Maxeon Solar Energy (Maxeon) has selected a 160-acre plot in Albuquerque, New Mexico as the location for its new 3 GW manufacturing facility, which will produce the company’s TOPCon PV-silicon cell technology and shingled-cell Performance Line solar module for both Utility Scale Power Plant and Generation rooftop applications.
The new plant, which represents a total investment of over $1 billion, will have a planned capacity that is approximately double the size of the largest silicon solar manufacturing facility currently operating in the United States. The facility will include solar cell fabrication, panel assembly, a warehouse, and administrative offices, and Maxeon estimates the site will create 1,800 jobs for local residents.
"Albuquerque is at the forefront of the movement to bring manufacturing back home because of our unique location, affordability, and skilled workforce," said Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller. "Bringing good paying jobs in clean energy will help foster new opportunities for families in New Mexico and create a more sustainable future for America."
Construction is set for the beginning of 2024, and operations are expected to begin in 2025. Maxeon predicts it will produce millions of solar panels at its facility each year for the United States, and due to strong customer demand, the company is already considering expanding its scale to a 4.5 GW capacity.
The facility is also subject to a successful financial close under the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Title 17 Clean Energy Financing Program.
"The Inflation Reduction Act has catalyzed a new chapter in America's energy transition. Our new solar cell and panel facility in New Mexico is an ambitious and concrete response to the need to decarbonize the U.S. economy while creating permanent highly skilled local manufacturing and engineering jobs," said Bill Mulligan, Maxeon CEO. "We expect the new plant will also serve as an anchor to attract further regional investment in the solar supply chain.”
