Solar Tracker Manufacturer Doubles Tennessee Production Capacity

Nextpower Inc. announced plans to double its solar tracker manufacturing capacity in the Southeast with a new fabrication line in Memphis, Tennessee. The expansion, operated through a partnership with MSS Steel Tubes USA, reflects rising demand for utility-scale solar installations across the region and signals growing opportunities for steel fabricators and component suppliers serving the renewable energy sector.

Manufacturing Expansion Creates Jobs and Capacity

The new Memphis fabrication line will double joint manufacturing output for solar tracker systems used in utility-scale power plants. The current operation supports 120 skilled jobs, with that number expected to reach approximately 150 as the new line comes online. Solar trackers are mechanical systems that orient solar panels toward the sun throughout the day, increasing energy capture and improving plant efficiency.

Nextpower also opened an expanded Southeast regional hub in Nashville, which includes a new Remote Monitoring Center. The combined investments strengthen the company’s ability to serve customers across the Southeast, where solar capacity continues to grow at a rapid pace.

Southeast Solar Market Shows Strong Growth

According to the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy, the Southeast added five gigawatts of solar capacity in 2024, bringing the regional total to nearly 28 gigawatts. Industry projections show the region reaching 54 gigawatts by 2030, creating sustained demand for manufacturing capacity, installation services, and component supply.

Reagan Farr, co-founder and CEO of Silicon Ranch, noted that the company has installed more than four gigawatts of solar capacity in its first 15 years and plans to double that within the next three years. That kind of growth creates pressure on manufacturers to scale production quickly while maintaining quality and delivery schedules.

Supply Chain and Manufacturing Implications

Solar tracker production relies on steel fabrication, precision manufacturing, and assembly operations. Manufacturers who supply steel tubing, fasteners, motors, electronic components, and other parts stand to benefit as production volumes increase. The Nextpower expansion demonstrates how renewable energy projects drive demand for traditional manufacturing capabilities, particularly in metalworking and assembly.

Dan Shugar, founder and CEO of Nextpower, emphasized the supply chain benefits: “This new U.S. manufacturing line with our partner MSS not only doubles our Memphis factory production capacity for solar trackers, but it also helps our customers scale projects faster, brings new American jobs, and strengthens our supply chain.”

For manufacturers, the lesson is clear: understanding which industries are growing in your region helps you identify new customer opportunities and plan capacity investments accordingly.

Florida Manufacturing Context

While this expansion centers on Tennessee, Florida manufacturers should note the broader solar trend in the Southeast. Florida ranks among the top states for solar capacity growth, according to the Solar Energy Industries Association. Manufacturers of components for solar installations, electrical equipment, or mounting systems may find opportunities to serve the growing demand across the Southeast, including Florida-based projects.

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