Nextpower Secures Gigawatt-Scale Steel Frame Deal with Jinko Solar

Multi-year agreement to supply U.S.-made steel frames for Jinko's Florida solar module factory

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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Nextpower, a leading manufacturer of solar module components, has announced a multi-year supply agreement with Jinko Solar (U.S.) Industries Inc. to provide over 1 gigawatt of steel frames, scalable up to 3GW, for Jinko's solar module factory in Jacksonville, Florida. This deal underscores the growing adoption of steel frames as a more durable and cost-effective solution for utility-scale solar projects, while also supporting the localization of the U.S. solar supply chain.

Why it matters

The use of U.S.-made steel frames in solar projects can increase the domestic content calculation, making them more attractive for developers seeking to maximize local sourcing. This agreement also highlights the industry's focus on long-term module reliability, with steel frames demonstrating improved structural performance compared to traditional aluminum frames.

The details

Under the multi-year agreement, Nextpower will supply steel frames to Jinko Solar's module manufacturing facility in Jacksonville, Florida. The deal covers more than 1 gigawatt of steel frames, with the potential to scale up to 3GW over a three-year period. Nextpower plans to further expand its steel frame manufacturing presence in the Southeastern U.S. to enable direct supply to Jinko's facility, supporting the localization of the solar supply chain.

  • The supply agreement is expected to begin mid-2026.

The players

Nextpower

A leading manufacturer of solar module components, including steel frames, that has opened or expanded more than 25 U.S. factories since 2021.

Jinko Solar (U.S.) Industries Inc.

A subsidiary of Jinko Solar, one of the world's largest solar module manufacturers, with a solar module factory located in Jacksonville, Florida.

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The takeaway

This agreement demonstrates the growing adoption of steel frames in the solar industry, driven by their improved structural performance and ability to increase the domestic content of solar projects. It also highlights the ongoing efforts to localize the U.S. solar supply chain, with Nextpower's expansion plans supporting Jinko's Florida-based manufacturing facility.