South Carolina Firm Poised to Become Largest Solar Cell Maker in US
GREENWOOD, S.C. — ES Foundry hosted a ribbon-cutting celebration on Friday at a facility it says will soon be the largest producer of crystalline silicon photovoltaic solar cells in the United States.
“Today, we are not just celebrating a factory — we are forging a path to a more sustainable, energy-secure future for America,” said Alex Zhu, CEO of ES Foundry, during the event at the 400,000-square-foot facility.
“Our advanced solar cells are engineered and manufactured right here in the United States, ensuring reliability, efficiency and the opportunity to maximize financial incentives for our partners,” he said.
The company is on track to employ 500 area residents by June, and is looking to reach a shipment capacity of about 3 GW of solar cells by the autumn.
Earlier last month, the company announced it had secured its first GW+, multiyear contract with a top-tier, but as yet unidentified, solar module manufacturer.
The opening of the new manufacturing facility represents a significant milestone for South Carolina’s economy and the state’s growing solar sector.
According to the Carolinas Clean Energy Business Association, the solar industry’s economic impact in South Carolina is expected to increase nearly fourfold by 2035, with projections showing a rise in annual economic activity from $306.6 million in 2024 to almost $1.4 billion by 2035.
This surge is expected to support the creation of 3,315 permanent jobs, generating $260.9 million annually in labor income, the association said.
One of the keys to ES Foundry’s business model is the fact that because it is a U.S.-based manufacturer, its customers can unlock an additional 10% Investment Tax Credit.
Through this and other means, the company hopes to play a critical role in advancing the Solar Energy Industries Association’s goal of 100 GW of renewable energy manufacturing capacity, including 50 GW of solar production by 2030.
“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,” said Abigail Ross Hopper, the association’s president and CEO.
“Onshoring cell production is crucial for establishing a resilient solar supply chain,” said Elissa Pierce, a solar supply chain analyst for Wood Mackenzie, after ES Foundry’s first contract was announced.
“The U.S. now has over 40 GW of module manufacturing capacity, but the vast majority of these modules are made with cells imported from Southeast Asia and other regions. A stable supply of U.S.-made cells can mitigate the impact of tariff increases and other potential supply chain disruptions on the market,” Pierce said.
Dan can be reached at [email protected] and @DanMcCue
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