Suniva announced it will open a second monocrystalline silicon solar cell manufacturing facility in the United States. The company has entered into agreements to set up a 4.5-GW facility in Laurens, South Carolina, with a projected opening in Q2 2027. The site will join Suniva’s existing 1-GW manufacturing site outside Atlanta to bring the company’s total domestic manufacturing capacity to 5.5 GW annually.
The building in Laurens.
“Suniva has long championed U.S. leadership in solar manufacturing. Solar energy is the fastest and most economical way to grow our nation’s energy supply,” said Tony Etnyre, Suniva CEO. “Our expansion means that domestically produced renewable energy will do more than ever to secure America’s energy future. We are proud to partner with the state of South Carolina on this vital initiative.”
Suniva has had a rollercoaster journey in the U.S. solar market. The company founded in 2007 and was the largest dual solar cell and panel manufacturer in the United States. After suspending operations in 2017 after being priced out by foreign imports, Suniva restarted its silicon cell manufacturing operations in Georgia in late 2024.
Suniva is investing $350 million into the 620,000-ft2 Laurens facility and will create over 550 jobs.
“With the addition of 564 jobs in advanced manufacturing and energy, Suniva’s decision to put down roots in the Palmetto State will create new opportunities for our workforce. This investment strengthens our commitment to innovative energy solutions, and we are proud to welcome Suniva to Laurens County,” said South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster.
Just 30 miles south of the Laurens facility is ES Foundry’s 3-GW capacity silicon solar manufacturing facility, currently the country’s largest cell manufacturing outfit. Once Suniva’s new site opens, the company will be considered the largest silicon cell manufacturer in the United States.
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