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Genius Tracker™ system completes IEEE 693 high-performance level earthquake testing at UC Berkeley's PEER Lab
NORWALK, Conn., March 31, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- GameChange Solar, a leading global supplier of solar tracker and fixed-tilt racking technology, announced the successful completion of the industry's first full-scale seismic shake table testing program for its Genius Tracker™ system at UC Berkeley's Pacific Earthquake Engineering Research (PEER) Center. The testing was conducted in accordance with IEEE 693 seismic design standards, simulating extreme earthquake conditions representative of high-risk regions such as the New Madrid Seismic Zone. This testing represents one of the most intense credible seismic scenarios for a U.S. solar installation.
A full-scale tracker system with mounted PV modules was subjected to progressively increasing seismic inputs, including broadband excitation and high-performance-level testing up to 2.5g spectral acceleration.
The system demonstrated strong performance across multiple configurations and test intensities:
- No structural damage to key components, including torque tubes, bearings, posts, and actuators.
- Seismic design features, including GameChange's proprietary Lateral Capture System, engaged as intended and effectively redistributed loads during testing.
- No module microcracking or meaningful power loss, with degradation under 1% of the PV modules used during the testing
- Full system functionality was maintained by the tracker motor after testing.
"As solar expands into seismic-risk regions like California, Chile, and the New Madrid Fault Zone, the industry has had negligible real-world data on how modern utility scale trackers and modules perform in an earthquake," said Scott Van Pelt, Chief Engineer at GameChange Solar. "This test changes that. We now have conclusive evidence that a solar tracking system, such as GameChange's Genius Tracker, can be designed to withstand the forces associated with a meaningful earthquake."
The results of this testing are covered in the White Paper "Seismic Shake Table Testing of Single Axis Solar Trackers," which is available upon request from GameChange Solar's website. Furthermore, this testing was presented as part of a pv magazine webinar, on how shake table testing shows earthquake resilience of solar trackers, which aired on March 18th and available here.
A seismic failure at a solar plant could mean widespread module damage, costly repairs, months of lost generation, and potentially dangerous conditions for O&M personnel. By establishing an empirical performance baseline now, GCS is enabling project developers, asset owners, and insurers to make more informed decisions about seismic risk and provide a credible engineering foundation for sites in high-hazard zones.
Independent validation by the Renewable Energy Test Center (RETC) in Fremont, CA confirmed the system remained in good physical and operating condition following the test campaign.
These results demonstrate that the Genius Tracker system is engineered to deliver reliability, and performance in high seismic environments, supporting solar deployment in some of the world's most demanding conditions.
About GameChange Solar
GameChange Solar is one of the top three global providers of solar tracker solutions used in utility-scale and ground-mounted distributed generation solar projects around the world. We have delivered over 58 GW of solar tracker and fixed tilt systems that combine fast installation, bankable quality, and unbeatable value through superior engineering, innovative design, and high-volume manufacturing. Our products enable solar panels at power plants to follow the sun's movement across the sky and optimize plant performance while protecting the array from damaging weather conditions.
For more information about GameChange Solar and its solar tracking solutions, visit www.gamechangesolar.com.
Media Contact
Lisa Andrews
Director of Marketing, GameChange Solar
lisa.andrews@gamechangesolar.com
Genius Tracker™ system completes IEEE 693 high-performance level earthquake testing at UC Berkeley's PEER Lab
NORWALK, Conn., March 31, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- GameChange Solar, a leading global supplier of solar tracker and fixed-tilt racking technology, announced the successful completion of the industry's first full-scale seismic shake table testing program for its Genius Tracker™ system at UC Berkeley's Pacific Earthquake Engineering Research (PEER) Center. The testing was conducted in accordance with IEEE 693 seismic design standards, simulating extreme earthquake conditions representative of high-risk regions such as the New Madrid Seismic Zone. This testing represents one of the most intense credible seismic scenarios for a U.S. solar installation.
A full-scale tracker system with mounted PV modules was subjected to progressively increasing seismic inputs, including broadband excitation and high-performance-level testing up to 2.5g spectral acceleration.
The system demonstrated strong performance across multiple configurations and test intensities:
- No structural damage to key components, including torque tubes, bearings, posts, and actuators.
- Seismic design features, including GameChange's proprietary Lateral Capture System, engaged as intended and effectively redistributed loads during testing.
- No module microcracking or meaningful power loss, with degradation under 1% of the PV modules used during the testing
- Full system functionality was maintained by the tracker motor after testing.
