Nextracker, a firm specializing in solar tracking technology, has taken over U.S.-based Bentek Corporation, a producer of electrical infrastructure utilized in various types of solar power facilities.
The entirely cash-based deal of roughly $78 million merges Bentek’s engineered, pre-assembled electrical balance of systems (eBOS) solutions with Nextracker’s solar tracker platform, granting clients sourcing and project logistics from a singular source. The eBOS products will be available as standalone, industry-compatible components for both trackers and fixed tilt setups, and in configurations enhanced for implementation in integrated system solutions for NX Horizon — one of Nextracker’s tracker offerings.
“It is fantastic to collaborate with Bentek, enriching the Nextracker platform with outstanding eBOS products and expertise,” remarked Howard Wenger, president of Nextracker. “Together, we can deliver fully engineered, integrated solutions that can expedite procurement and construction schedules while decreasing installed expenses, all supported by the reputable Nextracker brand. We are convinced that an integrated design methodology can reveal synergies between mechanical and electrical subsystems, enhancing customer value and generating a novel, robust business model for solar power plant platforms.”
This acquisition aligns with Nextracker’s strategy of integrating supplementary technologies into the company’s tracker platform to hasten solar power plant development, boost performance, and augment long-term reliability.
“SOLV is excited that Nextracker has ventured into eBOS manufacturing. We’ve been advocating for them to take this step, leveraging their operational excellence and financial strength to enhance electrical products for solar power installations,” stated George Hershman, CEO of SOLV Energy. “Bentek was an excellent selection for Nextracker. SOLV has relied on their trustworthy and top-quality products for numerous years and remains a current customer.”
eBOS technologies consist of the electrical infrastructure necessary in all utility-scale solar projects to gather and transport electricity from solar panels to power conditioning systems throughout the entire solar field. Bentek has supplied patented eBOS technologies to the U.S. solar sector for more than 15 years.
“Today marks an exhilarating moment for Nextracker and U.S. solar manufacturing,” expressed Dan Shugar, founder and CEO of Nextracker. “In utility-scale solar, eBOS quality and dependability are crucial for system uptime and long-term ROI. Bentek is a recognized eBOS innovator and trailblazer with several families of IP and issued patents. Nextracker’s financial capabilities, technological expertise, and supply chain knowledge will empower Bentek to scale rapidly.”
Bentek’s eBOS solutions encompass:
- Trunk bus solutions – an electrical DC collection approach that merges PV harnessing and insulation piercing connector technology to link panels to inverters. This solution consolidates wiring within the tracker rows and directs power straight to inverters, aiming to reduce field labor expenses, enhance reliability, and lower maintenance throughout the system’s lifespan.
- Combiner box solutions – an electrical DC collection strategy that integrates PV harnessing through a pre-designed and manufactured combiner box to unite panels with inverters. Typically positioned on the tracker rows to consolidate solar panel strings in the field and supply power to inverters, this method serves as a plug-and-play solution.
- Configurable harness solutions – customized for each project, both string and over-mold harnesses connect multiple PV strings in parallel for plug-and-play DC aggregation. These solutions feature factory-manufactured over-molded fuses and joints, allowing configurations for a variety of cable sizes and connector styles.
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