Suniva has announced plans to establish a new 4.5GW solar cell manufacturing facility in Laurens, South Carolina, marking a significant expansion of its domestic production capacity. The project is expected to be operational in the second quarter of 2027 and will position the company as the largest merchant solar cell manufacturer in the United States.
The new facility, spanning approximately 620,000 square feet, will complement Suniva’s existing operations at its headquarters in metro Atlanta. Once completed, the combined capacity is projected to exceed 5.5GW annually, strengthening the company’s role in supporting the growing demand for renewable energy across the country.
The expansion comes at a time when energy security and domestic manufacturing are gaining increased attention in the U.S. energy landscape. Industry stakeholders are placing greater emphasis on reducing dependence on global supply chains while accelerating the transition to renewable energy sources.
Tony Etnyre, CEO of Suniva, said the investment reflects the company’s long-standing commitment to advancing U.S.-based solar manufacturing. He noted that solar energy remains one of the fastest and most cost-effective ways to expand the nation’s energy supply, adding that the new facility will contribute to strengthening domestic energy resilience.
Founded in 2007 from research at the Georgia Institute of Technology, Suniva has positioned itself as a fully American-owned and operated solar cell manufacturer. Unlike many competitors that rely on international supply chains or overseas parent companies, Suniva’s operations—including leadership, workforce, and production—are based in the United States. The company emphasizes that this approach reduces exposure to geopolitical risks and supply chain disruptions.
Matt Card, President and COO of Suniva, highlighted the broader strategic importance of domestic energy production. He stated that the expansion would add over 5.5GW of U.S.-made solar cell capacity to the national grid, supporting long-term energy independence and infrastructure development.
The Laurens facility represents an investment of more than $350 million and is expected to create over 550 jobs in advanced manufacturing and clean energy. These roles are anticipated to contribute to local economic development while supporting workforce growth in one of the fastest-expanding sectors of the U.S. economy.
South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster welcomed the investment, noting that it aligns with the state’s focus on attracting high-value manufacturing and energy projects. He said the addition of new jobs and infrastructure would strengthen the state’s position in the clean energy sector.
The project reflects a broader trend of reshoring manufacturing capabilities in critical industries, including renewable energy. As demand for solar power continues to rise, investments in domestic production are expected to play a key role in meeting future energy needs while supporting economic growth.
