Nextracker, a solar technology platform provider, and T1 Energy, an advanced manufacturer of solar modules, announced a strategic framework agreement to use Nextracker’s patented steel module frame technology for T1 Energy’s new 5-GW G1_Dallas solar manufacturing facility.
The companies hope the agreement helps accelerate the industry’s transition away from imported aluminum frames toward made-in-the-USA frames using locally manufactured specialty steel, and support demand in the U.S. for durable solar technology.
“We’re proud to offer our customers leading-edge solar module frame technology from Nextracker,” said Daniel Barcelo, Chairman and CEO, T1 Energy. “These are American companies and factories with American workers delivering American energy security. With potential for surging demand from data centers and AI infrastructure, the U.S. needs to establish critical energy supply chains built on domestic capacity and industrial expertise. This is exactly what T1 and Nextracker are doing, together.”
Most solar frames are produced with extruded aluminum and imported from Asia. Through this partnership, Nextracker will reshore some critical manufacturing capacity. Additionally, Nextracker argues the partnership will enable a domestic supply of specialty steel frames that are “competitively priced” and less exposed to tariff and global supply chain risks.
To support this initiative, Nextracker plans to increase its existing U.S. steel frame capacity in the Midwest with additional manufacturing lines in Texas.
“Solar panels were invented by Bell Labs in the 1950s, and it is fantastic to see reshoring of PV manufacturing facilities at real scale in the USA,” said Dan Shugar, founder and CEO of Nextracker. “It is a privilege to be supporting T1 Energy’s state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Dallas with our patented steel module frames using high quality and low carbon U.S.-produced steel. Our technology enables lower cost solar power by improving PV module durability and installation velocity.”
Last month, Nextracker announced its expansion into the solar panel frame market with the acquisition of Origami Solar, a legitimate pioneer in roll-formed steel frame technology, in an all-cash transaction that includes future contingent earnout consideration. Origami Solar, as you may recall from a profile penned on Factor This last February, has developed a made-in-America steel solar panel frame that promises increased durability, reduced material and manufacturing costs, and lower greenhouse gas emissions.
Nextracker has actively expanded its platform and offerings of solar solutions over the last two years. Earlier in September, Nextracker announced the launch of its proprietary NX PowerMerge trunk connector, a next-generation DC power component designed to streamline electrical balance of systems (eBOS) installation and boost long-term reliability. The innovative solution marks the first product introduction to the Nextracker eBOS portfolio since its acquisition of Bentek earlier this year. Last June, Nextracker acquired Ojjo, a U.S.-based renewable energy company specializing in foundation technology and services used in utility-scale ground-mount applications for solar power generation, in an all-cash transaction worth approximately $119 million.
