Nextracker LLC. the global market leader for utility-scale, solar trackers and Atkore, a global provider in electrical, safety, and infrastructure solutions, announced a new manufacturing facility that produces steel tracker components to be used in utility-scale, solar power plants. Atkore’s Phoenix, Arizona facility has been reconfigured and expanded with additional capacity for Nextracker products.
This announcement follows Nextracker’s April announcement with JM Steel establishing a Sinton, Texas steel fabrication plant. It demonstrates Nextracker’s commitment to creating a more resilient supply network to support the U.S. growing solar power market with domestic steel raw material.
Nextracker now has a dedicated supply for critical materials in the strategic market for solar energy in the Southwest U.S. through the partnership and is well-positioned support key customers like APS.
Following the announcement, there was an industry roundtable discussion with leading energy experts, including Heather Zichal (CEO of American Clean Power), Cynthia Wang (VP Supply Chain Management at SB Energy), Georges Antoun (Chief Commercial Officer at First Solar) and Troy Lauterbach (CEO of Novasource Power).
Nextracker’s CEO Dan Shugar said, “Building our manufacturing capacity with partners throughout the U.S. allows me to protect customers against cost volatility, steel supply risks, and delays in logistics.” Atkore’s partnership in Phoenix allows us to provide product in the heart of Southwest’s rapidly expanding region. It also ensures that the best product is available to meet the demand for clean, affordable solar energy. The expanded facility will produce the initial production for Arizona Public Service Co. (APS)150 MW Agave Solar Project. We are excited to be working with other Arizona-based companies like McCarthy Building Companies or First Solar.
Atkore President and CEO Bill Waltz stated that Nextracker will benefit from Atkore’s new production lines. This will allow Nextracker to quickly deploy their innovative solar technology throughout the Southern and Southwestern U.S. “We are proud to offer sustainable products that support renewable energie initiatives and help customers achieve their goals. This is how we keep our promise to build better together.
“This expansion in manufacturing capacity with Nextracker and Atkore compliments the solar program APS have been advancing for decades in order to meet Arizona’s growing energy needs.” Ted Geisler (APS President) said that advanced trackers allow for more solar power to be generated at a lower price for customers. “Locally-sourced solar trackers are able to help us ensure on time delivery. This allows us to keep up with rapid growth in our service area and maintain reliable service.”
Scott Canada, McCarthy Building Companies’ executive vice president for Renewable Energy and Storage, stated, “It is very gratifying being building high-quality solar power plants for APS with best in class technologies such as Nextracker’s advanced tracker, which are now manufactured in Arizona. Nextracker reacted strategically to the global supply-chain crisis by increasing manufacturing capacity throughout the country. Nextracker has completed many large-scale solar projects that have been successful. We look forward to continuing to support the growth and job creation in the solar industry.
