A new supply chain for 100% American-made silicon solar panels has been announced, marking a significant step in strengthening the domestic solar industry. The deal includes partnerships among Corning, Suniva, and Heliene to produce solar panels entirely within the U.S.
Corning will manufacture silicon wafers in Michigan, sourcing polysilicon from Hemlock Semiconductor, in which Corning is the majority owner. These wafers will then be sent to Suniva’s facility in Georgia to be transformed into solar cells. Finally, the cells will be shipped to Heliene’s assembly site in Minnesota, where they will be turned into finished solar panels.
“This partnership brings a truly Made-in-America solution to the U.S. market,” said Matt Card, President of Suniva. “Together, our companies are offering a solar cell that provides U.S. developers with a significant advantage in the investment tax credit (ITC), while building a robust domestic supply chain.”
Suniva claims the new solar panels will feature up to 66% domestic content, meeting the requirements for ITC bonus credits.
“This collaboration represents a major milestone for the U.S. solar industry,” said Martin Pochtaruk, CEO of Heliene. “We are combining our strengths to deliver high-performance solar modules while supporting the U.S. economy and creating American jobs.”
Although no specific timeline has been provided, Corning’s wafer manufacturing facility is still under construction. Meanwhile, Qcells, which sources its polysilicon from OCI in South Korea, is advancing its own wafer factory in Georgia, with plans to open it later this year.
“Corning is excited to use our advanced manufacturing expertise to deliver high-quality solar components and enhance the U.S. energy supply chain,” said AB Ghosh, Corning VP and General Manager of Solar Technologies, and Chairman and CEO of Hemlock Semiconductor.
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