#United States #Solar Manufacturing #ES Foundry #Greenwood #MIT

ES Foundry Partners with MIT

In a strategic collaboration announced on September 21, 2026, ES Foundry is set to enhance U.S. solar manufacturing by joining forces with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology's Initiative for New Manufacturing (INM). This partnership involves a substantial investment of $1.5 million over a three-year period and aims to propel the American solar industry forward by advancing research and technologies in manufacturing.

Headquartered in Greenwood, South Carolina, ES Foundry has been a leader in the production of crystalline solar cells, emphasizing the importance of onshoring these vital components. Their Greenwood plant recently underwent a significant expansion, increasing its manufacturing capacity to 3 gigawatts (GW) and supporting over 400 advanced production jobs. This growth is pivotal for ES Foundry as it seeks to not only scale production but also innovate through advanced technologies and workforce development.

Alex Zhu, the CEO of ES Foundry, remarked, “We have made a significant investment in bringing solar cell manufacturing back to the United States. This commitment to MIT's Initiative for New Manufacturing is an investment in making that manufacturing stronger.” He acknowledges the collaboration provides a vital opportunity to explore solutions for manufacturing challenges and increase the efficiency of production processes.

ES Foundry’s partnership with MIT will focus on various cutting-edge topics, including artificial intelligence in manufacturing, automated systems, cybersecurity issues, and continuous innovation in workforce development. These elements are crucial for maintaining a competitive edge in the global solar market.

ES Foundry's initiative is particularly relevant as the U.S. solar industry faces critical supply chain challenges. Despite the growth in module manufacturing capacities, the industry still heavily relies on imported solar cells. By producing high-performance crystalline solar cells domestically, ES Foundry aims to alter this dependency and reinforce the U.S. position in the global solar supply chain.

The advanced bifacial PERC solar cells produced in Greenwood cater to utility-scale, commercial, and community solar projects. This recent expansion not only enhances ES Foundry's production capabilities but also provides a robust framework to apply innovative approaches to manufacturing.

ES Foundry's investment in the MIT initiative indicates its commitment to staying at the forefront of the solar manufacturing sector. Through these joint efforts with MIT, ES Foundry will benefit from the academic institution's extensive resources, research capabilities, and innovative approaches while simultaneously sharing real-world manufacturing experiences.

Lionel Moss, General Manager of Operations at ES Foundry, emphasized the practical aspect of this collaboration, stating, “Manufacturing challenges become very real when you are running a factory 24 hours a day.” This ongoing dialogue between academic research and practical manufacturing will be vital for overcoming obstacles faced by modern manufacturers.

Established in 2025, MIT's INM aims to bridge gaps between various industries by fostering collaboration between manufacturers, researchers, and students. Their efforts encompass a broad range of subjects, from factory-floor automation to new manufacturing talent development.

John Hart, a professor at MIT and co-director of INM, expressed enthusiasm about the inclusion of ES Foundry in the initiative, recognizing the invaluable insights they bring from active manufacturing processes.

In summary, ES Foundry's collaboration with MIT represents a significant commitment to strengthening the U.S. solar manufacturing landscape. With a clear focus on innovation, efficiency, and a robust domestic supply chain, this partnership holds immense promise for the future of solar energy production in the United States.