There is much more to the solar module supply chain that wafers and cells. To this point, Qcells is planning the boldest U.S. solar module supply chain plan among the global polysilicon-based solar module and cell manufacturers — and they just keep building it out.
Qcells’ solar supplier, Hanwha Advanced Materials Georgia (known as HAGA) will build a new advanced materials manufacturing facility in Bartow County, Georgia to supply Qcells with Encapsulant film — these are used to encapsulate solar cells and ensure long-term panel durability. HAGA will be the only company in the United States manufacturing solar EVA.
“The products we make are an important piece of the clean energy supply chain puzzle, and we are excited to meet this need,” said Inhwan Kim, CEO of Hanwha Advanced Materials. “Building our cutting-edge, advanced materials in Georgia will not only create new careers in solar but help bring more affordable, reliable clean energy to customers across the country.
This a $147 million investment. HAGA will hire more than 160 full time jobs such as engineers, line operators before starting production in June 2024.
“Qcells is doubling down on building a complete, domestic solar supply chain and this recent investment is critical to making that happen,” said Justin Lee, CEO of Qcells. “Working with Hanwha Advanced Materials, our customers will soon be able to confidently know that the solar they buy from us was made right here in America.”
This announcement comes only two months after Qcells revealed its plans to invest an historic $2.5 billion into building ingot, wafers, and cells as well as expand is solar panel manufacturing in Georgia. Qcells also recently announced plans to buy polysilicon from REC Silicon, which is using clean energy to power its facility in Moses Lake, Washington. Soon, Qcells products, from polysilicon to panel, will be sustainably made in America.
This investment comes after years of partnership with leaders in Georgia and following the passage of the Solar Energy Manufacturing for America Act (SEMA) within the Inflation Reduction Act. The demand for American-made solar panels is increasing rapidly driven by the efforts to ensure energy independence, lower energy costs, and create new careers in energy. Qcells’ domestic manufacturing expansion will fulfill the growing need for these clean energy solutions and strengthen Georgia’s position as a global leader in solar.
— Solar Builder magazine
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.