ES Foundry Opens Cutting-Edge Solar Cell Factory in South Carolina, Revolutionizing U.S. Manufacturing
On January 31, 2025, ES Foundry proudly inaugurated its new manufacturing facility in Greenwood, South Carolina. This event marks a critical milestone for solar energy production in the U.S., showcasing the company's commitment to onshoring crystalline solar cell manufacturing. As the largest producer of crystalline silicon photovoltaic (PV) solar cells in the country, ES Foundry is set to tackle the pressing supply chain challenges facing the solar industry while spearheading America's transition toward a clean energy future.
The new facility spans over 400,000 square feet and is projected to employ approximately 500 locals by June 2025. With a planned shipping capacity of 3 gigawatts (GW) by the third quarter of 2025, ES Foundry aims to become a cornerstone of the domestic solar supply chain. The opening event was attended by key figures in the industry, local officials, and renewable energy advocates, all eager to witness the advanced manufacturing process in action.
Alex Zhu, the CEO of ES Foundry, emphasized the significance of this factory opening, stating, "Today, we are not just celebrating a factory—we are forging a path to a more sustainable, energy-secure future for America." He highlighted that the solar cells are engineered and manufactured domestically, ensuring reliability and efficiency while providing partners with opportunities to maximize financial incentives.
ES Foundry's technological focus is on crystalline bifacial PERC (Passivated Emitter and Rear Contact) solar cells, designed to meet the increasing demand for locally manufactured solar modules. Unlike newer technologies that can have scalability and durability issues, PERC cells offer a proven and cost-effective solution for developers and manufacturers alike. By producing solar cells domestically, ES Foundry enables its partners to unlock additional benefits from the Investment Tax Credit (ITC) for domestic content.
Abigail Ross Hopper, president and CEO of the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), commended the opening of ES Foundry's facility, stating, "This facility is an example of how we combine good policy with business innovation to deliver for American workers, support the local economy and strengthen our nation's energy security." The economic implications of this facility are substantial, with projections indicating a nearly fourfold increase in the solar industry's economic impact in South Carolina by 2035.
Research from the Carolinas Clean Energy Business Association (CCEBA) suggests that the annual economic activity linked to the solar industry in South Carolina could rise from $306.6 million in 2024 to almost $1.4 billion by 2035. This growth is predicted to create over 3,300 permanent jobs, contributing approximately $260.9 million annually in labor income. Among its many benefits, the facility also supports South Carolina's ambition to achieve a cumulative economic impact of $19 billion in the solar sector by 2035.
The choice of Greenwood as the location for this innovative facility underscores ES Foundry's commitment to fostering local communities, creating high-quality jobs, and driving regional economic growth. James Bateman, the Economic Development Director of Greenwood County, expressed pride in the community's role in attracting such significant investments in sustainable technologies. The rapid transformation of a legacy facility into a high-tech cleanroom operation, along with the swift increase in local employment to reach a GW production capacity, speaks volumes about the potential for growth in the renewable energy sector in South Carolina.
Overall, this new manufacturing facility by ES Foundry signifies a transformative step in establishing the U.S. as a leader in solar production. It not only represents a victory for the local economy but also aligns with national goals for clean energy, environmental sustainability, and economic resilience. As the company continues to innovate and expand, it is paving the way for a brighter future for both the solar industry and the broader landscape of renewable energy in the United States.
The new facility spans over 400,000 square feet and is projected to employ approximately 500 locals by June 2025. With a planned shipping capacity of 3 gigawatts (GW) by the third quarter of 2025, ES Foundry aims to become a cornerstone of the domestic solar supply chain. The opening event was attended by key figures in the industry, local officials, and renewable energy advocates, all eager to witness the advanced manufacturing process in action.
Alex Zhu, the CEO of ES Foundry, emphasized the significance of this factory opening, stating, "Today, we are not just celebrating a factory—we are forging a path to a more sustainable, energy-secure future for America." He highlighted that the solar cells are engineered and manufactured domestically, ensuring reliability and efficiency while providing partners with opportunities to maximize financial incentives.
ES Foundry's technological focus is on crystalline bifacial PERC (Passivated Emitter and Rear Contact) solar cells, designed to meet the increasing demand for locally manufactured solar modules. Unlike newer technologies that can have scalability and durability issues, PERC cells offer a proven and cost-effective solution for developers and manufacturers alike. By producing solar cells domestically, ES Foundry enables its partners to unlock additional benefits from the Investment Tax Credit (ITC) for domestic content.
Abigail Ross Hopper, president and CEO of the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), commended the opening of ES Foundry's facility, stating, "This facility is an example of how we combine good policy with business innovation to deliver for American workers, support the local economy and strengthen our nation's energy security." The economic implications of this facility are substantial, with projections indicating a nearly fourfold increase in the solar industry's economic impact in South Carolina by 2035.
Research from the Carolinas Clean Energy Business Association (CCEBA) suggests that the annual economic activity linked to the solar industry in South Carolina could rise from $306.6 million in 2024 to almost $1.4 billion by 2035. This growth is predicted to create over 3,300 permanent jobs, contributing approximately $260.9 million annually in labor income. Among its many benefits, the facility also supports South Carolina's ambition to achieve a cumulative economic impact of $19 billion in the solar sector by 2035.
The choice of Greenwood as the location for this innovative facility underscores ES Foundry's commitment to fostering local communities, creating high-quality jobs, and driving regional economic growth. James Bateman, the Economic Development Director of Greenwood County, expressed pride in the community's role in attracting such significant investments in sustainable technologies. The rapid transformation of a legacy facility into a high-tech cleanroom operation, along with the swift increase in local employment to reach a GW production capacity, speaks volumes about the potential for growth in the renewable energy sector in South Carolina.
Overall, this new manufacturing facility by ES Foundry signifies a transformative step in establishing the U.S. as a leader in solar production. It not only represents a victory for the local economy but also aligns with national goals for clean energy, environmental sustainability, and economic resilience. As the company continues to innovate and expand, it is paving the way for a brighter future for both the solar industry and the broader landscape of renewable energy in the United States.
Topics Energy）
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