"As solar expands into seismic-risk regions like California, Chile, and the New Madrid Fault Zone, the industry has had negligible real-world data on how modern utility scale trackers and modules perform in an earthquake," said Scott Van Pelt, Chief Engineer at GameChange Solar. "This test changes that. We now have conclusive evidence that a solar tracking system, such as GameChange's Genius Tracker, can be designed to withstand the forces associated with a meaningful earthquake."
The results of this testing are covered in the White Paper "Seismic Shake Table Testing of Single Axis Solar Trackers," which is available upon request from GameChange Solar's website. Furthermore, this testing was presented as part of a pv magazine webinar, on how shake table testing shows earthquake resilience of solar trackers, which aired on March 18th and available here.
A seismic failure at a solar plant could mean widespread module damage, costly repairs, months of lost generation, and potentially dangerous conditions for O&M personnel. By establishing an empirical performance baseline now, GCS is enabling project developers, asset owners, and insurers to make more informed decisions about seismic risk and provide a credible engineering foundation for sites in high-hazard zones.
Independent validation by the Renewable Energy Test Center (RETC) in Fremont, CA confirmed the system remained in good physical and operating condition following the test campaign.
These results demonstrate that the Genius Tracker system is engineered to deliver reliability, and performance in high seismic environments, supporting solar deployment in some of the world's most demanding conditions.
About GameChange Solar
GameChange Solar is one of the top three global providers of solar tracker solutions used in utility-scale and ground-mounted distributed generation solar projects around the world. We have delivered over 58 GW of solar tracker and fixed tilt systems that combine fast installation, bankable quality, and unbeatable value through superior engineering, innovative design, and high-volume manufacturing. Our products enable solar panels at power plants to follow the sun's movement across the sky and optimize plant performance while protecting the array from damaging weather conditions.
For more information about GameChange Solar and its solar tracking solutions, visit www.gamechangesolar.com.
Media Contact
Lisa Andrews
Director of Marketing, GameChange Solar
lisa.andrews@gamechangesolar.com
** This press release is distributed by PR Newswire through automated distribution system, for which the client assumes full responsibility. **
GameChange Solar Announces Successful Industry-First, Full-Scale Seismic Testing of Single-Axis Solar Trackers
SHANGHAI, March 31, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- MGM Shanghai West Bund opened in 2023 as the first MGM-branded city hotel in mainland China. Located in Shanghai's West Bund area near major art landmarks such as the West Bund Museum and Tank Shanghai, the hotel has become part of the area's cultural scene, combining art, luxury, entertainment, and its signature S.H.O.W. service.
The hotel is designed to bring art into everyday life through its "Gan Chuang" concept, which combines emotions and creativity to let guests experience art in a natural way. This concept is expressed through installations, visual details, and artistic elements that appear throughout public spaces, guest rooms, restaurants, and the spa.
Designed by HBA, the interiors mix Eastern inspiration with modern design. Warm wood tones are combined with touches of blue, green, and orange, while materials such as fabric, leather, and stone add texture and comfort. Details like handcrafted lighting and ceramic pieces give each space character.
The hotel works with artists such as Ni Zhiqi, Jeremyville, and Shan Xiaoming, each bringing a unique style—Ni Zhiqi uses his "NI Tone" colors, Jeremyville creates bold and playful visuals, and Shan Xiaoming adds symbolic forms. The hotel also supports ESG principles by partnering with artists who use recycled materials and modern versions of traditional techniques, maintaining a strong focus on sustainability and responsible design.
The property includes 161 guest rooms and 58 suites, all with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Huangpu River and the West Bund. Dining is a key part of the experience, with four venues offering different concepts: Riva serves modern Italian cuisine in an artistic setting; Royal Court focuses on authentic Cantonese dishes made with high-quality ingredients; Emerald Lounge offers an art-inspired afternoon tea; and Sky59 rooftop bar provides creative cocktails and city views. Leisure facilities include a Zen-inspired spa, a river-view fitness center, and a rooftop infinity pool, while event spaces include the West Bund Hall and flexible meeting rooms for both business and social events.
With its international ambiance and deep connection to the West Bund cultural district, MGM Shanghai West Bund is both a luxury hotel and a cultural destination—an ideal gateway for guests to discover the city's dynamic art and creative scene.
** This press release is distributed by PR Newswire through automated distribution system, for which the client assumes full responsibility. **
MGM Shanghai West Bund Bringing Art into a New Luxury Stay Experience
