Nextracker and T1 Energy Forge Strategic Partnership to Advance U.S.-Made Solar Module Frames
Nextracker (NASDAQ: NXT), a leading provider of solar technology solutions, and T1 Energy Inc. (NYSE: TE), a prominent manufacturer of advanced solar modules, have announced a strategic framework agreement to supply T1 Energy’s upcoming 5-GW G1_Dallas solar manufacturing facility with Nextracker’s patented steel module frame technology. This collaboration marks a significant step in reshaping the U.S. solar supply chain by moving away from imported aluminum frames toward domestically produced specialty steel frames, supporting demand for high-quality, durable solar technology in the United States.
Ross Heiman, Vice President of Engineering at Clearway Energy Group, praised the initiative, saying, “Clearway applauds Nextracker’s technology and manufacturing program to bring next-generation, American-made steel module frames to support the domestic photovoltaics (PV) industry. These new steel frames increase the domestic content of the module, create a stiffer and more reliable product, and with Nextracker’s ongoing innovation, will enable faster installation rates compared to legacy aluminum frames.”
Daniel Barcelo, Chairman and CEO of T1 Energy, emphasized the broader impact of the partnership, stating, “We’re proud to offer our customers leading-edge solar module frame technology from Nextracker. 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.”
Dan Shugar, Founder and CEO of Nextracker, highlighted the historical significance of the move: “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. It is a privilege to support T1 Energy’s state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Dallas with our patented steel module frames using high-quality, low-carbon U.S.-produced steel. Our technology enables lower-cost solar power by improving PV module durability and installation velocity.”
Traditionally, most solar module frames are made from extruded aluminum and imported from Asia, leaving the U.S. solar industry exposed to tariffs, global supply chain disruptions, and price fluctuations. By leveraging Nextracker’s steel frame technology, this partnership is expected to reshore critical manufacturing capabilities and create a reliable domestic supply of specialty steel frames that are competitively priced, more durable, and better suited to long-term PV deployment.
To support the initiative, Nextracker plans to expand its existing U.S. steel frame manufacturing capacity in the Midwest, with new production lines in Texas. This expansion is expected to create high-quality manufacturing jobs and complement Nextracker’s Texas network of more than a dozen partners producing essential solar tracker components. The combined efforts of Nextracker and T1 Energy aim to establish a robust, domestic solar supply chain capable of supporting both current and emerging energy needs across the country.
The strategic partnership arrives at a pivotal moment for the U.S. solar market, which is experiencing increasing demand for domestic energy security and sustainable technology. With new applications such as AI data centers and large-scale solar installations, the need for resilient, locally produced components is greater than ever. By integrating Nextracker’s patented steel frames into T1 Energy’s G1_Dallas facility, both companies are demonstrating a commitment to strengthening U.S. manufacturing capacity while advancing the deployment of cutting-edge solar technology
