TOne Energy, a provider of solar technology platforms, and an advanced manufacturer of solar modules, announced a strategic framework agreement to use Nextracker’s patented steel module frame technology for TOne Energy’s new 5-GW G1_Dallas solar manufacturing facility.
The companies hope the agreement helps accelerate the industry’s transition from imported aluminum frames to United States frames using domestically produced specialty steel, and supports demand in the U.S. for sustainable solar technology.
“We are proud to offer our customers leading solar module frame technology from Nextrecker,” said Daniel Barslow, chairman and CEO of TOne Energy. “These are American companies and factories with American workers providing American energy security. With the potential for increased demand from data centers and AI infrastructure, America needs to establish critical energy supply chains built on domestic capacity and industrial expertise. That’s what T1 and Nextracker are doing together.”
Most solar frames are manufactured with extruded aluminum and imported from Asia. Through this partnership, Nextrecker will re-share some of its key manufacturing capabilities. Additionally, Nextrecker says the partnership will enable domestic supply of specialty steel frames that are “competitively priced” and less subject to tariffs and global supply chain risks.
To support this move, Nextrecker plans to increase its existing steel frame capacity in the Midwest with additional manufacturing lines in Texas.
“Solar panels were invented by Bell Labs in the 1950s, and it’s amazing to see the resurgence of real-scale PV manufacturing facilities in the U.S.,” said NextTracker founder and CEO Dan Sugar. “It is an honor to support TOne Energy’s state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Dallas with our patented steel module frames using high-quality and low-carbon US-produced steel. Our technology enables low-cost solar energy by improving PV module stability and speed of installation.”
Last month, Nextrecker announced its expansion into the solar panel frame market with the acquisition of Origami Solar, a legitimate pioneer in roll-formed steel frame technology, with future contingency considerations included. Origami Solar, as you may remember from the profile written Factor this Last February, it developed a Made-in-America steel solar panel frame that promises durability, lower material and manufacturing costs, and reduced greenhouse gas emissions.
Nextrecker has actively expanded its platform and solar solution offerings over the past two years. Earlier in September, Nextrecker announced the release of its proprietary NX PowerRidge trunk connector, a next-generation DC power component designed to streamline electrical balance of systems (EBOS) installation and promote long-term reliability. The innovative solution marks the first product introduction to the nexus Ebus portfolio since the acquisition of Bentec earlier this year. Last June, Nextrecker, a US-based renewable energy company specializing in foundation technology and services specializing in utility-scale ground-mount applications for solar power generation, used an all-cash transaction of approximately $119 million.
