manufacturers have invested in AI-integrated control systems and high-strength materials to meet evolving requirements for wind performance and complex terrain conditions. Financial stability also reinforces market confidence, with eight of the top 10 companies reporting revenue growth in 2024. Listed companies demonstrated particularly strong financial transparency, further strengthening investor and developer trust.

A major takeaway from the H1 2025 ranking is that 99 percent of global tracker shipments now come from Grade A manufacturers. The Grade A designation is awarded to companies that meet Wood Mackenzie’s benchmark for industry best practice, fulfilling at least five of the defined performance criteria.

“The Grade A designation serves as a market signal, highlighting suppliers that combine operational robustness with practices aligned to global procurement standards. We’ve consulted extensively with developers and EPCs to ensure our framework highlights not just current capability, but long-term risk mitigation," Shen added.

The report reflects a global PV tracker market that is increasingly concentrated, with Grade A manufacturers leading in operational efficiency, ESG adherence, technological innovation, and financial resilience, setting the standard for the next phase of growth in the renewable energy sector.