#United States #Clean Energy #Solar Manufacturing #ES Foundry #Greenwood

ES Foundry's Breakthrough in Solar Manufacturing

In a groundbreaking development for the U.S. solar industry, ES Foundry has secured its first multi-year contract exceeding one gigawatt (GW+) with a prominent solar module manufacturer. This contract represents a significant milestone for the American company, which is dedicated to advancing domestic solar energy production through the establishment of onshore crystalline solar cell manufacturing.

Based in Greenwood, South Carolina, the company has demonstrated its readiness to take on the critical role of reshaping the domestic clean energy landscape, especially in the face of increasing global competition. The state-of-the-art manufacturing facility commenced production in early January 2025 and is geared toward producing high-quality bifacial PERC (Passivated Emitter and Rear Contact) solar cells. These innovations highlight ES Foundry's capability to provide reliable, sustainable solutions that meet the growing demands of the solar market.

Driving Market Confidence

This vital partnership underscores the growing market confidence in ES Foundry's production excellence and capacity to operate at scale. Ken Johnston, the Vice President of Sales, stated, “Our first customer is proof of the demand for high-efficiency, American-made solar cells that deliver both top-tier performance and unmatched value.” He also emphasized the advantages of sourcing domestically manufactured components, such as unlocking additional domestic content under the Investment Tax Credit (ITC) and ensuring compliance with IRS Safe Harbor guidelines.

The contract not only benefits ES Foundry but also empowers its partners. By ensuring a stable and reliable supply chain of high-quality solar cells, ES Foundry is paving the way for its customers to maximize project returns and satisfy the needs of an ever-evolving market landscape.

Championing Domestic Production

Historically, the U.S. solar industry has grappled with heavy reliance on imported solar cells, which has led to vulnerabilities within the supply chain. The establishment of ES Foundry's manufacturing facility marks a shift towards autonomy in solar cell production, countering import dependencies while creating local economic growth opportunities.

Elissa Pierce, a solar supply chain analyst at Wood Mackenzie, views onshoring cell production as a crucial aspect of building a resilient solar supply chain. With over 40 GW of module manufacturing capacity now in place in the U.S., the majority of these modules have previously depended on cells imported from Southeast Asia and other regions. By providing a stable supply of American-made cells, ES Foundry will help mitigate impacts from potential tariffs and other supply chain disruptions.

About ES Foundry

Founded in South Carolina, ES Foundry is committed to bolstering the U.S. solar industry through the localization of crystalline solar cell production. The company’s Greenwood facility produces high-quality solar cells, catering specifically to the needs of U.S. panel manufacturers as well as the supply chain requirements of developers and EPCs. With a knowledgeable team comprised of industry veterans and an emphasis on delivering reliable solar products, ES Foundry plays a key role in advancing the sustainability and growth of the U.S. clean energy landscape.

For further updates on ES Foundry, follow them on LinkedIn and stay in the loop about their advancements in the solar industry.

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For inquiries related to this news, contact Leah Wilkinson at Wilkinson + Associates for ES Foundry via phone at 703-907-0010 or through email.