Nextpower Expands Southeast Operations, Doubles Tennessee Manufacturing Capacity Through Partnership with MSS Steel Tubes USA
Nextpower, a leading provider of advanced power generation systems for solar power plants, today announced a major expansion of its presence in the Southeastern United States. The company has officially opened an expanded Southeast regional hub, including a state-of-the-art Remote Monitoring Center in Nashville, Tennessee, while simultaneously doubling its U.S. manufacturing capacity in steel fabrication. This expansion is made possible through a strategic partnership with MSS Steel Tubes USA, headquartered in Memphis, Tennessee. The new fabrication line will support the production of solar tracker systems for utility-scale solar projects throughout the Southeast, reinforcing Nextpower’s commitment to scaling renewable energy deployment across the region.
The addition of the new fabrication line will significantly enhance Nextpower’s ability to meet the rapidly growing demand for utility-scale solar installations. The existing steel fabrication line at the Memphis facility currently employs 120 skilled U.S. workers, and this number is expected to rise to approximately 150 as the new line ramps up. By doubling production capacity in Tennessee, Nextpower and MSS Steel Tubes USA are providing both economic and environmental benefits, creating new jobs while supporting the expansion of clean energy infrastructure.
“Since we founded Silicon Ranch in Nashville 15 years ago, our motivation has always been rooted in the energy transition and its role in driving economic growth,” said Reagan Farr, co-founder and CEO of Silicon Ranch. “We are proud to see partners like Nextpower invest in our region. In our first 15 years, Silicon Ranch installed more than 4 gigawatts (GW) of solar energy capacity, establishing one of the largest operating solar fleets in the United States. Over the next three years, we plan to double that capacity. Nextpower’s expansion in Tennessee not only helps us achieve these goals but also allows us to continue investing in domestic manufacturing. This is a tangible example of what ‘unleashing American energy’ truly looks like.”
Dan Shugar, founder and CEO of Nextpower, emphasized the strategic significance of this expansion. “The Southeast is entering a transformative era in energy infrastructure,” he said. “Our new U.S. manufacturing line with MSS doubles the production capacity at our Memphis facility for solar trackers, enabling faster project delivery for our customers, creating new American jobs, and strengthening supply chains. Silicon Ranch has long been a pioneer in utility-scale solar in the Southeast, and it continues to lead the way in delivering high-quality projects that meet the region’s growing electricity needs. We are proud to have supported Silicon Ranch for over a decade, and together, we are powering what’s next in clean energy.”
The Southeast United States is experiencing an unprecedented expansion of solar energy capacity. According to the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy, the region added 5 GW of solar in 2024 alone, bringing the total installed capacity to nearly 28 GW. Projections indicate that total solar capacity could reach 54 GW by 2030, nearly doubling current levels. Nextpower’s expanded fabrication capacity will be instrumental in supporting utility-scale solar power plants across multiple Southeastern states, including Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia. Many of these projects are developed, owned, and operated by Tennessee-based Silicon Ranch Corporation, which ranks among the largest independent power producers in the United States.
António Pedro Antunes, CEO of Metalogalva Group—the parent company of MSS Steel Tubes—highlighted the long-term vision behind the expansion. “We are proud of the enduring partnership we have built with Nextpower, one that is grounded in shared values of quality, innovation, and sustainability,” he said. “By establishing and expanding production capacity in Tennessee, we are supporting the growing demand for solar power infrastructure in the Southeastern U.S. This expansion underscores our commitment to American manufacturing and to accelerating the clean energy transition with locally produced steel.”
The new Southeast hub in Nashville features a Remote Monitoring Center that connects engineers based in Tennessee to Nextpower solar tracker projects worldwide. This technological capability allows for real-time monitoring, performance analysis, and optimization of solar plants, ensuring maximum efficiency and reliability. The integration of the Remote Monitoring Center with local manufacturing operations creates a seamless feedback loop between production and deployment, enhancing operational excellence and fostering innovation across Nextpower’s projects.
To commemorate the expansion, Nextpower will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony at its new Nashville office. The event will include Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell, executives from Silicon Ranch and MSS Steel Tubes USA, representatives from major U.S. steel suppliers, and officials from the Tennessee Chamber of Commerce and the Tennessee Valley Authority. Attendees will be given guided tours of the Remote Monitoring Center, offering a firsthand view of how Nextpower integrates advanced technology with regional manufacturing to support renewable energy development.
Josh Brown, President and CEO of the Tennessee Chamber of Commerce and Industry, praised the economic and strategic impact of Nextpower’s expansion. “This investment is a powerful example of the innovation and economic momentum taking place across Tennessee,” he said. “Nextpower’s growth supports new jobs, strengthens our state’s manufacturing capabilities, and positions Tennessee as a national leader in clean energy and advanced infrastructure. We are proud to partner with companies like Nextpower, MSS Steel Tubes, and Silicon Ranch as they help put Tennessee at the forefront of America’s clean energy growth.”
The Southeast’s solar market is poised for continued growth, driven by favorable policy environments, increasing demand for renewable energy, and advancements in solar technology. By expanding its fabrication capacity in Tennessee, Nextpower is positioning itself to meet this rising demand efficiently and sustainably. The new facility not only increases production capabilities but also demonstrates the value of partnerships between technology providers, manufacturing companies, and regional stakeholders in driving the energy transition.
Nextpower’s collaboration with MSS Steel Tubes USA reflects a broader commitment to strengthening domestic supply chains for renewable energy components. By sourcing and fabricating steel locally, the companies reduce transportation costs, enhance production reliability, and minimize carbon emissions associated with long-distance shipping. The initiative also aligns with federal and state-level incentives aimed at promoting domestic manufacturing of clean energy technologies, further reinforcing the company’s long-term growth strategy.
The expansion of Nextpower’s Southeast hub is expected to have far-reaching economic and social benefits. Beyond creating new jobs and supporting regional manufacturing, it is likely to spur additional investments in local communities. Ancillary businesses, including logistics, maintenance, and component suppliers, will also benefit from the increased demand generated by the solar manufacturing line. Moreover, the presence of a high-tech Remote Monitoring Center in Nashville enhances the region’s reputation as a hub for energy innovation and advanced engineering.
As the U.S. solar market continues to expand, Nextpower’s investments in Tennessee will play a critical role in enabling the deployment of utility-scale solar projects that support energy resilience and sustainability. The combined capabilities of the expanded fabrication line and the Remote Monitoring Center position Nextpower as a leader in delivering integrated solar solutions that meet both commercial and regulatory requirements, while also advancing the nation’s clean energy goals.
In conclusion, Nextpower’s new Southeast regional hub, its Remote Monitoring Center in Nashville, and the expanded fabrication line operated with MSS Steel Tubes USA represent a major milestone in the company’s ongoing commitment to the U.S. clean energy sector. By doubling manufacturing capacity, creating skilled jobs, and strengthening domestic supply chains, the company is not only supporting the rapid growth of solar energy in the Southeast but also reinforcing Tennessee’s strategic position in America’s renewable energy future. Through these initiatives, Nextpower continues to demonstrate how technological innovation, strategic partnerships, and regional investment can combine to power the energy transition and unlock sustainable economic growth.
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