FTC Solar Launches Safe Harbor Strategy Leveraging Module-Agnostic Universal Torque Tubes & Engineering Services Expertise to Enable Tax Credit Certainty
Rhea-AI Summary
FTC Solar (Nasdaq: FTCI) has launched a comprehensive Safe Harbor strategy to help utility-scale solar developers secure full Investment Tax Credit (ITC) eligibility under the Inflation Reduction Act and new "One Big Beautiful Bill" rules. The company offers two key paths: Capex Safe Harbor through early procurement of tracker components and Physical Work Safe Harbor via foundation procurement and installation.
The company's Universal Torque Tubes with Python Clip rail designs provide module-agnostic flexibility, allowing late-stage module changes without compromising design integrity. FTC Solar will offer 100% U.S.-sourced trackers starting Q4 2025, supported by dedicated engineering teams and a consultative approach to safe harbor strategies.
Positive
- Offers flexible safe harbor options to secure 30% ITC eligibility
- Module-agnostic Universal Torque Tubes design allows late-stage project modifications
- 100% U.S.-sourced trackers available from Q4 2025
- Integrated strategy with dedicated engineering support
Negative
- None.
Insights
FTC Solar's new Safe Harbor strategy helps developers secure tax credits through flexible tracker components and engineering expertise.
FTC Solar's latest announcement strategically positions the company to capitalize on an emerging market need created by regulatory changes. The company has developed a comprehensive Safe Harbor offering specifically designed to help utility-scale solar developers secure the full 30% Investment Tax Credit (ITC) eligibility under the Inflation Reduction Act and newer "One Big Beautiful Bill" rules. This addresses a critical pain point in the industry where developers face regulatory uncertainty about tax credit qualification.
What makes this strategy particularly noteworthy is FTC's dual-pathway approach: offering both Capex Safe Harbor through early procurement of tracker components and Physical Work Safe Harbor via foundation installation services. The company's "Universal Torque Tubes" with Python Clip rail designs create significant value by allowing module-agnostic installations - meaning developers can change module specifications late in the project cycle without sacrificing tax credit eligibility.
From a competitive standpoint, FTC Solar is leveraging its integrated capabilities in both hardware and engineering services, allowing it to capture market share during this period of regulatory transition. The announcement of 100% U.S.-sourced trackers available in Q4 2025 also positions the company to help developers qualify for domestic content adders, potentially increasing their value proposition as regulatory requirements tighten.
This strategic pivot demonstrates management's agility in responding to policy changes while solving genuine customer problems - rather than simply selling components, they're offering regulatory certainty in an uncertain environment.
Installation simplicity and design advantages through Universal Torque Tubes, late-stage module flexibility, multi-module design compatibility, and single row architecture are adaptable to any site and environmental conditions. Supported by robust U.S. manufacturing and best in class engineering services, FTC Solar is positioned as a go-to partner to de-risk tax credit eligibility.
AUSTIN, Texas, July 31, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- FTC Solar, Inc. (Nasdaq: FTCI), a leading provider of solar tracker systems, software and engineering services, stands ready with an industry-leading Safe Harbor offering to enable utility-scale developers/IPPs to establish “begin construction” status in time to secure full ITC eligibility under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and new “One Big Beautiful Bill” (OBBB) rules. FTC Solar is supporting customer’s safe harbor content and planning with smart and flexible safe harbor options today and faster installation times tomorrow.
With the recent policy shifts under the OBBB, many developers face ambiguity in how best to qualify their projects for the
- Capex Safe Harbor via early procurement of FTC’s highly project extensible tracker components, including universal torque tubes, and;
- Physical Work Safe Harbor via early-stage foundation procurement and installation, guided by the expertise of FTC’s internal civil and geotechnical engineering teams
The regulatory uncertainty surrounding tax credit eligibility and implementation makes flexibility and optionality critical for solar developers looking to understand all available avenues to maximize project returns. Perhaps more than ever, procuring tracker components may be part of the strategic decision set to preserve ITC eligibility. FTC Solar’s 1P “Pioneer” trackers utilize universal torque tubes with innovative Python Clip rail designs, which eliminate the need to puncture torque tubes and accommodate any variation in module form factor, giving developers and EPCs ultimate flexibility for module changes late in the design process.
Universal torque tubes enable a module agnostic approach, making FTC trackers one of the most resilient investments for developers racing against policy deadlines. Because FTC’s designs prioritize simplicity, developers can optimize capex by procuring additional structural components that seamlessly extend across any project configuration, site challenge, or environmental condition.
“FTC Solar’s products are not just safe harbor eligible – they are optimized for safe harbor,” said Yann Brandt, CEO of FTC Solar. “Today, we have our widest and most robust product offering to date, across both 1P and 2P technologies, optimized for wind speed, stow angle, module type, civil costs, and installation speed. Whether developers pursue a hard money investment or an early works construction start, FTC Solar is ready to support with proven tracker technology, engineering expertise, and domestic capacity. As the market and regulatory environment shifts, we stand ready, and well-positioned, to support customers with smart tracker options to help maximize project flexibility.”
Unlike other providers, FTC Solar brings an integrated strategy to market, offering:
- A dedicated engineering team to help identify site-specific pile installation opportunities that meet physical work tests;
- A consultative safe harbor project and design engineering team to tailor tracker component procurement strategies to the project capex rule;and
- A rapidly scaling domestic supply chain, with
100% U.S.-sourced trackers available to take orders starting in Q4 2025.
FTC Solar is actively booking safe harbor orders and offering immediate support to meet your safe harbor goals.
For more information on safe harbor strategies and how FTC Solar can help, see a preview of our white paper here: Safe Harbor White Paper and contact our sales team at safeharbor@ftcsolar.com.
About FTC Solar Inc.
Founded in 2017 by a group of renewable energy industry veterans, FTC Solar is a global provider of solar tracker systems, technology, software, and engineering services. Solar trackers significantly increase energy production at solar power installations by dynamically optimizing solar panel orientation to the sun. FTC Solar’s innovative tracker designs provide compelling performance and reliability, with an industry-leading installation cost-per-watt advantage.
FAQ
What are the two safe harbor paths offered by FTC Solar (FTCI)?
How does FTC Solar's Universal Torque Tubes technology benefit developers?
When will FTC Solar (FTCI) begin offering 100% U.S.-sourced trackers?
What engineering support does FTC Solar provide for safe harbor qualification?
How does FTC Solar help developers maximize ITC eligibility under the new regulations?
