Create Energy, a supplier of renewable energy infrastructure, has announced the acquisition of solar racking manufacturer SOL Components from Kloeckner Metals. The deal brings SOL Components' tracker technology under Create's ONTRACK platform, a project design and management portal that also allows customers to purchase packaged solar products. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
The acquisition bolsters Create's position in the solar supply chain, adding a specialized racking and tracker line to its existing portfolio. With SOL Components integrated, the company can offer a more comprehensive suite of hardware for utility-scale and commercial solar installations. Industry analysts expect the move could reduce project lead times by combining design software with hardware procurement.
For Kloeckner Metals, the divestiture marks a strategic exit from the solar manufacturing space, allowing the metals distributor to refocus on its core steel and aluminum businesses. SOL Components had been a part of Kloeckner since an earlier acquisition, but the parent company's recent quarterly filings suggested a shift away from renewable energy components. The deal's closure is expected within 30-60 days, pending regulatory review.
Create Energy did not specify post-acquisition job impacts or facility changes for SOL Components' workforce. However, the company emphasized that SOL Components' existing customer contracts would be honored, and the brand would remain active. The move comes amid growing demand for U.S.-made solar tracking equipment, driven by domestic content requirements in federal projects.
While the acquisition strengthens Create's vertical integration strategy, some in the industry question whether bundling hardware with a proprietary design platform could limit customer flexibility. Independent developers have raised concerns about vendor lock-in, though Create has stated that the ONTRACK platform will remain open to third-party products.