David Hardy Has Joined Nextpower as Executive

The former Orsted and GE Vernova leader will head business development as Nextpower scales its solar technology platform.

Updated on Oct. 9, 2026 in Energy

Isometric editorial illustration of a mechanical solar panel tracker with a steel actuator arm in a desert landscape. — David Hardy has been named chief business development officer at Nextpower, a solar tracker manufacturer scaling its hardware platform in the U.S. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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David Hardy has resigned from his position at GE Vernova to become the chief business development officer at Nextpower. The move places the renewable energy veteran at the solar tracker company that currently commands more than 50% of the U.S. market.

Why it matters

Hardy joins as the solar industry experiences significant expansion, having added 11GW of capacity in the first half of 2026 alone. His appointment aligns with Nextpower’s broader strategy to scale its technology platform following the July 2026 acquisition of Prevalon Energy.

Nextpower holds a greater than 50% market share in U.S. solar trackers, which utilize automated systems to adjust panel orientation for sunlight exposure. The company currently leverages 45X tax credits for domestic manufacturing to support its ongoing scaling efforts.

The players

David Hardy

Former leader of Orsted Americas and GE Vernova executive who now heads business development at Nextpower.

Nextpower

A U.S. solar tracker manufacturer founded in 2013 that controls over 50% of its domestic market.

GE Vernova

An energy equipment provider whose wind segment recently faced a 10% revenue decline and significant quarterly losses.

Orsted

A global renewable energy developer that previously recorded $4 billion in impairments related to the Ocean Wind project.

Daniel Shugar

The founder of Nextpower who established the company in 2013.

The details

Nextpower produces solar tracking systems that use mechanical actuators to optimize panel angles throughout the day. This technology ensures panels remain perpendicular to sunlight, increasing energy yield compared to fixed-tilt installations. The company is currently integrating Prevalon Energy—a firm specializing in battery storage systems—to create a more comprehensive hardware platform for utility-scale energy projects.

Nextpower was founded in 2013.
The South Fork offshore wind project achieved operations in March 2024.
David Hardy joined GE Vernova in January 2025.
The U.S. added 11GW of solar and 7.4GW of battery storage during the first half of 2026.
Nextpower acquired Prevalon Energy in July 2026.

The Tech Race

Nextpower is consolidating its leadership position by leveraging federal incentives like the 45X manufacturing credits to offset production costs. This expansion contrasts with the current volatility in the offshore wind sector, where developers like Orsted have faced billions in impairment charges.

The leadership change at Nextpower aims to accelerate the deployment of solar tracking and storage hardware across major U.S. utility projects. As the company integrates Prevalon Energy, developers and grid operators should watch for changes in product availability and system pricing.

The takeaway

Hardy’s transition from wind energy to solar tracking signals a strategic focus on segments with higher growth and fewer capital-intensive risks. Watch for future disclosures on Nextpower's integrated storage and tracking platform as the firm utilizes current domestic tax incentives.