Thanks to the passing of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) last year, the solar business in the United States has a promising future, with average annual growth expected to be 21 percent from 2023 to 2027, according to the Solar Energy Industries Association. Companies that produce solar panel parts are entitled to IRA tax credits.
When South Korean solar panel maker Qcells opens a location in the American South, the solar industry will not only continue to expand but also require less importation of its solar panels. According to The Associated Press, Qcells, a division of Hanwha Solutions, aims to invest $2.5 billion in the construction of plants in Georgia. Additionally, 2,500 new workers will be hired to produce solar components, which are typically made outside of the United States.
Within a few weeks, Qcells will start building a new facility in Cartersville, Georgia, that will employ 2,000 people and start producing by the end of the year.
The business intends to add 500 new positions to its Dalton facility, which is the largest manufacturer of solar panels in the Western Hemisphere.
According to The New York Times, Q cells CEO Justin Lee said, “As demand for clean energy continues to expand nationally, we’re ready to put thousands of people to work building wholly American-made and sustainable solar solutions, from raw material to finished panels.”
President Joe Biden stated in a statement that Qcells’ announcement meant less expensive solar panels, good jobs, and decreased carbon emissions.
“Hanwha’s investment in Q CELLS will lead to the creation of thousands of well-paying jobs in Georgia, many of which won’t call for a four-year degree. It will restore our supply chains, reduce our reliance on foreign nations, bring down the price of clean energy, and assist in the fight against global warming. Additionally, it will guarantee that we produce innovative solar technologies here at home, according to a White House news statement.
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The Cartersville plant will put together solar panels and cells in addition to other parts.
According to Brian Deese, director of President Biden’s National Economic Council, supply chain integration will assist open up supply networks abroad and prevent China from controlling the supply of solar panel components.
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After the company expands, Qcells will be able to create 10,000 solar panels with a combined capacity of 8.4 gigawatts, 3.3 gigawatts in Cartersville, and 5.1 gigawatts in Dalton.
According to John Podesta, Senior Advisor to President Joe Biden for clean energy innovation and implementation, “by 2027, the Qcells growth is estimated to supply nearly 30% of the overall U.S. demand for solar panels,” as The Associated Press reported. This agreement, in my opinion, is President Biden’s vision coming to life.
According to Ali Zaidi, the Biden administration’s national climate adviser, solar panel manufacturing in U.S. manufacturers is expected to more than quadruple to 33.5 gigawatts by the next year, which will be sufficient to allow roughly 5 million homes to switch to clean solar energy each year.
