Array Technologies, a company in solar tracking systems, has inked a substantial long-term agreement with Steel Dynamics, a prominent steel producer based in Fort Wayne, Indiana. The deal involves a fixed supply of coil that will play a pivotal role in Array's single-axis solar trackers, a vital component of its solar energy projects across the United States.
Steel Dynamics, with its state-of-the-art flat roll steel mills situated in Indiana, Mississippi, and Texas, will be the source of this crucial coil supply. These facilities are equipped with advanced automated machinery for processing, and this strategic supply agreement is anticipated to foster local job creation.
Kevin Hostetler, CEO of Array, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “Array's collaboration with Steel Dynamics is a powerful affirmation of our dedication to a robust and flexible domestic supply chain. Through this agreement, we are not only continuing our ability to source in excess of 85% of our tracker product content domestically—leading the industry—but also reducing risks related to delivery delays and quality issues for our customers.”
This agreement represents a significant expansion of Array's domestic content offerings, propelling its trackers to consist of more than 85% U.S.-sourced materials, as announced in a recent press release.
Neil Manning, Chief Operations Officer at Array, emphasized the company's longstanding commitment to domestic materials, saying, “Array has been at the forefront of utilizing domestic material for U.S. projects long before it became an IRA mandate. This agreement with Steel Dynamics is another milestone in our commitment to sustainable, reliable, and domestically sourced steel.”
The steel coil supplied by Steel Dynamics plays a crucial role in Array's solar tracker systems, serving as the structural frame and being present in essential mechanical elements such as gears, levers, brackets, mounts, and other key components.
Steel Dynamics' exclusive use of electric arc furnace technology is noteworthy for producing lower-carbon emission steel by utilizing recycled ferrous scrap as the primary raw material.
Jeff Hansen, VP of Environmental Sustainability at Steel Dynamics, emphasized the significance of their partnership with Array, stating, “We strive to build long-term customer relationships, through providing high-quality steel products and innovative solutions that meet and exceed expectations. Our alliance with Array is more than just business; it's a commitment to providing domestic, high-quality, sustainable steel products that are necessary for the transition to a lower-carbon global economy.”
