FTC Solar unveils 80° high angle stow for Pioneer tracker

AUSTIN - FTC Solar, Inc. (Nasdaq:FTCI), a $91 million market cap solar technology company whose stock has surged 111% over the past six months, announced Wednesday the launch of automated 80° high angle stow capability for its Pioneer solar tracking system, designed to protect solar installations from hail damage. According to InvestingPro data, analysts expect the company’s sales to grow by 84% this year.

The new feature, powered by the company’s SUNOPS software, automatically rotates solar panels to a steep 80° tilt position when hail is detected, reducing the surface area exposed to impact and causing hailstones to strike at glancing angles rather than directly.

"Solar developers and asset owners need certainty that their systems can withstand extreme weather," said Yann Brandt, CEO of FTC Solar, in a press release statement. The company’s focus on weather protection comes at a crucial time, as InvestingPro analysis shows the company operating with moderate debt levels and maintaining a current ratio of 1.16, indicating adequate resources to meet short-term obligations.

The system integrates with the company’s digital performance platform, allowing operators to configure thresholds based on hail size, storm probability, and site-specific conditions. The technology enables automated responses to third-party weather alerts or manual overrides.

According to the company, the Pioneer tracker’s drive system is engineered to move safely to high stow angles while maintaining structural integrity during extreme weather conditions. Proprietary dampers and rail design help maintain system stability when high winds accompany hail risk.

The solution allows operators to customize hail stow parameters through the software platform, including thresholds, stow direction, and release timing to match site-specific risk profiles.

FTC Solar states that hailstorms cause millions of dollars in damage to solar projects annually, threatening project returns and long-term reliability. The company aims to address this challenge with its new high angle stow capability. With a beta of 1.41, FTC Solar’s stock typically experiences higher volatility than the broader market. Investors seeking deeper insights can access comprehensive analysis and 15 additional ProTips through InvestingPro’s detailed research reports.

In other recent news, FTC Solar Inc. reported its second-quarter 2025 earnings, showcasing a notable year-over-year revenue increase. Despite this growth, the company experienced significant losses, which have contributed to ongoing financial struggles and market uncertainties. In addition to the earnings report, FTC Solar announced a partnership to supply solar tracker systems and software for Levona Renewables’ one-gigawatt solar projects starting in early 2026. The initial project, CT Solar One, will be a 140-megawatt utility-scale solar facility in Snyder, Texas, with construction slated to begin in early 2026.

In terms of market analysis, UBS raised its price target for FTC Solar to $5.50 from $3.80, maintaining a Neutral rating on the stock. This adjustment reflects an updated valuation approach based on cumulative EV/adjusted EBITDA estimates. These recent developments highlight the mixed financial outlook for FTC Solar amidst its strategic expansions and market challenges.

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