Nextracker, a leading solar technology platform provider, and T1 Energy Inc., an advanced manufacturer of solar modules, announced a strategic framework agreement on October 15, 2025, to use Nextracker's patented steel module frame technology for T1 Energy's new 5-GW G1_Dallas solar manufacturing facility. The framework agreement targets the supply of multi-gigawatt solar module frames over several years, valued at over 75 million.

Technology and Manufacturing Shift

The agreement is expected to accelerate the industry's transition from imported aluminum frames to made-in-the-USA frames using locally manufactured specialty steel, while also supporting U.S. demand for durable solar technology. Most solar frames are currently produced with extruded aluminum and imported from Asia. Through this partnership, Nextracker will reshore critical manufacturing capacity and enable a domestic supply of specialty steel frames that are competitively priced, expected to be more durable, and less exposed to tariffs and global supply chain risks.

The patented steel module frame technology uses high-quality and low-carbon U.S.-produced steel. Ross Heiman, vice president of engineering at Clearway Energy Group, stated that the new steel frames increase the domestic content of the module, create a stiffer, more reliable module, and, with Nextracker's ongoing innovation, will enable faster installation rates compared to legacy aluminum frames.

Executive Perspectives

Daniel Barcelo, Chairman and CEO of T1 Energy, expressed pride in offering customers leading-edge solar module frame technology from Nextracker. "These are American companies and factories with American workers delivering American energy security," Barcelo said. "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, noted that solar panels were invented by Bell Labs in the 1950s, and called it fantastic to see the reshoring of PV manufacturing facilities at a real scale in the USA. "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," Shugar said. "Our technology enables lower-cost solar power by improving PV module durability and installation velocity."

Manufacturing Expansion Plans

To support this initiative, Nextracker plans to increase its existing U.S. steel frame capacity in the Midwest by adding manufacturing lines in Texas, thereby creating high-quality jobs. This would complement Nextracker's Texas footprint of more than a dozen manufacturing partners that produce key solar tracker components.

Company Backgrounds

Nextracker innovates and delivers a leading solar power technology platform with integrated trackers, electrical solutions, and yield management and control systems for utility-scale and distributed generation projects. The company's advanced technology enables solar power plants to follow the sun's movement across the sky and optimize performance. With systems operating in more than 40 countries worldwide, Nextracker offers innovative solutions that accelerate solar power plant construction, increase energy output, and enhance long-term reliability.

T1 Energy Inc. is an energy solutions provider building an integrated U.S. supply chain for solar and batteries. In December 2024, T1 completed a transformative transaction, positioning the company as one of the leading solar manufacturing companies in the United States, with a complementary solar and battery storage strategy. Based in the United States with plans to expand its operations in America, the company is also exploring value optimization opportunities across its portfolio of assets in Europe.

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