Governor Brian Kemp announced that solar panel manufacturer Qcells would invest $2.5 billion to build two new factories in Georgia, a significant expansion after the company opened the largest solar panel factory in the western hemisphere in Dalton in 2019.
“I am honored to announce the growth of Qcells in Georgia for a second time in less than a year,” Kemp said in a press release. “With a focus on innovation and technology, Georgia continues to set itself apart as the number one state for business. Combined with our robust logistics infrastructure, top-ranked workforce training program, and collaborative approach, Georgia provides a business-friendly environment that means jobs for hardworking Georgians in every corner of the state and success for both existing and new companies. We’re excited for Qcells’ continued success in the Peach State.”
Kemp made the announcement while highlighting his second-term policy goals at the Georgia Chamber of Commerce’s Eggs and Issues, according to social media from the chamber.
The Qcells expansion is part of the company’s plan to reduce supply chain challenges in the industry.
“Today’s announcement positions Qcells as the only company in the U.S. to establish such a fully-integrated, silicon-based solar supply chain from raw material to finished panel,” Kemp’s release states.
On top of the company’s current 700 employees, Qcells’ investment is expected to create 2,500 jobs and bring the company’s solar panel production in 2024 to 8.4 gigawatts.
“With this investment, we’re proud to strengthen our U.S. manufacturing capabilities and create good-paying jobs,” said Qcells CEO Justin Lee. “We are seeking to further expand our low-carbon solar investments as we lead the industry towards fully American-made clean energy solutions. Today’s news is further evidence of our growing partnership with Georgia, the workforce there, and an even brighter future together.”
U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff (D-GA) also highlighted the announcement, tweeting, “BREAKING: 2,500 new solar jobs and $2.5 billion in private investment are coming to Georgia thanks to my solar manufacturing law.”
☀️ BREAKING: 2,500 new solar jobs and $2.5 billion in private investment are coming to Georgia thanks to my solar manufacturing law.
— Jon Ossoff (@ossoff) January 11, 2023
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Eric Burk is a reporter at The Georgia Star News and The Star News Network. Email tips to [email protected].
Photo “Qcells Factory” by Q CELLS. CC BY-SA 4.0.
