JinkoSolar has officially confirmed it is opening a U.S. manufacturing factory in Jacksonville, Florida, and expects to create more than 200 jobs and support additional local jobs in shipping and other related industries.
Jinko has also worked out a 2,750-MW (2.75-GW) supply deal with NextEra Energy for the next four years.
“As NextEra Energy continues to invest heavily in new solar projects across the country, we’re thrilled to have the opportunity to buy cost-effective, reliable solar panels made here in America. JinkoSolar shares our commitment to delivering affordable clean energy solutions, and we are pleased to welcome them to our home state of Florida,” said Jim Robo, NextEra Energy’s chairman and CEO.
“It’s exciting to know that solar panels built in Florida will be helping power FPL customers in the not-too-distant future,” said Eric Silagy, president and CEO of Florida Power & Light Company, which currently operates more than 930 MW of solar capacity in Florida, including 14 solar power plants. Over the next decade, FPL plans to more than quadruple its current solar capacity to more than 4,000 MW.
Once fully operational, JinkoSolar’s factory in Jacksonville is expected to have the capacity to build 400 MW of solar modules annually — more than 1 million solar panels a year. Production is expected to begin later this year. JinkoSolar anticipates using the Port of Jacksonville for a large volume of importing and exporting activities.
“Florida’s economy is on a roll. Since 2011, nearly 1.5 million private-sector jobs have been created in our state, and more and more companies like JinkoSolar are choosing to grow in Florida. Today’s announcement means that 200 additional families in Jacksonville will be able to find a great job. We will continue working nonstop to make Florida the number one destination of job creators by eliminating burdensome regulations and keeping taxes low for businesses and families,” said Florida Governor Rick Scott.
“This is a major win for Jacksonville and the community,” said Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry. “JinkoSolar’s presence enhances our reputation as a manufacturing city, and I am eager to see the company contribute to the vibrant economy in Jacksonville.”
With advantages that include a low-cost, pro-business environment, a strong record of economic development and job growth and one of the largest solar expansions in the country, Florida edged out several other states that competed for the multimillion-dollar investment.
“Investing in this solar panel manufacturing facility makes clear our commitment to Florida and the growing U.S. market,” said Kangping Chen, CEO of JinkoSolar. “This will be one of the world’s most advanced solar panel manufacturing facilities, which will provide us with the flexibility and manufacturing capacity to support our local partners and growing U.S. customer base.”
This is a great news Kelly not only for Jacksonville and Florida but also for the entire country, at a time when lots of these panels are being imported from other low cost destinations, it is heartening to see local solar companies investing hugely in the future technologies and making cost competitive for local vendors. I wish more such investments, specially in my Texas too 🙂