Nextracker (Nasdaq: NXT), a global leader in solar technology platforms, has launched its innovative NX Earth Truss® foundation solution in Australia to accelerate the deployment of large-scale solar projects on challenging, rocky, and hard soil terrains.
This launch marks the system’s first deployment outside North America and is supported by a grant from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) aimed at expanding Australia’s renewable energy potential.
The NX Earth Truss system is engineered specifically for utility-scale solar development on difficult soil conditions common to many Australian project sites.
Its design reduces the need for extensive site grading and preserves natural vegetation, aligning with Nextracker’s light-on-land approach.
By overcoming barriers linked to hard or rocky soils, this technology opens new opportunities by expanding solar project siting options, easing land-use constraints, and accelerating project delivery timelines.
The system also lowers labor requirements and boosts automation, which is particularly beneficial for remote installations facing workforce limitations.
At the heart of the system is the NX Truss Driver™, a semi-autonomous drilling and installation machine equipped with precision Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) controls and proprietary drill-and-drive technology.
This machine installs Earth Truss foundations in a single pass, significantly reducing labour hours, eliminating rework, and mitigating construction risks, which helps de-risk project timelines — critical as Australia works to rapidly scale its renewable energy infrastructure.
“ARENA is committed to supporting technologies that expand Australia’s renewable energy options,” said Darren Miller, CEO of ARENA.
“By making previously unusable land viable for solar development, Nextracker’s innovative Earth Truss technology can help fast-track project delivery and broaden opportunities for investors and communities alike.”
Peter Wheale, vice president and general manager of Nextracker Australia, New Zealand, and Southeast Asia, emphasised the importance of ARENA’s support: “We greatly appreciate ARENA’s leadership and support in driving next-generation renewable energy solutions like Nextracker’s Earth Truss here in Australia.
“NX Earth Truss is a breakthrough for the Australian solar market.
“By unlocking new categories of land, we’re giving developers and EPCs greater flexibility and reduced project risk while helping Australia accelerate its clean energy transition”.
The Australian Renewable Energy Agency has provided nearly $5 million in funding to support the deployment of this automated foundation system in multiple solar farms, including the 450 MW Goulburn River Solar Farm in New South Wales.
The project aligns with ARENA’s Ultra Low-Cost Solar strategy by demonstrating how automation can speed solar project construction while reducing costs and risks.
Nextracker has led Australia’s solar tracker market since 2016, delivering or installing more than 10 GW of systems.
The company’s partnerships with local manufacturers like Orrcon Steel and Baojia, supported by the Queensland government, continue to bolster regional manufacturing capacity, supply chain resilience, and workforce development in Australia’s energy sector.
Nextracker’s NX Earth Truss foundation solution also offers advanced geotechnical engineering, optimised structural design, and high-tech machinery to accelerate construction while preserving the environment.
This advancement allows utility-scale solar projects to be installed more quickly and efficiently on previously challenging terrains, helping Australia meet its ambitious renewable energy targets faster.
This launch reflects a significant step forward in renewable energy construction technology, helping to unlock Australia’s solar potential and supporting the nation’s transition to a clean energy future.
