South Korean parent company Hanwha Q Cells plans to build another Qcells solar photovoltaic modules plant in Dalton, Georgia.
The new, $171 million facility will produce 1.4 GW of solar modules per year with Qcells' TOPCon solar modules equipped with tunnel oxide passivated contact technology. The facility is near the firm’s existing 1.7 GW factory in Dalton.
With the expansion, Qcell’s capacity will increase to 3.1 GW, which is equivalent to a third of the country’s solar module manufacturing capacity.
"Our additional investment in Dalton will help Qcells better serve the needs of U.S. customers with increased local manufacturing capacity," said Qcells CEO Justin Lee. "Georgia has become the clean energy manufacturing heart of America, and we are proud to contribute to the state's advanced manufacturing economy."
Additionally, the expansion is expected to create 470 new jobs in Whitefield County. The total number of employees will surpass 1,000 after the expansion.
The groundbreaking of the new plant is expected to take place this fall. Commercial operations should begin in the first half of 2023.
