(SeaPRwire) –   Genius Tracker™ system successfully passed IEEE 693 high-performance level earthquake testing at UC Berkeley’s PEER Lab

NORWALK, Conn., March 30, 2026 — GameChange Solar, a prominent global provider of solar tracker and fixed-tilt racking technology, has announced the successful completion of the industry’s inaugural full-scale seismic shake table testing program for its Genius Tracker™ system. The testing took place at UC Berkeley’s Pacific Earthquake Engineering Research (PEER) Center and adhered to IEEE 693 seismic design standards. This program simulated extreme earthquake conditions comparable to those found in high-risk areas such as the New Madrid Seismic Zone, representing one of the most severe credible seismic scenarios for a U.S. solar installation.

A complete tracker system, equipped with mounted PV modules, was subjected to progressively intensified seismic inputs. This included broadband excitation and high-performance-level testing, reaching up to 2.5g spectral acceleration.

The system demonstrated robust performance across various configurations and test intensities, exhibiting the following results:

• No structural damage was observed in critical components such as torque tubes, bearings, posts, and actuators.
• Seismic design features, including GameChange’s proprietary Lateral Capture System, functioned as intended, effectively managing and redistributing loads during the testing.
• No microcracking or significant power loss occurred in the modules, with degradation of the PV modules used in the testing remaining below 1%.
• The tracker motor maintained full system functionality post-testing.

“As solar energy projects expand into seismic-risk regions like California, Chile, and the New Madrid Fault Zone, the industry has had very limited real-world data on how modern utility-scale trackers and modules perform during an earthquake,” stated Scott Van Pelt, Chief Engineer at GameChange Solar. “This test changes that narrative. We now possess conclusive evidence that a solar tracking system, such as GameChange’s Genius Tracker, can be engineered to withstand the forces associated with a significant earthquake.”

The findings from this testing are detailed in the White Paper titled “Seismic Shake Table Testing of Single Axis Solar Trackers,” which is available upon request via GameChange Solar’s website. Additionally, this testing was featured in a pv magazine webinar on March 18th, discussing how shake table testing demonstrates the earthquake resilience of solar trackers, and is accessible via a provided link.

A seismic failure at a solar plant could result in extensive module damage, substantial repair costs, prolonged periods of lost energy generation, and potentially hazardous conditions for operations and maintenance personnel. By establishing an empirical performance baseline, GCS is empowering project developers, asset owners, and insurers to make more informed decisions regarding seismic risk and providing a credible engineering foundation for installations in high-hazard zones.

Independent verification by the Renewable Energy Test Center (RETC) in Fremont, CA confirmed that the system remained in excellent physical and operational condition following the testing campaign.

These outcomes underscore that the Genius Tracker system is engineered for reliability and performance in high seismic environments, thereby supporting solar deployment in some of the world’s most challenging conditions.

About GameChange Solar

GameChange Solar ranks among the top three global suppliers of solar tracker solutions for utility-scale and ground-mounted distributed generation solar projects worldwide. We have supplied over 58 GW of solar tracker and fixed tilt systems, characterized by rapid installation, bankable quality, and exceptional value, achieved through superior engineering, innovative design, and high-volume manufacturing. Our products enable solar panels at power plants to track the sun’s movement across the sky, optimizing plant performance while safeguarding the array from adverse weather conditions.

For further information on GameChange Solar and its solar tracking solutions, please visit www.gamechangesolar.com.

Media Contact

Lisa Andrews

Director of Marketing, GameChange Solar

lisa.andrews@gamechangesolar.com

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