Suniva Expands U.S. Solar Production with 4.5GW South Carolina Facility
U.S.-based solar manufacturer Suniva has announced plans to build a new solar cell manufacturing facility in South Carolina, marking a significant expansion of domestic clean energy production.
The company confirmed it will invest approximately $350 million in the development of a 4.5-gigawatt (GW) solar cell plant in Laurens County, with operations expected to begin in 2027. The facility will increase Suniva’s total U.S. manufacturing capacity to more than 5.5 GW annually, positioning the company among the largest domestic producers of solar cells.
The planned site, spanning roughly 620,000 square feet, is expected to create more than 550 jobs, contributing to regional economic development while supporting broader efforts to strengthen the U.S. clean energy supply chain.
Solar cells—key components that convert sunlight into electricity—are a critical part of solar panel manufacturing. Industry data indicates that while the United States has significantly expanded solar module production capacity, domestic solar cell manufacturing has lagged, leading to continued reliance on imports.
Suniva’s expansion comes amid growing demand for American-made solar components, driven in part by policy incentives and restrictions tied to federal clean energy programs. These measures have encouraged companies to localize production and reduce dependence on overseas supply chains.
Founded in 2007 and headquartered in Georgia, Suniva is one of the longest-standing U.S. manufacturers of monocrystalline silicon solar cells. The company resumed domestic production in recent years after a period of industry contraction caused by lower-cost imports.
According to the company, the new South Carolina facility is intended to support energy security and help meet increasing electricity demand. The expansion aligns with broader industry trends, as multiple firms invest in domestic solar manufacturing to close the gap between U.S. demand and supply.
Construction timelines and additional operational details are expected to be finalized ahead of the projected 2027 launch.
Source: suniva.com
