News Summary
ES Foundry, based in Greenwood, SC, has received the 2025 CiCi Award for its significant contributions to the local community and its role in the U.S. solar manufacturing revival. The company focuses on producing high-quality crystalline solar cells and is projected to create 500 jobs by 2025. The award highlights the company’s dedication to local employment and economic growth within the renewable energy sector.
Greenwood, SC – ES Foundry, an American-based company in South Carolina, has been awarded the prestigious 2025 CiCi Award by Trade & Industry Development magazine. This award acknowledges the company’s substantial contributions to the Greenwood community while also playing a critical role in revitalizing the U.S. solar manufacturing industry.
The CiCi Award is presented to projects across the United States that exemplify exceptional economic development, community engagement, and long-term regional influence. ES Foundry was recognized for its strategic importance in addressing the increasing demand for domestically-produced solar cells, marking it as one of the few American manufacturers creating crystalline solar cells.
Located in Greenwood, ES Foundry operates a significant 400,000-square-foot manufacturing facility aimed at producing high-quality crystalline bifacial passivated emitter and rear contact (PERC) solar cells. This facility is projected to employ approximately 500 people by June 2025 and is crucial in meeting the Solar Energy Industries Association’s (SEIA) ambitious goal of achieving 100GW of renewable energy manufacturing capacity by 2030, which includes 50GW of solar production.
The company is actively hiring within the Greenwood region, focusing on building a skilled workforce from the local community. This initiative aligns with ES Foundry’s commitment to enhancing the economic landscape of Greenwood through the creation of high-quality jobs.
The formal presentation of the CiCi Award will take place during the Greenwood County Council Meeting on June 17, 2025. Lionel Moss, the General Manager of Operations, has reiterated the significance of this recognition and the support received from Greenwood County and local partners.
ES Foundry aims to establish itself as the largest producer of high-quality crystalline silicon photovoltaic (PV) solar cells in the United States. With a projected shipment capacity of 3GW by the third quarter of 2025, the facility’s operations are expected to significantly boost the local economy.
The company’s manufacturing process incorporates a meticulous multi-step operation ensuring adherence to high standards and reliability in solar cell production. ES Foundry sources chemicals and gases needed for production domestically, although it imports silicon wafers from Southeast Asia.
In addition to facilitating job creation in the local area, the solar industry’s economic impact in South Carolina is predicted to see a near fourfold increase by 2035. This growth is projected to significantly bolster local job opportunities and stimulate economic activity throughout the region.
The inauguration of the ES Foundry facility was marked by a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by various industry leaders and local officials, symbolizing a crucial milestone for South Carolina’s burgeoning solar sector and clean energy production capabilities. Moreover, the facility’s cleanroom operations and rapid employment scaling illustrate its dedication to excellence within the U.S. solar manufacturing landscape.
Overall, ES Foundry’s innovative endeavors not only highlight its commitment to sustainable energy solutions but also underscore its pivotal role in maximizing financial incentives for its partners and contributing to the sustainable energy future of America.
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Additional Resources
- PR Newswire: ES Foundry Honored with 2025 CiCi Award
- Power Technology: ES Foundry Opens New Solar Facility
- Solar Builder: ES Foundry Opens First Pure-Play Solar Cell Plant in U.S.
- Solar Power World: America’s Largest Silicon Solar Cell Manufacturer Opens Its Doors
- CleanTechnica: Red-Blue States in Cahoots on U.S. Solar Industry
- Wikipedia: Solar Energy
- Google Search: U.S. Solar Manufacturing
- Google Scholar: Solar Cell Manufacturing
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Solar Energy
- Google News: ES Foundry
Author: HERE Greenwood
The GREENWOOD STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREGreenwood.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Greenwood, Greenwood County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Festival of Flowers, Greenwood Community Theatre performances, and agricultural showcases at the Greenwood County Fairgrounds. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greenwood Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Greenwood United Ministry, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare that power the local economy such as FujiFilm Manufacturing and Self Regional Healthcare. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharleston.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGreenville.com, and HEREHiltonHead.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
