Thornova Solar Strengthens U.S.-Made Solar Modules with Nextpower Steel Frames
June 02, 2026
Steel frame integration boosts structural performance and enables high domestic content meeting its customers’ projects requirements
Fremont CA, June 1, 2026— Thornova Solar today announced a strategic cooperation agreement to integrate advanced, U.S.-manufactured steel frames from Nextpower™, a leading provider of intelligent power generation systems for solar power plants, into its domestically produced solar modules, enabling higher domestic content levels.
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.”
Compared to conventional frame designs, steel frames can increase allowable panel loading by up to 125% in tracker applications, while simplifying mounting hardware requirements—delivering both structural and cost advantages. In many cases, this can enable the use of short mounting rails (400mm) for up to 100 percent of the project.
Under the agreement, Thornova Solar will deploy Nextpower’s steel frames across selected module series for utility-scale and commercial and industrial (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.”
Meet Thornova Solar at ACP 2026
Thornova Solar will exhibit at CLEANPOWER 2026 and invites attendees to visit Hall E, Booth 4001 to learn more about its latest module innovations, including the newly introduced steel frame module. Specialists from both companies will be available onsite to discuss the technical and commercial benefits of the Nextpower steel frame solution, covering supply chain efficiency, structural performance, and its contribution to higher domestic content.
About Thornova Solar
Thornova Solar is a global PV module manufacturer focused on delivering high-efficiency, durable N-Type solar technology. With production centers in Southeast Asia, Africa and soon in the U.S. as well as global support teams across North America and EMEA, Thornova supports C&I and utility-scale developers with high-quality solar modules engineered for long-term success. With our state-of-the-art automated manufacturing facilities, we deliver the reliability and performance you and your customers expect. Our local warehousing and global logistics support ensure that your projects are always installed on time.
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