Nextpower expands eBOS product backlog after securing patent
Renewable energy technology firm Nextpower has secured a patent for its NX PowerMerge electrical balance of systems (eBOS) solution, the company has announced.
As a result of the patent, the company has also announced a project award from Mendota Heights, Minnesota-based BUILD Renewables. The deal is set to increase Nextpower’s NX PowerMerge backlog to more than 2 GW worth of products.
Nextpower representatives say utility-scale solar DC collection systems have to connect power from multiple solar panel strings to larger trunk conductors. This has to take place across potentially thousands of locations per plant. The NX PowerMerge aims to create a higher standard for eBOS solutions and plant management.
“What we consistently hear from customers is that NX PowerMerge sets a new bar for robust field-installed design,” says Ryan Schofield, vice president of electrical and eBOS at Nextpower. “They point to the single trunk cable connection point and an installation tool that verifies pressure every time, so there is no more guesswork in the field. The connector body is universal across trunk cable sizes, giving EPC teams the flexibility to handle design changes as projects evolve.
“This patent recognizes these innovations, and with demand already exceeding 2 GW, our customers are validating the value it brings to solar installation.”
Making use of the new patent
Under the terms of U.S. patent number 12,712,292, Nextpower expands its overall intellectual property domain within a “critical layer” of utility-scale solar, the company says.
The PowerMerge eBOS product “combines controlled manufacturing quality and reliability at critical electrical interfaces with superior field flexibility during installation,” and includes both trunk bus and combiner box DC collection methods.
“BUILD Renewables is excited to be partnering with Nextpower on their NX PowerMerge eBOS product, which provides exemplary safety, installation velocity, and performance features,” says Craig Sandeen, president and CEO of BUILD Renewables. “We also appreciate the integrated design with the tracker and other solar power plant components.”
Delivering both DC collection methods allows Nextpower and utility-scale solar owners to select the approach best for them. This can vary on a project by project basis, the company says, and can differ from each owner, developer, and EPC firm as a whole.
Nextpower is working on its NX PowerMerge backlog as of August 2026.
