Suniva to Open 4.5-GW Solar Cell Factory in South Carolina

Suniva says it will open a new solar cell manufacturing facility in Laurens County, South Carolina, in a $350 million expansion project.

The company announced on April 14 that the plant will have 4.5 gigawatts of annual solar cell capacity and is projected to begin operations in the second quarter of 2027. Suniva said the project will create 564 jobs.

The South Carolina facility would add to the company’s U.S. manufacturing footprint. Suniva said that, together with its Georgia operation, the new plant would bring its total annual U.S. solar cell capacity to more than 5.5 gigawatts.

State officials also confirmed the selection of Laurens County for the project. Reuters later reported the planned investment and said production is expected to begin in early 2027.

The announcement adds to a broader push to expand U.S. solar manufacturing as companies race to build more domestic supply capacity.