July 14, 2025

America’s Largest Solar Cell Manufacturing Facility Opens

News Summary

ES Foundry has officially opened the largest solar cell manufacturing facility in the U.S. in Greenwood, South Carolina. This comes as a strategic response to supply chain challenges, with the facility already in production. Set to create thousands of jobs and significantly impact the local economy, the facility emphasizes high-efficiency solar technology aimed at bolstering domestic production.

Greenwood, South Carolina – Major Milestone in Solar Manufacturing

On January 31, 2025, ES Foundry celebrated the grand opening of America’s largest solar cell manufacturing facility in Greenwood, South Carolina. Spanning over 400,000 square feet, this facility is designed to produce high-quality crystalline silicon photovoltaic (PV) solar cells, marking a significant advancement in the U.S. solar manufacturing landscape.

The state-of-the-art facility previously operated as a Fujifilm plant and is expected to employ approximately 500 area residents by June 2025. In a strategic move to address supply chain challenges within the solar industry, ES Foundry is already in production, having begun manufacturing before the official opening. By the third quarter of 2025, the plant aims to reach a shipment capacity of 3 gigawatts (GW), demonstrating its potential to contribute significantly to the growing solar market.

Commitment to Innovation and Efficiency

ES Foundry has entered the market with an ambitious plan, recently announcing its first multi-gigawatt, multi-year contract with a leading solar module manufacturer shortly before the facility’s inauguration. The innovative bifacial PERC (Passivated Emitter and Rear Contact) solar cells produced at the facility boast an efficiency rate between 22.8% and 23.6%, underscoring ES Foundry’s commitment to ensuring the reliability and efficiency of domestically produced solar cells.

The establishment of this facility is crucial as domestic production allows partners to unlock an additional 10% Investment Tax Credit (ITC) for domestic content, making solar installations more financially viable and appealing for businesses and consumers alike.

Local Economic Impact

ES Foundry has already hired 125 employees, with many of them being former workers from Ascend Performance Materials, which recently closed its facility in Greenwood County. The opening of the solar cell manufacturing plant is anticipated to significantly contribute to local job creation, with projections indicating that the solar industry in South Carolina could create 3,315 permanent jobs and 5,557 temporary construction jobs annually by 2035.

The cumulative economic impact of the solar industry in South Carolina is projected to reach around $19 billion between 2024 and 2035. Economic activity from the solar sector is expected to increase from approximately $306.6 million in 2024 to nearly $1.4 billion by 2035, highlighting the vital role that renewable energy is set to play in the region’s economic revival.

Environmental Standards and Local Recognition

Designed to meet strict environmental standards, the facility will not only provide high-quality solar products but will also focus on sustainable practices. The opening of ES Foundry has garnered praise from industry leaders and local officials, who recognize the importance of investing in innovative technologies that promote sustainability and economic growth in the region.

With the capacity to surpass Suniva’s output from its facility in Georgia, ES Foundry is poised to become the largest producer of solar cells in the United States. This monumental development underscores a national trend toward bolstering domestic solar production, which is critical for supporting the growing demand for renewable energy solutions.

In summary, the grand opening of ES Foundry’s solar cell manufacturing facility represents a significant shift in the solar manufacturing landscape in the U.S., bringing both economic opportunity and advancements in sustainable technology to Greenwood, South Carolina.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

ES Foundry Receives Prestigious CiCi Award
South Carolina Strengthens Economic Ties with Canada
South Carolina and Canada Strengthen Economic Ties with Trade Agreement
Greenwood Opens New Solar Manufacturing Facility
Columbia Strengthens Trade Relations with Canada
South Carolina and Canada Forge $5 Billion Trade Partnership
Greenwood County Sees Economic Growth with Job Opportunities
Manufacturers in South Carolina Adapt to Tariff Changes
ES Foundry Opens Solar Cell Manufacturing Facility in Greenwood

Additional Resources

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.

HERE Greenwood

ADD MORE INFORMATION OR CONTRIBUTE TO OUR ARTICLE CLICK HERE!

Stay Connected

More Updates

Would You Like To Add Your Business?

Submit