Qcells to construct $2.5bn solar power manufacturing facility in Georgia, US

South Korean photovoltaic cells maker Qcells is investing $2.5 billion to construct a solar power manufacturing plant in Bartow County, Georgia, US, to quadruple the company’s solar module production capacity.

Qcells expects to scale its solar module production capacity in the US from 1.7GW in 2022 to 8.4GW by 2024.

The solar power manufacturing project is anticipated to reduce America’s reliance on foreign photovoltaic cells manufacturers and provide employment to 2,500 people in Georgia.

Qcells has contracted Gray Construction, a builder in the manufacturing industry, and Stantec, an engineering consulting services company, for construction, architecture, mechanical/electrical/plumbing engineering, structural/civil engineering, as well as environmental, water, and wastewater services.

Brian Jones — Gray Construction president and CEO said: “Having worked with Qcells, Gray is honored to continue our relationship on such a monumental investment.

“These projects will tremendously impact the people of Georgia, the American economy, and the solar industry.”

The new production facility will consist of the entire solar panel manufacturing process, including ingot production, wafer processing, cell processing, and module production.

Leonard Castro — Stantec global Buildings practice executive vice president said: “With a shared commitment to quality and innovation, we are proud to be part of establishing a reliable solar supply chain to the United States.

“Together with our partners at Gray, we are inspired by the opportunity to help Qcells create energy solutions that will support a more sustainable future.”

Qcells is the subsidiary of Hanwha Solutions, a Seoul-headquartered energy services, petrochemical, and real estate development company.

The solar cells manufacturer has a global business network spanning Europe, North America, Asia, Africa, South America, and the Middle East.