In the latest episode of As the Solar Industry Turns, SunPower is acquiring 100 percent of SolarWorld Americas. You may recall SolarWorld Americas being one of the companies that hit a rough patch and filed a 201 trade petition that launched the #TrumpTariffs now in place. SunPower plans to inject fresh capital into the SolarWorld Americas facility and implement high-efficiency P-Series solar panel manufacturing technology.
“The time is right for SunPower to invest in U.S. manufacturing, and SolarWorld Americas provides a great platform for us to implement our advanced P-Series solar panel manufacturing technology right here in our home market,” said Tom Werner, SunPower CEO and chairman of the board. “P-Series technology was invented and perfected in Silicon Valley, and will now be built in SolarWorld Americas’ factory, helping to reshape solar manufacturing in America.”
SunPower plans to ramp SolarWorld Americas operations to capitalize on strong U.S. market demand. The company will invest in factory improvements and increased working capital, while retrofitting a portion of the facility to produce P-Series solar panels, in addition to continuing to produce and ship SolarWorld Americas’ legacy products. Like SolarWorld Americas, SunPower has spent decades perfecting its technology and manufacturing processes, and this announcement marks the company’s return to U.S. manufacturing. The agreement is subject to necessary U.S. and German regulatory approvals and other closing conditions. At closing, which is expected in the next several months, SunPower will become the largest U.S. solar panel manufacturer.
“This is a smart move for SunPower,” said Vikram Aggarwal, CEO and founder of EnergySage. “As our latest report shows, SunPower has typically been the most expensive panel brand offered to consumers, while SolarWorld has been among the lowest priced. This acquisition gives SunPower the ability to better serve both quality-driven and price-conscious consumer segments, particularly those looking for American-made products. It should also help the company minimize the impact of Trump’s solar tariff.”
“SunPower is the solar industry technology leader,” said Jürgen Stein, CEO of SolarWorld Americas. “We are delighted that SunPower has agreed to inject fresh capital and their industry leading P-Series technology into SolarWorld Americas operations here in Hillsboro. Our hundreds of long-time employees are excited to be part of this next chapter in SolarWorld Americas’ long history. We are thrilled about this acquisition as it means quite simply, that our company can look forward to redoubled strength as it continues to innovate and expand into the future. This outcome is ideal for SolarWorld Americas and its employees.”
— Solar Builder magazine
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