Nextracker and Atkore, a global electrical, safety and infrastructure solutions provider, announced a new manufacturing line dedicated to producing steel tracker components for use in utility-scale solar power plants. Atkore has expanded and reconfigured its Phoenix, Arizona facility with new capacity dedicated to Nextracker products.
Nextracker expanded its domestic single-axis tracker output in April with a manufacturing facility from JM Steel in Sinton, Texas. Nextracker
“Building out our manufacturing capacity with partners across the U.S. allows us to protect customers from cost volatility, steel supply risk and delays in logistics,” said Dan Shugar, founder and CEO of Nextracker. “Partnering with Atkore in Phoenix provides product in the epicenter of the Southwest’s rapidly growing region from a population and power perspective and ensures that best in class product is available to enable that demand to be served with clean, affordable solar power.”
The first trackers manufactured in Arizona will support Arizona Public Service Co.’s 150-MW Agave Solar project. Agave will be built by McCarthy Building Cos. and use First Solar modules.
“Atkore’s new production line is dedicated to Nextracker and will help them quickly deploy their cutting-edge solar technology across the Southern and Southwestern U.S.,” said Bill Waltz, President and CEO of Atkore. “We’re proud to provide sustainable products that support renewable energy initiatives and help our customers achieve their goals – ensuring we deliver on our commitment to building better together.”
This development follows Nextracker’s April announcement with JM Steel, opening a steel fabrication facility in Sinton, Texas.
“Nextracker responded strategically to the global supply chain crisis by expanding manufacturing capacity across the country,” said Scott Canada, executive VP of renewable energy and storage for McCarthy. “We have completed dozens of successful large solar projects with Nextracker and look forward to supporting the continued growth and job creation that the solar industry is bringing to communities from coast to coast.”
News item from Nextracker
Interesting (Atkore) seems to be contracting with more than one solar PV tracking company to build their tracking systems. Having many partners to keep the manufacturing line going is kind of a fusion of manufacturing economies of scale combined with economies of scope. Lots of manufactured product, many partners to keep the volume of output up.
Arizona seems to be moving right along in the energy efficiency department. Li-Cycle wants a recycling hub in Arizona, Lucid is manufacturing BEVs in Arizona, Atkore manufacturing parts for solar PV tracking, KORE building a 12GWh lithium-ion battery plant and last but not least, First Solar a 22-year manufacturing facility that has stood up to the Chinese flood of cheap solar PV panels and doing so without protectionist tariffs.