Fabral continues to dominate the metal roofing business via innovation and a customer-centric philosophy, and the introduction of Fabral Solar extends that leadership into the solar industry.
FGM-Fabral (“Fabral”), a leading provider of metal post-frame materials, announced the establishment of Fabral Solar to capitalize on the rapidly expanding solar energy industry and its demand for premium steel racking for solar panel installation.
Fabral continues to dominate the metal roofing business via innovation and a customer-centric philosophy, and the introduction of Fabral Solar extends that leadership into the solar industry.
The North American energy market is changing, and solar energy is an essential component of the new equation. According to a Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) research, solar accounted for 64% of all new electricity-generating capacity added to the US grid in 2024, up 21% from the end of 2023.
“After over 50 years of providing solutions to the metal construction industry, Fabral is expanding its reach into the solar energy industry in a significant way,” stated Fabral Solar co-founder John Cummings. “Our team will leverage the Fabral knowledgebase in construction, to assist with the steel fabrication and roll-formed products utilized to support solar modules.”
This new subsidiary will ease the integration of solar technology into a wide range of structures that Fabral Solar can service, including commercial, residential, and agricultural markets, as well as emerging business sectors.
“Fabral Solar is designed to be a one-stop shop for all solar racking needs, utilizing our unmatched resources from Fabral and Flack Global Metals,” Cummings told me. To lead and support this endeavor from the start, Fabral will begin installing solar panels on its existing buildings and holdings.
Industry Veterans Lead the Charge
Steel veterans John Cummings and Larkin Canington are leading the initiative, with support from Fabral CEO Dennis Merino, Vice President Bruce Green, and the rest of the team. Cummings and Canington were both executives at Bethlehem Steel until the firm was sold in 2003, when they formed Baltimore Steel Partners, Inc., which was the start of their venture into solar project installation.
“We can speak both languages very well,” explains co-founder Larkin Canington.
“Fabral Solar puts us at the forefront of a fast growing industry, expanding our market reach, boosting renewable energy alliances, and reinforcing our commitment to sustainability. This combination not only creates new prospects for development, but also enables our existing clients to stay ahead of the curve in energy-efficient building by simplifying solar integration and making renewable energy more accessible,” said Fabral Vice President Bruce Green.
The Fabral Solar Edge
Fabral Solar is based on innovation and adaptation. As the solar business grows, installers and developers demand long-lasting, efficient, and simple-to-install structural solutions. It addresses a vital gap by leveraging Fabral’s structural system knowledge, offering high-quality mounting infrastructure that improves solar panel performance while smoothly integrating with a variety of building designs.
Fabral Solar is capable of handling a variety of projects, including:
- Working directly with EPC contractors and solar racking manufacturers to develop a project supply chain.
- Offering Fabral steel products that are specific to the design and installation requirements of a solar project.
- We offer assembled kits and parts for buildings, carports, canopies, and solar farms.
