Thornova Solar announced it will integrate steel frames from Nextpower into its solar panel manufacturing plans for the U.S. market.
Nextpower’s universal steel module frame is designed for broad compatibility with tracker and fixed-tilt mounting systems. Compared with conventional frame designs, the steel frame reduces module deflection, lowers the risk of glass breakage and improves resistance to uplift tear-out. These benefits are particularly relevant in storm-prone regions, including areas with high-wind areas such as the U.S. Midwest and Southeast.
“This integration of Nextpower steel frames allows us to deliver high-performance modules tailored to the evolving U.S. market,” said Andrea Bodenhagen, global marketing director at Thornova Solar. “By incorporating U.S.-made steel frames, we strengthen supply chain resilience while helping our customers maximize domestic content and improve project economics.”
Under the agreement, Thornova Solar will deploy Nextpower’s steel frames across selected module series for utility-scale and C&I applications, aligned with the ramp-up of its U.S. manufacturing capacity.
“Steel frames address some of the most important mechanical challenges facing today’s solar projects, from module deflection and glass breakage risk to uplift forces in demanding environments,” said Jenya Meydbray, vice president and general manager at Nextpower. “By incorporating Nextpower’s U.S.-manufactured frame technology, Thornova can offer modules designed to meet the structural demands of solar projects across the United States.”
