Driven by the global energy transition and carbon neutrality goals, the photovoltaic (PV) industry maintained strong momentum throughout 2023. As the “skeleton” of PV power plants, the mounting system market—comprising both fixed and tracking structures—witnessed explosive growth in demand. The year was also marked by notable breakthroughs in technological patents, product innovation, and brand development.

I. Global Market Landscape: Tracking System Shipments Surge, Chinese Players Shine

The global PV tracker market experienced rapid growth in 2023. According to a report from Wood Mackenzie, global PV tracker shipments increased by 28% year-on-year, reaching 92 gigawatts (GW) in 2023.

From a competitive landscape perspective, market concentration remained high, with the top ten suppliers accounting for 90% of the global market share. US companies continued to lead, with Nextracker and Array Technologies holding the top two positions for the ninth consecutive year, capturing 23% and 16% of the market, respectively. Notably, Chinese companies occupied significant positions in the global market. Arctech and TrinaTracker ranked among the top six globally, with market shares of 9% and 6% , respectively, making them the only two Chinese companies in the global top ten.

From a market analysis standpoint, the United States remained the largest single market, driven by the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). In 2023, the US installed over 37 GW of trackers, marking a 10% increase from the previous year. In China, while utility-scale PV installations exceeded 140 GW, the penetration rate of trackers remained relatively low, with the tracker market reaching 4.3 GW, indicating substantial growth potential.

II. Technological Innovation and Product Evolution: Scenario-Specific Designs and Efficient Installation

In response to complex terrain and diverse application scenarios, mounting system manufacturers increased R&D investments in 2023, launching a series of innovative products.

1. Agri-PV and Scenario-Specific Solutions

German company Schletter Group launched an agricultural PV (Agri-PV) system named “SolFarm” in 2023. The system adopts a vertical installation approach, reducing land occupancy to less than 20% while leaving over 80% of the land available for farming. Furthermore, by utilizing bifacial modules arranged in east-west orientation, the system generates more electricity during morning and evening hours, resulting in a smoother power generation curve.

2. Patent Breakthroughs: Efficient Construction and Flexible Structures

Chinese companies made substantial progress in patent technology. LONGi Green Energy filed for and was granted a patent for a “supporting truss for PV mounting systems” in April 2023. The technology utilizes a unique profile bending and splicing structure to form a stable support frame, designed to significantly enhance construction efficiency for PV power plants.

Trina Solar also obtained a patent for a “flexible cable PV tracker” in 2023. The design combines load-bearing cables with purlins and main beams, allowing for flexible span configurations. The overall structure is lightweight, which not only reduces construction costs but also enhances reliability in complex terrain.

3. Highlights from International Trade Shows

At Intersolar Europe held in Munich in June 2023, multiple companies showcased fast-installation systems and stricter testing standards. For instance, IBC Solar demonstrated new products with a focus on “faster installation speed” and showcased the durability of their mounting systems through on-site load testing.

III. Brand Development and Major Procurements: State-Owned Enterprises Drive Industry Upgrades

2023 was not only a year of technological breakthroughs but also a pivotal year for brand building in the Chinese PV mounting system sector. In December, PowerChina held a brand-building achievement release conference in Beijing for its wind turbine towers and PV mounting products. This marked the first concentrated showcase of branding efforts in the new energy equipment manufacturing sector, signaling the state-owned enterprise’s push towards standardization, branding, and industrialization in this field.

Additionally, large-scale project procurements in China reached a peak in 2023. Statistics show that around October 2023, major state-owned enterprises such as State Power Investment Corporation (SPIC), China National Coal Group, and CGN New Energy announced the results of procurement tenders totaling over 33 GW of PV mounting systems. The tenders covered various types including fixed mounts, trackers, and flexible mounting systems, with 26 companies winning contracts. Notably, the highest bid price for dual-axis trackers reached RMB 2.07/W, reflecting the high technical value-add of precision tracking systems.

IV. Outlook

Looking back at 2023, the PV mounting system industry achieved steady growth driven by robust global market demand, with leading players further consolidating their market positions. Looking ahead, as PV applications diversify into areas such as offshore PV, desert PV, and Agri-PV, and as the industry places greater emphasis on power generation efficiency, mounting systems that combine high reliability, low cost, and intelligent tracking will become the main battleground for competition.