The world’s two largest solar tracker manufacturers have issued one another separate patent infringement lawsuits within three months of each other.
GameChange Energy sued Nextpower today alleging that its NX Horizon with Hail Pro tracker’s design and operation infringes on a GameChange patent (US-12449161-B2) for “self-shielding” trackers designed to reduce the impact of wind on these arrays. In early June, Nextpower issued a similar lawsuit against GameChange, claiming its Genius Tracker is infringing three separate patents for self-powered solar tracker components and complementary operating software.
GameChange was issued the patent in question for this latest lawsuit in October 2025. In its abstract, the patent document describes a solar tracker array capable of rotating panels rows to between 60 and 80° when exposed to wind 70 mph or higher to mitigate those pressures. GameChange is accusing Nextpower of employing similar operational methods in its NX Horizon tracker, and alleges its competitor “encourages its customers to directly infringe the … patent,” according to the lawsuit.
GameChange and its solar subsidiary are seeking monetary damages for the alleged patent infringement and the full details of all sales in this alleged infringement. The company is aiming for a jury trial in this case.
“Our high-tilt stow technology represents years of engineering investment aimed at protecting solar assets and maximizing uptime for our customers,” said Phillip Vyhanek, CEO at GameChange, in a press release. “We take our intellectual property seriously, and we will act to defend the innovations that set our products apart.”
Solar Power World has reached out to both companies for further comment. Read about the lawsuit Nextpower filed against GameChange this past June here.
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