March 13, 2023
Solar developer, proprietor, and operator Invenergy simply made a giant funding within the home solar PV market — greater than $600 million (by means of Illuminate USA) for a 5 GW facility that may producer LONGi solar modules, the world’s prime producer of PV by quantity. Construction is slated to start in April of this yr.
“As an American company and a leading developer and operator of solar projects in the U.S., we recognize the importance of having a strong domestic supply chain to meet the fast-growing demand for affordable solar power,” mentioned Art Fletcher, EVP, Global Sourcing at Invenergy. “Invenergy is proud of the role Illuminate USA will play in bringing the highest-quality, domestically produced solar products to market, enhancing our nation’s manufacturing capabilities with a long-term investment that will create at least 850 good-paying jobs for Ohioans.”
Invenergy is the anchor buyer of the Illuminate USA three way partnership and it’ll work with manufacturing accomplice LONGi to panels. The funding will embody a $220 million dedication to accumulate and construct out a 1.1 million-square-foot constructing in Pataskala, Ohio — a state that’s already home to a majority of First Solar’s PV manufacturing amenities in addition to fellow thin-film module producer Toledo Solar.
That 5 GW capability represents nearly 50% of complete U.S. utility-scale solar installations from 2022. Once operational, the Illuminate USA LONGi facility will home not less than 850 workers. Operations are anticipated to start by the tip of 2023 and Illuminate USA will start hiring this spring.
“Transforming over one million square feet into a state-of-the-art facility capable of producing high-quality U.S. solar products is a job that requires skilled construction professionals,” mentioned Dorsey Hager, Executive Secretary-Treasurer, Columbus/Central Ohio Building & Construction Trades Council. “We’re proud that the construction of the Illuminate USA facility will support 150 union jobs, as our affiliates and their members continue to set the standard for construction excellence in Ohio.”
Located roughly 20 miles east of Columbus, the Pataskala manufacturing facility is being developed from an current industrial constructing, requiring no farmland improvement. Illuminate USA’s facility represents the corporate’s long-term dedication to the Greater Columbus and Pataskala group. Illuminate USA is partnering with JobsOhio and One Columbus to develop coaching and expertise improvement packages and to assist recruiting efforts.
“Illuminate USA’s investment is a critical step to establishing a more complete solar power supply chain in the United States as market demand for clean energy grows,” mentioned J.P. Nauseef, JobsOhio president and CEO. “These new operations at a more than one million-square-foot facility will amplify Ohio’s role to boost domestic production of solar panels, creating at least 850 new jobs in Pataskala.”
JobsOhio plans to offer help for the undertaking, which might be made public after a closing settlement is executed. The firm intends to deepen its assist of the Region by means of partnerships with native colleges and universities, in addition to sponsorships of area people occasions like The Hartford Fair. Illuminate USA additionally intends to advance analysis and improvement efforts on the facility.
Invenergy has an current robust observe file in Ohio and around the globe. The firm has a portfolio of 775 MW of solar power within the state and has developed greater than 6,000 MW of solar tasks around the globe.
“We are thrilled that Invenergy and Illuminate USA chose Pataskala, Ohio for this major investment,” mentioned Mike Compton, mayor of Pataskala. “The company’s presence will increase the renewable energy landscape in the Region, ultimately adding to our already diverse business ecosystem. This investment is beneficial for the company, the Region, and the community, and we foresee a long-standing partnership between all involved.”
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Tags: home, Invenergy, LONGi Solar
