Hanwha Q Cells, a subsidiary of Hanwha Solutions and part of the Hanwha Group, announced on Wednesday that it plans to invest approximately $2.57 billion to develop a solar panel parts plant in Georgia by the end of 2024 and to expand its existing facility in Dalton, Georgia.
Hanwha states that the new facility would be an integral part of a “solar hub” that will be established in Georgia.
The statement by the solar business of the conglomerate Hanwha Corp is one of the largest corporate manufacturing commitments since the passage of President Joe Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), which includes more than $300 billion in subsidies to combat climate change.
Some of these incentives aim to boost domestic production of solar cells and solar panels, which are already produced in China to a much greater extent than anywhere else in the world.
However, several businesses in the United States are concerned that it will take more work to acquire sufficient staff to support their expansion ambitions. As a result, many businesses are increasing the pay and perks they provide and providing free training programmes.
The ingots, wafers, and cells made of silicon will be among the products manufactured at the new plant dedicated to producing solar panel modules. Currently, the vast majority of components utilised in the manufacturing process of solar panels in the United States are produced in Asian countries.
Qcells has stated that it will boost the solar panel assembly operations that it is already doing in Dalton, Georgia, by 2 gigawatts per year, bringing the total capacity of those operations up to 5.1 gigawatts per year as soon as this year.
The White House publicised the announcement as evidence that the IRA statute was successful in its intended purpose.
US President Biden stated that Hanwha’s Q CELLS initiative would generate thousands of well-paying jobs in Georgia, many of which will not require a four-year degree.
It will reinstate US supply networks so that it is not reliant on other nations, a reduction in the price of clean energy, and assist in combating climate catastrophe. In addition, it will ensure that cutting-edge solar technology is manufactured domestically. It’s a victory for employees, customers, and the environment, he said.
The White House Press Secretary, Karine Jean-Pierre, referred to the investment plan as “more proof” that President Biden’s economic agenda benefits American workers.
She stated at the White House press briefing that this investment would create 2,500 jobs in Georgia and is the largest solar manufacturing investment in the United States.
