Billions of Dollars to be Invested in New US Solar Manufacturing Facilities
Two solar manufacturers have announced large investments in U.S. manufacturing in recent days.
Maxeon
Maxeon Solar Technologies has chosen Albuquerque, New Mexico, to be home of a 3 GW manufacturing complex; the investment is expected to reach over $1 billion and create up to 1,800 manufacturing jobs.
The 160-acre site will produce the latest-generation TOPCon PV-silicon cell technology and the company’s shingled-cell Performance Line solar modules. Construction is slated to begin in the first quarter of 2024.
"The Inflation Reduction Act has catalyzed a new chapter in America's energy transition. Our new solar cell and panel facility in New Mexico is an ambitious and concrete response to the need to decarbonize the U.S. economy while creating permanent highly skilled local manufacturing and engineering jobs," said Maxeon CEO Bill Mulligan.
The investment is subject to a successful financial close under the Title 17 Clean Energy Financing Program.
First Solar
First Solar, Inc. has selected the Acadiana Regional Airport in Iberia Parish, Louisiana, for its fifth fully vertically integrated American manufacturing facility. The investment of up to $1.1 billion is expected to create over 700 new direct manufacturing jobs. The plant, which will produce PV solar modules, is expected to be completed in 2026 and is forecasted to grow the company’s manufacturing capacity by 3.5 GW.
“We are pleased to partner with Louisiana as we lean into our commitment to creating enduring value for America by expanding our solar manufacturing footprint and the domestic value chains that enable it,” said Mark Widmar, First Solar CEO. “In bringing our unique, fully vertically integrated solar manufacturing model to Louisiana, we expect the plant to mirror the commitment to Responsible Solar evident at every First Solar manufacturing facility, which are among the cleanest, safest and most diverse in the industry. We are proud that our investment in American manufacturing will create stable, good-paying manufacturing jobs and economic and social value in the state.”
The Louisiana facility will manufacture the company’s Series 7 modules, and they are expected to be produced with 100% U.S.-made components.
Last year, the Ohio solar panel manufacturer announced its fourth facility in Alabama, which is expected to be completed next year.
