FTC Solar showcased its latest single-in-portrait (1P) terrain following tracker, Pioneer+ TF, at RE+ 2025
This tracker’s mechanical articulation characteristic enables installation in an undulating terrain with reduced land grading and filing
The company also offers a terrain analysis software, called PathFinder
Texas-based PV tracker maker FTC Solar introduced its latest single-in-portrait (1P) or single-axis tracking product, 1P Pioneer+ TF, at RE+ 2025.
A key feature, according to FTC, is that this tracker can be installed following the terrain’s landscape, denoted by TF (terrain following), without major land grading or leveling. It is attributed to 2 differentiators – mechanical articulation and PathFinder integration – in comparison to its predecessor, the Pioneer series tracker. Conforming to terrain undulations of up to 18 inches, the former feature supports up to ±10° of mechanical adjustment at the tracker’s center post relative to the horizontal plane along the east-west direction. In addition, each line post allows up to 1.5° of mechanical articulation for further fine-tuning of alignment. In a PV tracker structure, center posts carry the torque tube or drive motor, while the line posts act as intermediate support. According to the company, these adjustments enable the trackers to adapt to the natural contours of the site, resulting in a reduction of up to 95% in grading compared to traditional tracker systems.
The company’s PathFinder terrain analysis software ingests site layouts and topographic surveys to map slopes and constraints prior to construction. Based on these inputs, the software quickly evaluates the solar sites and minimizes grading by balancing cut and fill during construction. FTC states that PathFinder’s precise site evaluation with rapid iterations helps avoid design changes in the late-stage construction phase, which is common in undulating field installations.
Additionally, the company says that Pioneer+ TF preserves the site’s natural drainage patterns and minimizes soil disturbances by limiting land grading and filling during field installations. FTC adds that it supports erosion control, habitat protection, and smoothens permitting outcomes – altogether enhancing a project’s environmental sustainability and governance (ESG) profile, albeit passively.
Commercialization details of this terrain following tracker are not yet publicly available.