Runergy just announced that its 2-GW solar panel factory in Huntsville, Alabama, has officially commenced production. The facility will begin producing its first customer orders this month.
“We are thrilled to start producing solar modules right here in Alabama,” said Jet Li, general manager. “This factory not only brings new jobs and opportunities to the area but also represents our commitment to advancing renewable energy and supporting America’s clean energy goals. We couldn’t be prouder of our team’s hard work.”
Runergy Alabama is the first production plant in the United States to open as part of Runergy Group’s plan to expand into the North American market. Runergy is largely a Chinese solar cell manufacturer with 57 GW of production capacity. The company does also make n-type solar panels using the 182-mm wafer size. In August, solar company Tongwei announced a plan to pay 5 bill yuan ($698 million) for a 51% controlling stake in Runergy.
“Runergy Alabama is the first production plant in the United States to open as part of Runergy Group’s plan to expand into the North American market. Runergy is largely a Chinese solar cell manufacturer with 57 GW of production capacity.”
Here is where Government policies and “guidance documents” can make or break manufacturing in the U.S.. Runergy, Chinese based and the overarching question is where does the supply chain come from, China? The latest AD/CVD determinations published right here on this site puts a focus on the many supply chains feeding American manufacturing. Runergy could find it will fail, due to the supply chain of solar PV cells, assembly materials like aluminum frames, glass, panel backing materials and sealants used to make solar PV panels. This begs the question will these new tariff changes affect already in place Chinese manufacturing entities in the U.S., like JinkoSolar and JA Solar? This new tariff guidance will certainly change the 45X subsidy infrastructure.